THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS (COMPOST, ATLAS, AND

DRIED LEAVES) ON THE GROWTH OF EGGPLANT

________________________________

A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the

Senior High School Department

ST. NICHOLAS ACADEMY INC.

Luyo, Dimiao, Bohol

________________________________

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Practical Research 2

_______________________________

THERESE B. ERECRE

JOHN PAULH S. GAMAYON

GIAN CARLO A. GAMBA

KIM ROSEM F. MANIPOL

JEANY GRACE M. NAMUAG

JEBSON G. NAMUAG

RIGEL J. PAO

CHARITY JOY S. ROMA

NOVEMBER 2023
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Rationale

The growth of plants is influenced by a variety of factors. Some of these

factors include essentials like the different types of organic fertilizers, water and

sunlight. However, upon further research by Dr. T.C. Singh, head of the Botany

Department at India’s Annamalai University. In many developed countries such

as Malaysia, vegetable crop has been the most important main food resources

for living. Vegetable farming has becoming important to fulfil the requirement of

world’s population growth rate since it has become a vital food for nutrient

supply. Eggplant is one of the popular vegetables in Malaysia. (Samah et al.)

Eggplant is a vegetable crop where its growth rate and yield quality are

largely influenced by fertilizer application. The application of organic fertilizer has

high economic advantages when compared to inorganic fertilizer. The study of

(Khidzir 2022) aimed to determine the growth of eggplant and quantify its fruit

yield based on the fresh weight as affected by different organic fertilization. The

experiment was conducted in the Greenhouse 3, UiTM Malacca Branch, Campus

Jasin from March to July 2022 with 4 treatments and 4 replications by using the

Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).

Eggplants are a rich source of numerous nutrients, and their components

consist of energy, sugars, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein. All these

nutrient components are useful for body growth, the replacement of worn-out
elements, and the provision of protection to the human body. Eggplants contain a

wide range of phytochemicals with scavenging properties, minerals, antioxidants,

vitamins, and protein (Khidzir 2022). Eggplant has been used for centuries as a

traditional medicine. It is also rich in natural plant compounds known as

polyphenols, which may help diabetic cells handle sugar more efficiently.

Additionally, organic fertilizers are natural ingredients that are less harmful

to the environment than chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizer is usually

composed up of a single element, and the different forms of organic fertilizers

come from plant, animal, or mineral sources. Organic fertilizers may provide

nutrients to the soil; however, the type of fertilizers used may have a distinct

effect on the plant. For instance, a plant-based fertilizer can aid in increasing

drainage and moisture retention in poor soils. Furthermore, using an animal-

based fertilizers in the early weeks of planting will have a positive impact on leafy

plants and vigorous growth to plant.

We choose this topic for our research, because sometimes our elders are

confused on what is the best fertilizers to choose in planting Eggplant whether it

is Compost, Atlas, or Dried Leaves. We choose Eggplant because it is our

favorite vegetable and that Eggplant has vitamin A and C which help protect cells

against damage. The best fertilizer among Compost, Atlas, and Dried Leaves is

evaluated in this study.

Literature Background

Eggplant originated from India and is grown in the tropical regions. The

fruit is a good source of vitamin A and C, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. It

is one of the most important Asian vegetables used as cooked vegetable alone

or with other vegetables as a stuffing. The fruits of white varieties have medicinal

value for diabetics (HCDA et al, 2004).

Eggplant is a perennial herb grown as an annual. It has vigorous, deep

growing tap root and grows 40-150cm tall with large coarsely lobed leaves and

fruits are 5-15cm long and 5-10cm in diameter when mature. In Kenya,

production is done throughout the year and the bulk of the crop is exported.

Eggplant grows well from the coastal lowland to lower midland zones with

altitudes between 0-1600m above sea level, temperature range of 20-

300Candrainfall of 1000-1500 mm per annum.

