THE USE OF SAWDUST, POWDERED BONE MEAL, AND

WOOD ASHES AS AN ALTERNATIVE FERTILIZER FOR

THE GROWING OF RADISH (Raphanus sativus)

2015 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR

LIFE SCIENCE

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Student Researcher:

SAURE, CHABELITA B.

Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School

Research Adviser:

MS. RIZZA EARL VEVERLY T. ANGELES

1
 ABSTRACT
The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of saw dust, powdered bone meal, and
wood ash as an alternative fertilizer for the growth of radish. This study made used of the
experimental research design specifically the Randomized Completely Block Design
(RCBD). There were 3 treatments, numbers of blocks (3), and number of samples per plot
(4). The total number of samples used in this study was 48 radishes. . The experimentation
has a time frame from July – August 2015 which started from the gathering of materials,
preparation of plot and seedlings, preparation and application of the fertilizer, harvesting and
gathering of the data, upon harvesting the radish plant and was measured right away with the
use of weighing scale and tape measure to determine the weight and length of the radish yield
and disposal of waste. After the experimentation, it was found out that there is a significant
difference among the radish yield grown in different treatments, which means that radishes
treated with fertilizer have an increase growth performance in terms of weight of radish yield.
It implies that radishes treated with saw dust and wood ash performed better compared to the
radishes treated with bone meal. . The researcher recommends to find other ways to use
fertilizers on other plants to determine if saw dust, powdered bone meal and wood ash is also
effective to other plants not only to radish, look for more sophisticated ways or methods for
the improvement of this study.

2
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher would like to thank the following people who had helped and

supported during the conduct of the study.

Mrs. Soccoro P. Canaya, for the all out support both financially and morally.

Mr. Danilo G. Pabon, the Department Head of Science for allowing the researcher to

join the said contest.

Ms. Rizza Earl Veverly T. Angeles, the researcher’s research II adviser for the

support, time, patience given to fix the research paper, overall output and the study.

Ms. Jane Aubrey De Paz, for giving pieces of advices and for cheering up the

researcher.

Mrs. Olivia Saure, for allowing he researcher to conduct her study and also for the

financial and moral support.

To the researcher’s classmates, friends and class adviser for the help and support they

had given.

Lastly, to God almighty for the unending and immeasurable love he had given t the

researcher.

3
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE…………………………………………………………………………… 1

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………….. 2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ……………………………………………………………… 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………. 4

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study…………………………………………………….... 5

B. Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………… 6

C. Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………….. 6

D. Objectives of the Study………………………………………………………… 7

E. Significance of the Study…………………………………………………… 7

F. Scope and Delimitation……………………………………………………… 7

G. Definition of Terms……………………………………………………………..8

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE……………………………………………… 9

MPETHODOLOGY

A. Research Locale……………………………………………………………….. 11

B. Research Design……………………………………………………………… 11

C. Materials and methods……………………………………………………….. 11

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION………………………………………………………….. 13

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

A. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………… 17

B. Recommendations……………………………………………………………. 17

REFERENCE LIST…………………………………………………………………….. 18

APPENDICES………………………………………….………………………………… 19

4
 INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Growing vegetables and fruits had become a global trend. It does not only provide

food for the family but can generate income as well. Radishes are broadly distributed around

the world aside from its numerous varieties of health benefit and can be a good ingredient in

any types of food; it may also be planted in both cold and warm seasons. This is the reason

why the farmers were planting and harvesting large number of crops and speeding up the

growth of their crops by treating them with too much fertilizer. Another major problem in

agriculture is the overall decrease in the varieties of crops and livestock produced; because of

some chemical fertilizer that can cause ground contaminations and effect on the people and

environment.

In the Philippines, radishes are one of the quickest growing vegetables. The radish has

been the constant favorite of Filipinos, vegetable growers and farmers. Plus, they are good for

soils as they help maintain its aeration and looseness. However, soils in the said country are

not anymore nutritious for vegetables to be grown upon because of different chemical

fertilizers that are treated with that damage its nutritional value and fertility (Benefits of

Organic Fertilizers, 2015).

