The Feasibility of Seaweed (Rhodophyta) as an organic Liquid Fertilizer

Kate Antonette P. Halos

Christian Yango

Kyle B. Primero

Researchers

Marivel Dionicio

Research Adviser

In Partial Fulfillment og the Requirements In Research II

January 2020
 Research Plan

Title: The Feasibility of Seaweed (Rhodophyta) as an organic Fertilizer

Name of Researcher: Kate Antonette P. Halos

Project Question: Does Seaweed have Agricultural Biostimulants that can be used in

enhancing soil fertility?

Rationale:

Seaweed (Rhodophyta) is high in carbohydrates which are essential building blocks in

growing plants, and low in cellulose so it breaks down easily. Seaweed shares no

disadvantages such as diseases in land plants. Rhodophyta is abundant with ready to use

micro-nutrients which can be readily absorbed by plants without any further chemical

decomposition needed. The study of Dr. Ruban Packiasamy and Dr. Ch. Govindasamy

entitled, Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer(SLF) and It’s Role In Agriculture Productivity, published

October 2018, revealed that the biostimulants present in seaweed extract can increase the

vegetative growth (10%), the leaf chlorophyll content (11%), the stomata density (6.5%),

photosynthetic rate and the fruit production (27%) of the plant. Seaweed extracts are used in

several ways, such as drench in soil during transplantation, during field preparation, seed

treatment or as foliar application. Foliar application is spraying of nutrients to leaves and

stems where they are absorbed by the plants. Therefore, multiple applications of liquid

fertilizers are necessary to supply a sufficient quantity of the nutrients to the plants.
 It is well known that chemical fertilizers degrade the fertility of the soil by making it

acidic, rendering it unsuitable for rising crops, however, seaweed extract besides increasing

the soil fertility increases the moisture holding capacity and supplies adequate trace metals

improving the soil structure. Fertilizers differ from plant growth regulators differ from

fertilizers in several ways. While the growth regulators alter cell division, root and shoot

elongation, initiation of flowering and other metabolic function, the fertilizers simply supply

minerals needed for the nutrition and normal growth of the plant. Therefore, Seaweed Liquid

Fertilizer (SLF), a blend of both plat growth regulators and organic nutrient input is eco

friendly promoting sustainable productivity and maintaining the soil health.

Hypotheses:

Ha: There are agricultural biostimulants found in seaweed that can be used in enhancing soil

fertility.

Ho: There are no agricultural biostimulants found in seaweed that can be used in enhancing

soil fertility.

Procedure:

1. Gathering of materials

-You’ll need about 1kg of seaweed, 1L (4 glass) of fresh water, spray container, and a bucket

with lid.

2. Preparation

-The researchers will rinse the seaweed to remove some of the excess salt. Grind the seaweed

using a pestle and mortar.

3. Fill the bucket halfway with fresh water

- Add the seaweed to the bucket. Don’t fill the bucket more than half way, and don’t pack the

seaweeds down. Conceal the bucket with a lid.

4. Stir the compound daily

- Stir it at least once a day. This will also ensure that everything is moving around the way it

should.

5. Soaking the seaweed

- Allow it to soak for 3 weeks.

6. Straining

- To strain, line a second bucket with a flour bag or large piece of cloth. Wrap the bag or

cloth around and pull it out of the water. Squeeze the bag gently to remove the excess.

7. Transfer the extract to a spray bottle ton as foliar spray

- A foliar spray is something that gets applied directly to the leaves of a plant. It’s important

to use the compound when it’s fresh.

Materials:

 2kg Seaweed

 Half bucket of fresh water( 2 litres)

 Spray Container

 Bucket with a lid

 Flour bag
Data List:

Treatment (%) Plant height (cm) Test weight (g) Harvest index

0 69.88d 129.23d 0.20d

2.5 72.11cd 129.86d 0.22cd

5.0 73.08cd 131.01d 0.21cd

Risk Assessment:

Seaweed fertilizer produces phosphorus when it is stored. It can poison people and pets if

accidentally ingested into the body. Keep in safe area and away from children. Wear gloves

when it is being used or wash hands properly.

Bibliography:

 Aldworth, S.J., Van Staden, J., 1987. The effect of seaweed concentrate on seedling

transplants. South African Journal of Botany 53, 187–189.