It is well adapted to both wet and dry seasons but excessive rainfall will

check vegetative growth and flower formation as well as increasing incidences of

soil borne diseases. The soils should be well-drained, fertile with good moisture

retaining capacity and pH range 5.5-6.5 (HCDA et al, 2004). To propagate the

crop, seeds are sown in a well prepared raised nursery bed with friable soils in

rows 30cm apart and 10cm between seeds. Seedlings are ready for transplanting

3-6weeks after sowing when 8-10cm in height. Plants are spaced at 75-90cm

between the rows and 60cm within the row (HCDA et al, 2004). Prior to

transplanting a basal dose of compost or farmyard manure at a rate of 10-15

tons/ha is recommended sources(KARI, 1994). 10gm of DAP fertilizers should

be

THEORIES LEGAL BASIS

►Theories of Manure ►REPUBLIC ACT

and Fertilizer action NO. 10068, THE
ORGANIC
(A. D. HALL 1908) AGRICULTURE ACT
OF 2010
►A theory of Fertilizer
response ► Sec. 2- Declaration
of Policy.
(DJ et. al 2009)

INPUT

Experimental Research determine the following:

1.The use different fertilizer affect Plant Height, Number of Leaves,
Number of Eggplant fruits, Number of Branches, the Amount of Sunlight
and Amount of Water.

2. Effects of Fertilizers on the Eggplant’s bearing time

3. How will the use of different Fertilizers on the growth of the Eggplant?

PROCESS

►Observation

►Summary, Findings and Conclusion

►Recommendation
 Figure 1: Theoretical Background and Conceptual Framework

applied in each hole and mixed well with soil. Top dressing is done with CAN

at 20g/plant 3 weeks after transplanting when plants are 25cm high. There after

plants are top dressed every month for four months at a rate of 40gm/plant

(HCDA et al, 2004).

Harvesting begins 2½-3 months after sowing and can last up to 4 months.

The surface of the fruit should be bright and glossy. The fruits are ready to

harvest from the time it is one quarter grown to near ripe. Harvesting is done by

cutting the fruit from the stem and leaving a short piece of stalk on the fruit when

they are about two thirds maximum size. The expected average yield among

varieties grown in Kenyais20-25 tons/ha, however some varieties such as

‘Ravaya ’variety can yield up to 60 tons/has fresh fruit (HCDA et al, 2004).

Theories of Manure and Fertilizer action

It is to Liebig that we owe the first general theory of the nutrition of the plant

and the function of fertilizers: although Liebig himself did not add anything to the

knowledge of the process of carbon assimilation which had been acquired by

Priest- ley, Senebier and others, nor to the study of the nitrogen and ash

constituents which had been begun by de Saussure, he yet drew up from these

facts a coherent theory of the course of nutrition and put it before the world with

such vividness that it forth- with took its place in the general body of accepted

scientific opinion. Liebig argued that since the ash constituents alone are drawn
from the soil, it is only necessary, in order to ensure the complete nutrition of the

plant, that there shall be no deficiency in the inorganic materials which are left

behind when the plant is burnt. Ac- cording to Liebig the function of the fertilizer

is to supply to the soil the materials removed therefrom by the crop, and the

fertilizer required can be ascertained be- forehand by the analysis of a similar

crop, so that the soil can be supplied with the exact amounts of potash, soda,

magnesia, lime, phosphoric acid, etc., which would be removed by a normal yield

of that particular crop. Neglecting Liebig's misconception of the source of the

plant's nitro- gen and the long controversy which arose as to the necessity of its

artificial supply, we can restate the theory as assuming that A lecture given at the

Graduate School of Agriculture, Cornell University, July, 1908.

A theory of Fertilizer response

A model is derived that relates yield to levels of applied fertilizer in terms

of parameters that have direct physical meaning. N 8, P8, and K8 define the

contribution of the soil to the supply of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for

plant growth; BN, BP and BK define the responses to nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium fertilizer at low nutrient levels and aN is the level of nitrogen required to

raise the osmotic pressure sufficiently to prevent growth.