The city of Zamboanga produces several fertilizers which are considered to be

chemical products that contaminate both land and water. If this tragic will be continuous,

farmers are forced to leave the farming industry entirely and have no more income to gain

(Benefits of Organic Fertilizers, 2015).

It is for this reason that the researcher decided to conduct a study that could help the

people, particularly the farmers to have better grown crops with the use of an organic

5
fertilizer which is the sawdust, powdered bone meal and wood ashes. This study gives

information to the people on how to grow their crops faster and healthier by using an

effective and organic fertilizer without negatively affecting the people who are exposed to

this fertilizer and also the environment.

B. Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to determine which of the powdered bone meal, sawdust and

wood ashes can be an effective fertilizer for the growing of radish. Specifically, it sought to

answer the question:

1. Is there a significant difference among the radish yield grown in different

treatments (saw dust + wood ash, saw dust + bone meal, bone meal + wood ash, and no

fertilizer) in terms of:

A. Weight of radish

B. Height of radish

C. Hypothesis

There is no significant difference among the radish yield grown in different treatments

(saw dust + wood ash, saw dust + bone meal, bone meal + wood ash, and no fertilizer) in

terms of weight and height of radish.

6
D. Objectives of the Study

The following are the objectives of the sTudy:

1. To determine which of the 3 fertilizers would be the best to apply to the radishes.

2. To measure the weight and length of the radish yields.

E. Significance of the Study

The result of this study may help the humankind to utilize alternative fertilizers such

as the sawdust, powdered bone meal and wood ashes for the growth of their own crop so it

may help such plants to grow faster and healthier. This study includes the benefits of using

organic fertilizers rather than chemical, because it indeed greatly affects the environment and

people’s health in a negative way. Plus, the people will be encouraged to be environmental-

friendly and resourceful with this way. Agricultural farmers may in some way be

beneficiaries of the study, they will be encouraged to plant and harvest in a very meaningful

and safest means because the kind of fertilizers used has huge impact on the products quality

and type, soil’s fertility and low investments for agricultural businesses.

F. Scope and Delimitation

This study aims to determine which of the powdered bone meal, sawdust and

wood ashes is more effective to be used as a fertilizer for the progressive development of the

radish.

The study was conducted at Sta. Maria, Lacandalo drive Zamboanga City from July to

August 2015. The sample population of the radishes is 36.

7
 The study is only delimited to use powdered bone meal, sawdust and wood ashes as

an organic fertilizer, the usage of radish as a sample; the parameters were only the height and

weight of radish and the statistical tool used was ANOVA or the Analysis of Variance at 0.05

level of significance.

G. Definition of Terms

a. Bone meal refers to a mixture of finely and coarsely ground animal bones and

slaughter-house waste products.

b. Sawdust refers to a product of cutting lumber with a saw, composed of fine particles

of wood.

c. Wood ashes refer to a residue powder left after the combustion of wood.

d. Fertility refers to the state of plants that produces several youngs.

e. Fertilizer refers to the substance which is used for supporting the growth of plants.

8
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Bone Meal

What is Bone Meal? It is a meal or powder made from ground up animal bones,

normally beef bones, but they can be the bones of any animal commonly slaughtered. The

bone meal is steamed to increase its availability for plants. Because bone meal is made from

mostly beef bones, some people wonder if it is possible to get BSE (also known as Mad Cow

Disease) from handling bone meal. This is not possible. First, the animals that are used for

making bone meal for plants are tested for the disease and cannot be used for any purpose if

the animal is found to be infected. Second, the process that is used to produce bone meal kills

any kind of pathogens, like BSE, that the animal may have had. Bone meal fertilizer is used

to increase phosphorus in the garden. Most bone meal has a NPK of 3-15-0. Bone meal is

also useful for balancing out other high nitrogen, organic soil amendments (Rhoades,