 Sivasankari, S., Venkatesalu, V., Anantharaj, M., Chandrasekaran, M., 2006.

Effect of seaweed extracts on the growth and biochemical constituents of

Vigna sinensis. Bioresource Technology 97, 1745–1751.

 Smith, K.J., Huyser, W., 1987. World distribution and significance of soybean.

In: Wilcox, J.R. (Ed.), Soybeans: Improvement, Production and Uses.

American Society of Agronomy, Wisconsin, pp. 1–22.

 Packiasamy ,Ruban, Govindasamy Ch., Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer(SLF) and It’s Role

In Agriculture Productivity, October 2018

 https://dengarden.com/gardening/The-Benefits-of-Using-Liquid-Seaweed-Fertilizer

(Published on 2019)

 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314185014_Seaweeds_-

_Promising_Organic_Fertilizers (Published March 2017)

 Abstract

Today, we observe that many farmers have difficulties in buying commercial

fertilizers. The Researcher came up with this project for every farmers to know that Seaweed

can be used as an organic fertilizer. Seaweed is a broad spectrum fertilizer that is rich in

beneficial trace minerals and hormones that stimulate plant growth. The researcher gathered

500 grams of seaweed and rinsed it to wash away all the salt. After washing it, the seaweed

was put into a container and was filled with 1 liter fresh water. The container was secured

with a lid within 3 weeks and after that the liquid from the seaweed is put into a spraying

container. The seaweed fertilizer was sprayed in the soil and in the Pechay plant. The

researcher therefor conclude that seaweed fertilizer is rich in minerals that can produce a high

quality plant like other commercial fertilizer but is more cheaper and affordable than othe

fertilizer products. The researcher is recommending the future researchers who would like to

conduct the study to make wider research about seaweed.

 Introduction

Seaweed (Rhodophyta) is high in carbohydrates which are essential building blocks in

growing plants, and low in cellulose so it breaks down easily. Seaweed shares no

disadvantages such as diseases in land plants. Rhodophyta is abundant with ready to use

micro-nutrients which can be readily absorbed by plants without any further chemical

decomposition needed. The study of Dr. Ruban Packiasamy and Dr. Ch. Govindasamy

entitled, Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer(SLF) and It’s Role In Agriculture Productivity, published

October 2018, revealed that the biostimulants present in seaweed extract can increase the

vegetative growth (10%), the leaf chlorophyll content (11%), the stomata density (6.5%),

photosynthetic rate and the fruit production (27%) of the plant. Seaweed extracts are used in

several ways, such as drench in soil during transplantation, during field preparation, seed

treatment or as foliar application. Foliar application is spraying of nutrients to leaves and

stems where they are absorbed by the plants. Therefore, multiple applications of liquid

fertilizers are necessary to supply a sufficient quantity of the nutrients to the plants.

It is well known that chemical fertilizers degrade the fertility of the soil by making it

acidic, rendering it unsuitable for rising crops, however, seaweed extract besides increasing

the soil fertility increases the moisture holding capacity and supplies adequate trace metals

improving the soil structure. Fertilizers differ from plant growth regulators differ from

fertilizers in several ways. While the growth regulators alter cell division, root and shoot

elongation, initiation of flowering and other metabolic function, the fertilizers simply supply

minerals needed for the nutrition and normal growth of the plant. Therefore, Seaweed Liquid

Fertilizer (SLF), a blend of both plat growth regulators and organic nutrient input is eco

friendly promoting sustainable productivity and maintaining the soil health.

 Table of Contents

CHAPTER I

Introduction

Background of the study

Statement of the problem

Significance of the study

Scope and delimitation

CHAPTER II

Review of Related Literature

Related Studies

Conceptual Framework

Schematic Diagram

Research Hypotheses

Definition of terms
CHAPTER III

Materials and Equipment

Research Layout and Design

Procedural Flow chart

Procedure

CHAPTER IV

Results and Discussion

CHAPTER V

Conclusion

Recommendation

Bibliography

Appendices
 Abstract

Today, we observe that many farmers have difficulties in buying commercial

fertilizers. The researchers came up with a study about seaweed extract as a substitute for

organic fertilizer. This aims for every farmer to know that Seaweed can be used as an organic

liquid fertilizer. The goal of this study is to find out seaweed extract can be used as an

alternative fertilizer. Seaweed is a broad spectrum fertilizer that is rich in beneficial trace

minerals and hormones that stimulate plant growth. The researcher gathered 1kilogram of

seaweed and rinsed it to wash away all the salt. After washing it, the seaweed was put into a

container and was filled with 1 litre fresh water. The container was secured with a lid within