To test the model, field experiments were carried out on French beans

and summer cabbage in which 125 different combinations of levels of nitrogen,

phosphate and potassium fertilizers were applied. The yield data from each block

of each experiment fitted the model very well. Fitted values differed from block to

block but these differences could be attributed to the fact that for each block
equally good fits were often obtained with widely differ ring parameter values.

Estimates of N8 were made from chemical analysis of the (NH 4 + NO3) — N of

soil samples from the field plots, and P8, and K8 from chemical studies of the

adsorption of phosphate and potassium on untreated soil. They were in

substantial agreement with the average values obtained by the entirely different

procedure of fitting the model to the yield data. Also estimated values for B N,

BP and BK and aN from other chemical studies were consistent with those

obtained by model fitting.

Overall, knowing the best fertilizer

Legal Basis

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ORGANIC

AGRICULTURE ACT OF 2010

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the

Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1- of Republic Act No. 10068, otherwise known as "An Act 2

Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the

Philippines and for Other Purposes", is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of 6 the

State to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of

organic FARMING AND OTHER SUSTAINABLE agriculture PRACTICES in the

Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil,

increase farm productivity AND FARMERS' INCOMES, reduce pollution and

destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources,

further protect the health of farmers, consumers, and the general public, [af>d]

save on imported farm inputs AND PROMOTE FOOD SELF-SUFFICIENCY.

Towards this end, a comprehensive program for the promotion of community-

based organic agriculture systems, which include, among others, farmer-

produced 16 purely organic fertilizers such as compost, [ pesticides] B IO -

PESTICIDES and other farm inputs, together with a nationwide educational and

promotional campaign for their use and processing [,] SHALL BE

ESTABLISHED.

Related Studies

This contains related literature that the past researchers conducted inside

and outside the country wherein it supported the topic entitled "The Effects of

Different Fertilizers (Compost, Atlas, and Dried Leaves) on the growth of

Eggplant":

According to Jessie Marie Octubre et al. (2023) Music influences the growth

of plants and can either promote or restrict the growth of plants (depending on

the type of music being played). The present experiment is aimed to study the

effect of music on 3 Tagetes (Marigold Plant) taken in separate pots. The plants

were divided into three groups and each group was subjected to one of the

following; classical and rock music while one group was kept in silence as the

control group. The plant height, number of leaves, number of buds, and number

of flowers were recorded over a period of 15 weeks. Significant differences have

been noted. It was seen that the plants exposed to Classical music have the

highest height, most number of leaves, buds, and flowers. This clearly shows that

subjecting the plants to Classical music promotes the growth of plants as

compared to the control group or subjecting them to Rock Music.

According to John Kipruto Suge (2013) Eggplant is one of the important

Asian Vegetables grown in Kenya for local and export market; hence effort to

improve its productivity and quality should be emphasized. Declining soil fertility

due to continuous cultivation of small holder farms and escalating cost of

imported fertilizers and the need to conserve and build natural resource capital

and biodiversity, has renewed interest in the use of local nutrient resources for

soil fertility management in Kenya. The study was conducted at Bukura

Agricultural college farm during the short (SR) and long rain seasons (LR) of the

year 2009 and 2010 respectively. Eggplant seedlings were raised and

transplanting 42 days after sowing. During transplanting, DAP and compost was

applied while CAN applied three weeks later.

Also, Shuyan Li, Jijin Li and Bangxi Zhang (2017) states: the effect of

chicken manure after different disposal methods (water-logged composting,

GOF; anaerobic digestion, BR; thermophilic composting, ROF) on vegetable

growth and environmental risk was investigated under the tomato-celery-tomato

field. Results showed that organic fertilizers significantly increased vegetable

yield and quality, but with inappropriate application may cause serious

environmental risk such as nitrate pollution. Maximum vegetable yield of 80.9,

68.3, 112.7 t·ha−1 (first, second and third rotation crop, respectively) with best
vegetable quality was obtained in ROF treatment. The highest N use efficiency

with the least nitrate enrichment in soil was also found in ROF treatment.