Information On Using Bone Meal For Plants, 2015)

Bone Meal supplies high levels of phosphorus and calcium, elements that are rarely limiting

in non-agricultural soils. Phosphorus, from bone meal or other sources, does not “stimulate”

plant growth; it is only a mineral, not a plant growth regulator. High levels of phosphorus,

from bone meal or other sources, will inhibit growth of mycorrhizal fungi. Without

mycorrhizal partners, plants must put additional resources into root growth at the expense of

other tissues and functions (Gardening and Landscaping beta, 2015).

Sawdust

Sawdust can be used as fertilizer in your garden. It improves the structure of the soil.

But be careful, because the micro-organisms that convert the sawdust need extra nitrogen

9
during a few months. Sawdust is low in nitrogen, therefore it is advised to add a nitrogen

fertilizer with the gift of sawdust if your plants need nitrogen during this period. (Sawdust as

fertilizer, 2011)

Sawdust is recyclable , and easily composted instead of being discarded in the trash. This will

benefit the environment as well as providing you with an excellent soil conditioner. There are

a few considerations that need to be taken when you recycle sawdust. (How to Recycle

Sawdust in a Compost Pile)

Wood ashes

The author is Ed Perry, Farm Advisor, Stanislaus County Cooperative Extension At

one time wood ashes were a chief source of potassium and much used in farming and

horticulture (Perry).

10
 METHODOLOGY

A. Research Locale

The researcher conducted the study at Lacandalo Drive, Sta. Maria,

Zamboanga City.

B. Research Design

The researcher made use of the experimental research design, specifically the

Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The number of treatment was 3, and number

of block was 3, and number of samples per plot is 4. The total number of samples is used in

this study was 48 radishes.

C. Materials and Methods

Gathering of materials

The researcher gathers all the materials to be needed such as pack of radish, sawdust,

powdered bone meal and wood ashes, tray, strainer, spoon, container, kettle, pail of water,

mortar and pestle, measuring tape and weighing scale.

Preparation of plot and seedlings

3 plots were prepared. The plots were cleared of grasses and were tilled, then the

researcher slightly dogged the soil and took off all the grasses on the soil. The researcher

prepared the seed pack and placed a seed on each of the hole. The hole was covered and

watered.

Preparation and application of the fertilizer (saw dust, wood ash, and bone meal)

11
 Bone meal was prepared and washed carefully, took off the excess meat on the bones,

then prepared the kettle with 4 cups of water together with the bone meal and boiled for 5

minutes. After boiling, prepared to dry the bone meal, put in a tray and was dried for 10 days.

When the bone meal was totally dried, the researcher prepare the knife, strainer container,

mortar and pestle. Chopped the bones in many pieces and put little by little in mortar and

pestle and pound again the excess bones and then the researcher do it again and again as the

bone meal had totally been powdered done by the researcher.

The different fertilizers were prepared. For treatment 1, weighed 20 grams of saw dust

and another 20 grams of wood ash. For treatment 2, weighed 20 grams of saw dust and

another 20 grams of powdered bone meal and for treatment 3, weighed 20 grams of powdered

bone meal and 20 grams of wood ash. Each mixture was placed in individual bowls and was

mixed thoroughly.

5 grams of each fertilizer were applied to the assigned experimental unit on the

radishes (2 weeks old) after planting.

Harvesting and gathering of the data

The radishes were harvested and washed in a pail of water to remove the soil and pat

dried using clean white cloth. The radish was then weighed on a weighing scale and

measured its length using a tape measure. The data were recorded.

Waste disposal

All the waste from this study was properly disposed.

12
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

PROBLEM 1

Is there a significant difference among the radish yield grown in different treatments

(saw dust + wood ash + bone meal, bone meal+ wood ash, and no fertilizer) in terms of

weight and length of yield.