3 weeks and after that the liquid from the seaweed is put into a spraying container. The

seaweed fertilizer was sprayed in the soil and in the Pechay plant. The researchers therefore

conclude that seaweed fertilizer is rich in minerals that can produce a high quality plant like

other commercial fertilizer but is more cheaper and affordable than other fertilizer products.

The researcher is recommending the future researchers who would like to conduct the study

to make wider research about seaweed.

 Introduction

Seaweed (Rhodophyta) is high in carbohydrates which are essential building blocks in

growing plants, and low in cellulose so it breaks down easily. Seaweed shares no

disadvantages such as diseases in land plants. Rhodophyta is abundant with ready to use

micro-nutrients which can be readily absorbed by plants without any further chemical

decomposition needed. The study of Dr. Ruban Packiasamy and Dr. Ch. Govindasamy

entitled, Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer(SLF) and It’s Role In Agriculture Productivity, published

October 2018, revealed that the bio stimulants present in seaweed extract can increase the

vegetative growth (10%), the leaf chlorophyll content (11%), the stomata density (6.5%),

photosynthetic rate and the fruit production (27%) of the plant. Seaweed extracts are used in

several ways, such as drench in soil during transplantation, during field preparation, seed

treatment or as foliar application. Foliar application is spraying of nutrients to leaves and

stems where they are absorbed by the plants. Therefore, multiple applications of liquid

fertilizers are necessary to supply a sufficient quantity of the nutrients to the plants.

Today soil has critically deteriorated with the excessive dumping of chemical

fertilizers and agro chemicals for the fast 60 years. This situation is steadily aggravating as

more and more chemical fertilizer is used for plant growth while more agro chemicals are

needed to protect them from pests and other diseases (Daily, 2014). It is a growing trend to

focus on plant nutrients as alternative supplement of chemical fertilizer. The numerous

research efforts have been made to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of organic sources

increasing plant growth and soil productivity. It is well known that chemical fertilizers

degrade the fertility of the soil by making it acidic, rendering it unsuitable for rising crops,

however, seaweed extract besides increasing the soil fertility increases the moisture holding

capacity and supplies adequate trace metals improving the soil structure. Fertilizers differ

from plant growth regulators differ from fertilizers in several ways. While the growth
regulators alter cell division, root and shoot elongation, initiation of flowering and other

metabolic function, the fertilizers simply supply minerals needed for the nutrition and normal

growth of the plant. Therefore, Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF), a blend of both plat growth

regulators and organic nutrient input is eco-friendly promoting sustainable productivity and

maintaining the soil health.

 Background of the Study

Seaweeds contains considerable amount of micronutrients and some plant growth

hormones which helps plant growth and also in germination. When its concentration

increases it will lead to toxicity and inhibits plant growth. In this present study, the effect of

seaweed extract on plant germination, toxicity and the future perspective of its usage as bio

fertilizer are discussed. The Researcher’s goal is to make an organic liquid fertilizer using

seaweed. The researcher chose this study to reduce the use of fertilizers that have chemicals

that can be danger to human health.

This study introduce the use of agricultural bio stimulants found in seaweed as an

organic liquid fertilizer that can enhance soil fertility and to find other use of seaweed other

than a healthy food.

Statement of the Problem

This study seeks the feasibility of seaweed as an organic liquid fertilizer; specifically

it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Does Seaweed have Agricultural Bio stimulants that can be used in enhancing soil

fertility?

2. Is there a difference between seaweed fertilizer and to the commercialized one?

Significance of the study

It is believed that the study will benefit the following:

To the Farmers. The result of the study can bring great benefits to the farmers in

further understanding that seaweed can be used in improving plant growth. This can also be

the basis for more advance analysis and identification of beneficial trace minerals and other

materials that the plant bears.

To the public. Many people use different kinds of commercialized fertilizers, this

study can be an applicable tool in determining the fertilizer they can use in aiding soil

nutrients for better growth of their plant.