Moreover, under this fertilization way, nitrate concentration in soil leachate

dropped to 6.4 mg·L−1, which satisfied the threshold (<10 mg·L−1) for drinking

water set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Thus, ROF was

suggested to be the optimal fertilizer with the best yield, quality and the least

environmental risk under the “tomato-celery” rotation system.

Additionally, Mona et al. (2006) Stated that: two field experiments were

carried out at Khaa, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt during the two successive

seasons of 2009 and 2010 to study the effect of the interaction between 4-levels

of sulfur (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg S/fed.) and three sources of organic and

mineral fertilizers (town refuse, compost and mineral fertilizer) application on

growth, yield and fruits quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena var. esculenta

L). Results show that the vegetative growth parameters (plant height, number of

leaves and branches, fresh and dry weight of leaves and/or branches) and fruit

yield of eggplant were gradually and significantly increased by increasing the

level of S-application from 0 up to 200 kg S/fed. Results clear that, fruit quality

and nutritive value were improved by increasing the level of sulphur application.

All the vegetative growth parameters, early and total fruit yield as well as fruit

quality were significantly improved by using mineral fertilizer followed by

compost, but the lowest value of all studied parameters were recorded with using

town refuse as N-source.

 Jiban Shrestha, Kabita Kumari Shah and Krishna Prasad Timsina (2020)

Rice is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. Fertilizer is the major

input in rice production. This article reviews on general overview of the effects of

different fertilizers on the growth, development and production of rice. Growth

and yield traits of rice are affected by nutrients deficiency. Soil testing and use of

crop nutrient uptake and removal information are important in determining the

actual rates of nutrients. Practice of adequate rate and timing of fertilizer

application can increase rice yield. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium

(K) are applied as fertilizers in large quantities to rice fields, and a deficiency of

either of the nutrient leads to yield losses. The use of micronutrients such as zinc

and Sulphur is one of the important inputs that can increase productivity.

Application of NPK fertilizer improves rice plant NPK uptake and also increases

the grain yield. The integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers enhances the

growth parameters and yields of rice.

Esawy Mahmoud et al. (2009)The application of organic wastes combined

with or without mineral fertilizer to soil is considered as a good management

practices in any agricultural production system because it improves, plant quality

and soil fertility. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of

three compost types (plant residues, animal residues and mixed) when mixed

with mineral nitrogen fertilizers, on cucumber (Cucumis Sativa) plants and soil

properties. A field experiment was carried out at El-Nataf farm, Sakha,

Agricultural Research Station, Kafr El- Sheikh Governorate, Egypt during the two

successive summer seasons of 2007 and 2008. The results showed that the
mature compost of plant residues was higher in saturation percent and lower in

C/N ratio, pH, electrical conductivity and bulk density than the animal and mixed

composts. The study demonstrated that the average cumulative cucumber yield

was higher with 75% mineral N + 25% organic N treatments compared to other

treatments.

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the Effects on Different Fertilizers (Compost,

Atlas, and Dried Leaves) on the growth of Eggplant.

Specifically, this seeks to answer the following:

1. How will the use of different Fertilizers affect the following:

1.1 Compost

a. Plant Height

b. Number of Leaves

c. Number of Eggplant fruits

d. Number of Branches

e. Amount of Sunlight
 f. Amount of Water

1.2 Atlas

a. Plant Height

b. Number of Leaves

c. Number of Eggplant fruits

d. Number of Branches

e. Amount of Sunlight

f. Amount of Water

1.3 Dried Leaves

a. Plant Height

b. Number of Leaves

c. Number of Eggplant fruits

d. Number of Branches

e. Amount of Sunlight

f. Amount of Water

2. Effects of Fertilizers on the Eggplant’s bearing time

2.1 Compost
 2.2 Atlas

2.3 Dried Leaves

3. How will the use of different Fertilizers on the growth of the Eggplant?

Hypothesis

There is no significant relationship between Compost, Atlas and Dried

Leaves to the growth of Eggplant.