Table 1 Mean result of weight and length of radish after the different treatments.

Treatments Mean weight of Radish Mean length of Radish

(grams) (cm)
Treatment 1 (Saw dust + 245.5833 23.9167
Wood ash)
Treatment 2 (Saw dust + 172.7500 18.0833
Bone meal)
Treatment 3 (Bone meal + 121.3333 16.5000
Wood ash)

Treatment 4 ( Control) 96.7500 13.5833

The table shows that among the 4 treatments, the radishes treated with saw dust and

wood ash performed better.

13
Table 2. Analysis of Variance for the mean weight of radish in grams after the
different treatments.

Source Sum of Degree of Mean of Fcal P value Decision

of Squares Freedom Squares
Variatio
n
Between 155,754.3958 3 51,918.1319
Column
Reject the
Within 244,642.0833 44 5,560.0473 null
column 9.3377 6.8075e-05 hypothesis

Total 400,396.4792 47

Table 2 shows that the p value is 6.8075 x 10 -5 that is, there a significant difference

among the radish yield grown in different treatments, which means that radishes treated with

fertilizer have an increase growth performance in terms of weight of radish yield.

Table 3 Tukey test for mean weight of radish in grams after the different treatments.

Treatments Tukey HSD Q Tukey HSD p-value Tukey HSD

statistic inference
A vs B 3.3836 0.0933808 Insignificance
A vs C 5.7723 0.0010300 ** p<0.01
A vs D 6.9144 0.0010053 ** p<0.01
B vs C 2.3887 0.0745230 Insignificance
B vs D 3.5307 0.0745230 Insignificance
C vs D 1.1421 0.8332930 Insignificance

Tukey test further reveals that among the 3 fertilizer combination, treatment A or

treatment 1 which is a combination of saw dust and wood ash have increased the weight of

the radish yield significantly. This implies that saw dust and wood ash can be use as a

fertilizer for growing radish.

14
Table 4 Analysis of Variance for the mean length of radish in centimeter after the

different treatments.

Source of Sum of Degree of Mean of F cal P value Decision

Variation Squares Freedom Squares

Between 681.2292 3 227.0764

Column
Reject the
Within 1,169.7500 44 26.5852 null
Column 8.5414 0.0001 hypothesis

Total 1,850.9792 47

Table 4 shows that the p value is 0.00001 that is considered as statistically significant,

thus, there is a significant difference among the radish yield grown in different treatments in

terms of length in centimeters. This means that radishes treated with fertilizer have an

increase growth performance in terms of radish.

15
Table 5 Tukey test for mean length of radish in centimeters after the different

treatments.

Treaments pair Tukey Q statistic Tukey HSD p-value Tukey HSD

inferfence

A vs B 3.1919 0.0393004 * p<0.05

A vs C 4.9829 0.0053714 ** p<0.01

A vs D 6.9424 0.0010053 ** p<0.01

B vs C 1.0638 0.8639259 Insignificance

B vs D 3.0233 0.1573036 Insignificance

C vs D 1.9596 0.5135133 Insignificance

Tukey tes further reveals that among the 3 fertilizer combinations, treatment A or

Treatmen 1 which is a combination of saw dust and wood ash have increased the length of

the radish yield significantly. This implies that saw dust and wood ash can be use as a

fertilizer for growing radish.

16
 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concludes that the conclusion of

saw dust and wood ash is an effective fertilizer alternative for growing radish.

B. Recommendations

The researcher would like to recommend the following:

1. To conduct further study on the nutritional content of saw dust and wood ash.

2. To conduct further study to come up with sophisticated methods to improve the result

of the study.