To the Development of Medical Technology. Since seaweed is the most analysed

specimen, this study could serve as one of the innovations in the field of Clinical Microscopy

specifically in the analysis of seaweed. Seaweed value can also be increased.

To the student. This study may serve as a knowledge about the significance of

organic fertilizer in our surroundings, the different nutrients found in seaweed and it would

be a guide for the students undertaking similar studies.

To the future Researchers. This study would be a great contribution and a useful

reference for the researchers who would plan to may any related study in relation to seaweed

as an organic liquid fertilizer.

Scope and Delimitation

This study concentrates on knowing the feasibility of seaweed as an organic liquid

fertilizer into the development of the plant Abelmoschus esculentus (okra). The study will

discuss the difference of the growth and development of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) plant

between seaweed as an organic liquid fertilizer and using commercial fertilizer in terms of the

following: time and length of the sprout, leaves, stem and fruit production only. The data

analysis of the study will be focusing on comparing the effectiveness of seaweed as an

organic fertilizer to the commercial chemical fertilizer.

The study will not discuss the evaluation of the soil used since Abelmoschus

esculentus (okra) plant is said to grow in all types of soil but grows best in a weel-drained soil

which will be used in the study. The researcher will not use any other soil, plant and chemical

fertilizer other than indicated above.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Seaweeds or marine macro algae are the primitive group of organisms with no true

roots, stems and leaves, and they are one of the import marine living resources with

tremendous commercial importance (Kaliaperumal et al., 1987). Seaweeds are useful to man

as food, feed, fodder, bio fertilizer, phytochemicals (Agar-agar, alginates and carragennan)

and as a sources of bioactive compounds. Nearly 221 species (32 Chlorophytes, 125

Rhodophytes and 64 Phaeophytes) of seaweeds are being used for commercial exploitation

worldwide. From this 145 species (66%) are used as food (79 Rhodophytes, 28 Chlorphytes

and 38 Phaeophytes); over half of the Rhodophytes and Phaeophytes are used for

phycocolliod production (41 species for alginates, 33 species for agar and 27 species for

carrageenan); 24 species are used in traditional medicines; 25 species are used in agriculture,

including animal feed and fertilizer, while two species are used in the production of paper in

Italy (Zemke-White and Ohno, 1999).

Name(common names): Sea Grapes, Kelp, Tangle, Sea Tangle, Sea Meadow, Algae, Marine

Meadow, Sea Moss, Irish Moss, Sargasso Weed, Dulse, Rockweed, Sea Lettuce, Kelp, Giant

Kelp, Agar-Agar, Gulfweed, Hemp Weed and Sea Cabbage [English]. Algues[French]; Algas

Marinas[Spanish]; Algas Marinas[Portuguese]; Zeewier[Dutch]; Seetang[German]; Rumput

Laut[Javanese]; Alga Marina[Italian]; Damong Dagat[Tagalog.]

Synonyms: Enteromorpha (green string lettuce), Chaetomorpha, Codium, Caulerpa,

Sargassum, Laminaria, Turbinaria, Dictyota, Gracilaria, Gelidiella, Eucheuma, Ceramium,

Acanthophora, Lyngbya, Spirulina and Oscilatorai , Abelmoschus esculentus ,Solanum

lycopersicum ,C. lentillifera, Gracilaria spp. ,Gelidiella acerosa and Sargassumspp

Seaweeds

Seaweed species such as Acanthophora muscoides, Gracilaria arcuata, Halimeda

macroloba, Hydroclathrus clathratus, Laurencia spp. and Sargassum spp. are known to

contain growth regulators. Extracts from Sargassum spp. are utilized in liquid fertilizers;

application of the fertilizer on vegetables and grain crops (Montaño & Tupas, 1990) enhances

their production. Many genera like Sargassum, Ulva, Hydroclathrus and Kappaphycus spp.

are used as soil conditioners (Chidambaram & Unny,1953; Michanek, 1979; Mshigeni,

1982). Other species are known to contain bioactive products that exhibit antibacterial,

antiviral and antifungal properties. Some such species are: Asparagopsis taxiformis (Fenical

et al., 1979), Chondria armata, Laurencia spp., Cladophoraspp., Dictyosphaeria cavernosa,

Gelidium sp. and several species of Laurencia. Digenea simplex is an effective anthelmintic

agent, vermifuge and laxative (Michanek, 1979; Hoppe, 1979).