Scope and Limitation

Significance of the Study

The possible outcome of this study will be significant in addressing the

question, “Do Fertilizer have effect on a plant’s growth?”

School Admin. The findings of the study can help in identifying the best fertilizer

to use while planting an eggplant instead of using chemical fertilizers and

pesticides that cost a lot of money. Additionally, it enables them to create a

beautiful and eco-friendly environment within the school.

Teachers. The findings of this study can help them know the best fertilizer for the

eggplant. By knowing if fertilizer do really have an effect on the eggplant growth,

the teachers can teach this to their students so that they can apply this study at

home.

Parents. The findings of this study can help them in knowing the importance of

the fertilizer in planting eggplants. Understanding the benefits of various

fertilizers ensures that parents choose the right fertilizer for their plants, cost-

effectively, and efficiently.

Students. The findings of this study can help the students on learning what is

best fertilizer on growing an eggplant. Additionally, the eggplant fruit can also be

made into a dish by the students.

Farmers. This finding of the study can help the farmers on identifying the best

fertilizer for their crops by understanding the different types of fertilizers and their

benefits. Farmers can also make informed decisions about the best fertilizer for

their crops.

Future Researchers. This study will help the future researchers in conducting

the same study as their guide and can be their resources for them to garnish or

enhance their study.

 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Design

This study is a experimental research that determines the best fertilizer

among Compost, Atlas and Dried Leaves on the growth of Eggplant. The

researchers gathered data through observation in order to answer the research

problem.

Environment and Participants

This study is conducted by the researchers themselves at the researcher’s

residence at Purok-4, Canduao Oriental, Valencia, Bohol in the school year

2023-2024.

This study, entitled “The Effects of different Fertilizers (Compost, Atlas,

and Dried Leaves) on the growth of Eggplant”, utilized Eggplant as the subject.
Instrument

To know the effects of the different fertilizer (Compost, Atlas and Dried

leaves), the researchers’ used an observation sheet as their instrument. 1 table

for each fertilizer and 1 for natural soil. In the table, we can see the Date of the

observation, the plant height in centimeter (cm), then number of leaves, the

number of Eggplant fruit and the number of branches.

Procedures

DEFINITION OF TERMS

To have a better understanding in terminology, here are terms used in the

study:

Atlas. A complete fertilizer supplying the major plant nutrients: Nitrogen,

phosphorus and potassium and the secondary nutrients calcium, sulfur and

magnesium.

Compost. Is a mixture of ingredients used as plant fertilizer and to improve soil’s

physical, chemical and biological properties. It is commonly prepared by

decomposing plant and food waste recycling, organic materials and manure.

Dried leaves. Are an abundant source of organic matter that can be used for

several purpose in a garden, lawn and elsewhere. The leaves can be shredded

into fine pieces and used as mulch around trees or other plants.
Eggplant. Is a plant species in the night shade family Solanaceae. Solanum

melongena is grown worldwide for its edible fruit.

Essential. Are cardinal, fundamental and vital. While all these words mean “so

important as to be indispensable,” essential implies belonging to the very nature

of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing

itself or its character.

Factor. Is an element that influences something, like many factors that contribute

to global warming.

Fertilizer. Are generally defined as “any material, organic or inorganic, natural or

synthetic, which supplies one or more of the chemical elements required for the

plant growth”.

Growth. An increase in the size of organism or part of an organism, usually as a

result of an increase in the number of cells.

Soil. Also commonly referred to as earth, is a mixture of organic matter,

minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support the life of plants

and soil organisms.

Variety. The quality or state of being different or diverse; the absence of

uniformity, sameness, or monotony.