3. To use other parameters such as biomass to improve the validity of the conclusion.

4. To use other experimental unit other than radish.

5. To use the combination of saw dust and wood ash as a fertilizer for growing radish.

17
 REFERENCE LIST

Benefits of Organic Fertilizers. (2015). Retrieved October 7, 2015, from Organic Facts:
https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-cultivation/benefits-of-
organic-fertilizers.html

Gardening and Landscaping beta. (2015). Retrieved october 6, 2015, from StackExchange:
http://gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/4504/what-is-the-best-way-to-put-
bonemeal-into-the-soil

How to Recycle Sawdust in a Compost Pile. (n.d.). Retrieved october 6, 2015, from
WikiHow: http://www.wikihow.com/Recycle-Sawdust-in-a-Compost-Pile

How To Use Firewood Ash AsFertilizer. (n.d.). Retrieved october 6, 2015, from Do it
yourself: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-use-firewood-ash-as-fertilizer#b

Perry, E. (n.d.). Wood Ashes as a garden fertilizer. Retrieved october 6, 2015, from Farm
advisory: http://vric.ucdavis.edu/pdf/FERTILIZATION/fertilization_Woodashes.pdf

Rhoades, H. (2015). Ashes In the Garden: Using Ashes In The Garden. Retrieved october 6,
2015, from Gardening Know How: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-
to/soil-fertilizers/using-wood-ashes.htmoades, H. (2015). Ashes In the Garden: Using
Ashes In The Garden. Retrieved october 6, 2015, from Gardening KNow How:
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/using-wood-
ashes.htm

Rhoades, H. (2015). Information On Using Bone Meal For Plants. Retrieved October 6,
2015, from Gardening Know How: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-
to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm

Sawdust as fertilizer. (2011). Retrieved october 6, 2015, from Blog:

http://jeresearchtopics.blogspot.com/2011/05/sawdust-as-fertilizer.html

18
 APPENDICES

A. Raw Data

Treatments Weight Length

T1 R1 S1 455 45cm

T1 R1 S2 320 29cm

T1 R1 S3 275 24cm

T1 R1 S4 292 27cm

T1 R2 S5 85 21cm

T1 R2 S6 130 18cm

T1 R2 S7 273 21cm

T1 R2 S8 140 14cm

T1 R3 S9 225 21cm

T1 R3 S10 400 14cm

T1 R3 S11 198 21cm

T1 R3 S12 154 26cm

T2 R1 S1 275 19cm

T2 R1 S2 195 22cm

T2 R1 S3 164 16cm

T2 R1 S4 150 22cm

T2 R2 S5 100 14cm

T2 R2 S6 170 24cm

T2 R2 S7 236 21cm

T2 R2 S8 124 18cm

T2 R3 S9 160 18cm

19
T2 R3 S10 100 16cm

T2 R3 S11 301 11cm

T2 R3 S12 98 24cm

T3 R1 S1 40 14cm

T3 R1 S2 110 13cm

T3 R1 S3 85 16cm

T3 R1 S4 182 17cm

T3 R2 S5 95 18cm

T3 R2 S6 155 16cm

T3 R2 S7 246 17cm

T3 R2 S8 800 24cm

T3 R3S9 169 14cm

T3 R3 S10 143 17cm

T3 R3 S11 53 21cm

T3 R3 S12 94 13cm

T4 R1 S1 79 12cm

T4 R1 S2 100 14cm

T4 R1 S3 114 18cm

T4 R1 S4 150 12cm

T4 R2 S5 77 13cm

T4 R2 S6 100 17cm

T4 R2 S7 163 21cm

T4 R2 S8 55 13cm

T4 R3 S9 143 17cm

20
T4 R3 S10 60 10cm

T4 R3 S11 70 9cm

T4 R3 S12 50 7cm

21
22
23
 RESEARCH PLAN
Name: Chabelita B. Saure Category: Life Science - Individual

School: Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School

School Address: Gov. Ramos Ave., Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City

Title Project: THE USE OF SAWDUST, POWDERED BONE MEAL, AND WOOD

ASHES AS AN ALTERNATIVE FERTILIZER FOR THE GROWING OF

RADISH (Raphanus sativus)