Many species contain important chemicals such as tannins, phenols, folic and folinic

acid, gelan and tocopherols. These are reported in many species of brown algae, several

species of the Ulvaceae and some species of Hypnea and Laurencia (Hoppe, 1979; Ragan,

1981; Lewis et al., 1988). A more recent use is in bio filtration. For example Gracilaria spp.

have been shown to be efficient biofiltration agents in highly fertilized waters associated with

aquaculture areas (Gao & McKinley, 1994; Buschmann et al., 1996). The large variety of

natural products, including amino acids, minerals, nitrogenous compounds, polysaccharides,

pigments, steroids, phytohormones, terpenes, vitamins, carbonyl compounds, fatty acids,

diterpene, mannitol, carboxylic acids, phenols and lipids, found in more than 200 species of

the seaweed flora and their applications have been documented in two books (Trono &

Ganzon-Fortes 1988; Trono 1997).

Taxonomy: Seaweeds are macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae. They are generally

benthic, being anchored to the bottom of the ocean or to solid

structures.Algae (singular alga), a name derived from the Latin word for seaweed, are a large

and diverse group of photosynthetic, eukaryotic, plant-like organisms that use chlorophyll in

capturing light energy, but lack characteristic plant structures such as leaves, roots, flowers,

vascular tissue, and seeds. Although they have historically been regarded as simple plants,

they are generally classified in the kingdom Protista, rather than Plantae. Although algae

range from single-celled organisms to multicellular organisms, if they are both multicellular

and marine, and are easily seen by the naked eye, they are generally called seaweeds. Single-

celled or few-celled organisms are not usually called seaweeds. Seaweeds themselves have

many forms, including those that appear as if they are terrestrial plants with leaves and stems,

looking like moss, mushrooms, leaf lettuce, or even a palm tree. Some are quite large: the

multicellular giant kelp reaches 60 meters in length. Various seaweeds serve as a habitat and

food for other sea creatures. Red algae are a source of agar, a gelatinous polysaccharide that

is used as a culture medium for microbiological work, as well as vegetarian gelatin substitute,

a thickener for soups, in jellies, ice cream, and so forth.

Seaweeds are classified into brown algae (Phaeophyta), red algae (Rhodophyta), and

green algae (Chlorophyta). Seaweeds are often confused with other photosynthetic

organisms. Seaweeds are popularly described as plants, but biologists typically do not
consider them true Plantae. They also should not be confused with seagrasses, which

are vascular plants. In addition, a few species of cyanobacteria bear a resemblance to seaweed

algae. Some biologists prefer the term "marine macroalgae" over "seaweeds."

General Botany: Seaweed is an algae, and algae are split into two groups: micro-algae

(phytoplankton) and macro-algae (seaweed). All algae contain chlorophyll, the green pigment

that land plants also have. Chlorophyll uses sunlight to make food for plants in a process

called photosynthesis. Unlike land plants, seaweeds lack true stems, roots, leaves and

vascular tissue (tissues that conduct water, sap and nutrients). Instead of roots, seaweeds

attach their fibrous structures to the sea bottom or other solid structures using root-like

‘holdfasts’. However these holdfasts do not extract nutrients as the roots of plants do.

Seaweeds absorb their nutrients from the water column via their blades (the seaweeds

‘leaves’). Green (Chlorophyta) tend to be found mostly at the top of the shore, for example

sea lettuce (Ulva spp.). Brown algae (Phaeophyta) include kelp and wracks (Fucus spp.), are

more commonly found in colder zones, and are absent from tropical waters. Red algae

(Rhodophyta) include coralline algae, laver (Porphyra spp.) And Irish moss (Chondrus

crispus), which carpet the lower half of the rocky shore which is exposed at low tide along

the coasts of the Atlantic. Each species is adapted specifically to where they are found and

what conditions they are subject to. But all seaweeds are only found at depths of 50m or less.

Seaweeds get their food through the process of photosynthesis, which uses energy

from the sun to convert carbon dioxide into organic molecules, and produces the by-product

oxygen. Algae produce an estimated 30-50% of the net global oxygen available to humans

and other terrestrial life. Although they are not as complex as plants, they play the same role

in the ecosystem as primary producers. They are at the base of the food chain, and the

existence of nearly all marine life (whales, seals, fish, turtles, shrimps, lobsters, clams,

octopuses, worms etc.. The list goes on) depends upon seaweeds and phytoplankton. It’s
estimated that 2-10% of global primary production is a result of seaweeds, which may not

sound like a lot, but it’s pretty impressive when seaweeds inhabit such a small area.Seaweeds

create structure and habitat that provides shelter and food for thousands of marine creatures,

such as fish, sea urchins and crustaceans. They also support commercial fisheries, are used in

foods, cosmetics and medicines, and protect our coasts by reducing wave action and storm

surges. It’s important for us to monitor them so we can understand and manage these vital

resources sustainably.

Origin and Distribution: Needless to say, the taxonomic classification of algae is

still the source of constant changes and controversies, in view of the recent new information

provided by molecular techniques (Van den Hoek et al. 1995). The recent study by John

(1994), suggests that there are around 36000 known species of algae and represent only about

17% of the existing species. According to Dring (1982) over 90% of the species of marine

plants are algae and roughly 50% of the global photosynthesis on the plant group is algal

derived (John, 1994). Thus every second molecule of oxygen the humans inhale is produced

by an alga, and every second molecule of carbon dioxide they exhale is reused by an alga

(Melkonian1995). In earlier days, usages of these marine aquatic plants otherwise called

weeds (Marine algae) were not understood well. Hence the name was given to these marine

plants/ weeds as “Seaweeds”. Now, the utilities of the marine plants (marine algae) have been

studied well in various forms and are being used in day today life of human beings. The name

“Seaweeds” is already popular among the scientists and people and so it is difficult to change

the name “Seaweeds”. But in scientific literature, some scientists use the term “Marine

Plants” here and there and however the term ‘Seaweeds” is widely accepted. More than the

name, the utilization and plenty of applications of these seaweeds are important. Seaweeds

naturally grow in seawater and their growth is greater where nutrition and sunlight are
adequate. Earth has 71% of marine water and harbour huge quantity of marine plants. Marine

plants include phytoplankton, cyanobacteria, seaweeds and sea grasses, and among these

seaweeds are known for the better livelihood option to the coastal community (Subba Rao

2012). Seaweeds flourish in shallow or near shore waters of sea, estuaries and also in the

brackish water environments, wherever dead corals, rocks, stones, pebbles and any other

suitable substrata are available for their attachment. Further they are one among the

renewable and economically valuable marine resources (Chapman and Chapman 1980, Tseng

1981). Subba Rao et al. (2009, 2016) have reviewed the benefits of seaweeds for human

welfare in which the usage of seaweeds as human food, animal fodder, manure for crops,

medicines and phycocolloids (agar, alginate and carrageenan) has been elucidated and this

paper deals with the additional relevant information not covered in the earlier review.

The seaweeds are distributed horizontally in different zonations viz. Supra tidal (supra

littoral), intertidal (littoral) and subtidal (sub littoral) regions of the seas and oceans

(Stephenson and Stephenson 1949). Green seaweeds are most commonly found in the

intertidal zone. Common green seaweeds are species of Ulva (sea lettuce), Enteromorpha

(green string lettuce), Chaetomorpha, Codium and Caulerpa. Brown seaweeds inhabit in the

tidal or upper subtidal zone. Common brown seaweeds are species of Sargassum, Laminaria,

Turbinaria and Dictyota. Red seaweeds grow in subtidal waters. Common red seaweeds are

species of Gracilaria, Gelidiella, Eucheuma, Ceramium and Acanthophora. The blue green

algae grow in supra tidal region mostly as colonies and sometimes they occur as epiphytes on

other algae. Common blue green algae are species of Lyngbya, Spirulina and Oscilatorai

(Chapman and Chapman 1980, Dawson 1966, Levring et al. 1969, Tseng 2001).

Test
This study selects three plants. The plant models will be sprinkled by a seaweed extract to

make the soil absorb the beneficial microbes for fertilizing. For two weeks they will be

observed and checked regularly to monitor and record their growth.