Project Adviser: Miss Rizza Earl Veverly T. Angeles

A. Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to determine which of the powdered bone meal, sawdust and

wood ashes can be an effective fertilizer for the growing of radish. Specifically, it sought to

answer the question:

1. Is there a significant difference among the radish yield grown in different

treatments (saw dust + wood ash, saw dust + bone meal, bone meal + wood ash, and no

fertilizer) in terms of:

A. Weight of radish

B. Height of radish

B. Hypothesis

There is no significant difference among the radish yield grown in different

treatments (saw dust + wood ash, saw dust + bone meal, bone meal + wood ash, and

no fertilizer) in terms of weight and height of radish.

24
 C. Procedure

Gathering of materials

The researcher gathers all the materials to be needed such as pack of radish, sawdust,

powdered bone meal and wood ashes, tray, strainer, spoon, container, kettle, pail of water,

mortar and pestle, measuring tape and weighing scale.

Preparation of plot and seedlings

3 plots were prepared. The plots were cleared of grasses and were tilled, then the

researcher slightly dogged the soil and took off all the grasses on the soil. The researcher

prepared the seed pack and placed a seed on each of the hole. The hole was covered and

watered.

Preparation and application of the fertilizer (saw dust, wood ash, and bone meal)

Bone meal was prepared and washed carefully, took off the excess meat on the bones,

then prepared the kettle with 4 cups of water together with the bone meal and boiled for 5

minutes. After boiling, prepared to dry the bone meal, put in a tray and was dried for 10 days.

When the bone meal was totally dried, the researcher prepare the knife, strainer container,

mortar and pestle. Chopped the bones in many pieces and put little by little in mortar and

pestle and pound again the excess bones and then the researcher do it again and again as the

bone meal had totally been powdered done by the researcher.

The different fertilizers were prepared. For treatment 1, weighed 20 grams of saw dust

and another 20 grams of wood ash. For treatment 2, weighed 20 grams of saw dust and

another 20 grams of powdered bone meal and for treatment 3, weighed 20 grams of powdered

bone meal and 20 grams of wood ash. Each mixture was placed in individual bowls and was

mixed thoroughly.

25
 5 grams of each fertilizer were applied to the assigned experimental unit on the

radishes (2 weeks old) after planting.

Harvesting and gathering of the data

The radishes were harvested and washed in a pail of water to remove the soil and pat

dried using clean white cloth. The radish was then weighed on a weighing scale and

measured its length using a tape measure. The data were recorded.

Waste disposal

All the waste from this study was properly disposed.

D. Reference List
Benefits of Organic Fertilizers. (2015). Retrieved October 7, 2015, from Organic Facts:
https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-cultivation/benefits-of-
organic-fertilizers.html
Gardening and Landscaping beta. (2015). Retrieved october 6, 2015, from StackExchange:
http://gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/4504/what-is-the-best-way-to-put-
bonemeal-into-the-soil

How to Recycle Sawdust in a Compost Pile. (n.d.). Retrieved october 6, 2015, from
WikiHow: http://www.wikihow.com/Recycle-Sawdust-in-a-Compost-Pile

How To Use Firewood Ash AsFertilizer. (n.d.). Retrieved october 6, 2015, from Do it
yourself: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-use-firewood-ash-as-fertilizer#b

Perry, E. (n.d.). Wood Ashes as a garden fertilizer. Retrieved october 6, 2015, from Farm
advisory: http://vric.ucdavis.edu/pdf/FERTILIZATION/fertilization_Woodashes.pdf

Rhoades, H. (2015). Information On Using Bone Meal For Plants. Retrieved October 6,
2015, from Gardening Know How: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-
to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm

Sawdust as fertilizer. (2011). Retrieved october 6, 2015, from Blog:

http://jeresearchtopics.blogspot.com/2011/05/sawdust-as-fertilizer.html

26