The results will be used and served as a reference in proving the effectiveness of

seaweed extract as an organic fertilizer.

Preparations

The preparation of material is not a hard way to do in making organic fertilizer out of

seaweed extract. First, prepare the main ingredient, which is the seaweed. Ensure that the

seaweed is free of insects to make sure that the plant will not be put in danger.

Second, the seaweeds will be chopped down into small pieces. The seaweeds was put in a

clean container altogether and was checked again to make sure that the seaweed is free of

anything. Lastly, make sure that the place where the product will be made is clean. And the

procedure in making it can now start.

Histochemical Compositions

Seaweeds are known as a highly nutritive food containing vitamin, protein, mineral,

fiber contents, and essential fatty acids. Seaweeds contains 80–90 % water and their dry

weight basis contains 50 % carbohydrates, 1–3 % lipids, and 7–38 % minerals. Their protein

contents are highly variable (10–47 %) with high proportions of essential amino acids.

Extracts derived from algae contain such components as polysaccharides (e.g., galactan,

fucoidan, alginate, and laminarin), proteins (e.g., lectins), polyunsaturated fatty acids

(PUFAs), pigments (e.g., chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins), polyphenols (e.g.,

phenolic acids, flavonoids, cinnamic acid, isoflavones, benzoic acid, and lignans, quercetin),

minerals (e.g., K, Mg, Ca, and Na), and plant growth hormones (e.g., cytokinins, auxins,

gibberellins, and abscisic acid). Seaweed liquid extracts have become more significant in

agriculture as foliar sprays because they contain promoting hormones or trace elements (Fe,

Cu, Zn, and Mn) which, added to the soil or applied to seeds, stimulate plant growth .

Related Studies

Foreign Related Studies

A Study on the Effects of Seaweed Extracts on Crop Plants and Microbes , Arun D ,

Gayathri P. K. , Chandran M. and Yuvaraj D.(2014).

The researchers conducted a study about the effects of seaweed extracts on crop

plants and microbes. This Study aims to find the effect of seaweed extract on plant

germination, toxicity and the future perspective of its usage as bio fertilizer. The seaweed

liquid fertilizer was prepared from three seaweeds. The extracts were tested against gram

positive and gram negative bacteria in agar well diffusion and disc diffusion method. All the

three seaweeds did not showed any effect on growth of both gram positive and gram negative

bacteria. Hence it denoted that, it has no effect on growth of microorganisms at any

concentration level. From this it is concluded that, it is not harmful to the native

microorganisms present in the soil, which helps in enrichment of fertility in the soil without

affecting its native helpful bacteria and microorganism.

Seeds of both Abelmoschus esculentus and Solanum lycopersicum were treated with 3

different seaweed liquid fertilizers as described elsewere. Petri plates were sterilized to avoid
spoilage of seeds, and then filter paper was placed to provide support and hold moisture for

the germination of seeds. Each plate is placed with three seeds of Abelmoschus esculentus

and Solanum lycopersicum respectively. Five different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, 100) of

seaweed liquid fertilizer is poured on each plate with respect to the seaweed and seeds. The

seeds were placed over filter paper and then, these were incubated at room temperature. The

plates were kept separately with 12 hours of dark and 12 hours of light. The seeds were

monitored for germination after three days and the growth of the seedlings were observed

after a period of one week from the day of treatment. After the observation of germination

and growth of seedlings in the plate which were treated with different concentration of liquid

fertilizers, various parameters such as number of leaves, height of the shoot, length of the

root, number of lateral roots were measured. A plate with water instead of liquid fertilizer is

kept as control.

The results showed that there is an increase in rate of germination of seeds at lower

concentration and it reduces at higher concentration. Similar results were obtained 7 on

Abelmoschus esculentus by 10% of the extract of Sargassum myryocystem. The Extract of

Dictyota dichotoma was found effective in increasing the growth of roots and shoots, number

of roots at lower level concentration . Similar observations were made in Cajanus cajan . In

this study lower concentration of seaweeds extracts showed increased germination with

respect to their species and seeds of crop plant. The highest concentrations exhibit lower seed

germination and the lowest concentration showed higher seed germination. No doubt that

seaweed is one of the most fascinating, mysterious and complex living resource of the oceans

and we still need to unveil many things from these wonder weeds. Many uses of seaweeds are

published and many of the records are in specialized journals that are not accessible to the

common man. The researchers came up with the conclusion that Seaweed extract, which gave

better results at lower concentration, shall be utilized at very high dilution rate in agricultural
field to enhance the rate of germination of seeds. It will not affect native useful

microorganisms present in soil.

Local Related Studies

The coralline reefs, rocky shores, coves, protected and wave-exposed coasts and

estuarine areas of the Philippines represent widely diverse habitats for the marine flora and

fauna(Diversity of the seaweed flora of the Philippines and its utilization, Gavino T., 1999).

Because oligotrophic waters and high rainfall characterize the archipelago, the marine waters

around the islands are enriched by nutrients leached from terrestrial sources. The advent of

the typhoon season also causes the vertical mixing of nutrient rich bottom waters, which

contribute further to the enhancement of the fertility of the coastal waters. Among the more

conspicuous marine organisms in the near shore and shallow areas are the macro benthic

fauna and flora. The floral components are represented by three groups of primary producers,

the mangroves, sea grasses and the macro benthic algae, the seaweeds.

One of the priority thrusts of the Government under the Agrikulturang Makamasa

Program for Fisheries is the development, utilization and management of the seaweed

resource in the Philippines (Salvacion et.al. 2002, Ferrer,2006). Seaweed is one of the major

fisheries commodities targeted to enhance the country's economic stability. The importance

of seaweed can be seen in two perspectives, that of ecological and economic importance. In

terms of ecological importance, seaweed is one of the primary producers in the marine

ecosystem and it also serves as habitat and breeding ground for many marine organisms.

Economically, seaweed is an important source of human food and raw materials for

phycocolloid production, such as carrageenan, agar and algin. Several reports and studies

revealed that seaweeds are also used as fodder, fertilizer and for waste water treatment (i.e.
biofiltration, bioremediation). In totality, the seaweed resource contributes substantially to the

country's fisheries production, trade and employment (Salvacion et.al. 2002, Ferrer,2006).

A compilation of 820 species of marine macrobenthic algae, which include many

species of Cyanophyta, was published by Silva et al. (1987). These consist of 472 species of

Rhodophyta, belonging to 37 families and 11 orders, 134 species of Phaeophyta, belonging to

10 families and 7 orders, and 214 species of Chlorophyta, belonging to 11 families and 7

orders. Of the three divisions, the Rhodophyta is the most diverse representing 57.6%of the

entire flora, the Chlorophyceae 26.1% and the least diverse is the Phaeophyta representing

only 16.3%. Not with standing their small representation in the flora, members of the

Phaeophyta are the most common and abundant, in terms of standing stock. About 15–20%

of the binomials appear to be incorrect identifications or synonyms; for instance, some 56

species of Sargassum are listed, but recent monographic studies of the genus have recognised

only 28 species, eight of which were described as new species. More recently, publications

by Trono & Ganzon-Fortes (1988) and Trono (1997) have contributed to the flora.

The farming of seaweeds is presently one of the most productive and environmentally

friendly forms of livelihood among the coastal populations. Major farming areas are

concentrated in the south-western part of the country, specifically in the provinces of Sulu,

Tawi-Tawi, southern Palawan and Zamboanga. Minor production areas are located in

northern Bohol, Cebu, Cuyo Island group in the northern Sulu Sea, Calatagan in Batangas

and northern Mindanao. It is estimated that about 80000 farmers cultivate more than 10000

ha of the shallow coastal areas. In addition, more than 300000 people are engaged in

activities related to the seaweed industry, as employees of seaweed companies, entrepreneurs

and small scale business personnel catering to the needs of the seaweed farming industry. At

present seaweed farming is based on just a few species such as K. alvarezii, E. denticulatum,

Caulerpa lentillifera and some species of Gracilaria. The farming of these species is a
relatively recent development. Prior to the mid-1960s, the supply of dried carrageenophytes

for carrageenan production came from Indonesia through the harvesting of local stocks. In the

second half of the 1960s, the supply from Indonesia stopped, due to political problems, and

an American seaweed company was forced to seek alternative sources of dried seaweeds in

the Philippines. However, because of the unabated harvesting, local wild stocks declined

drastically. The prospect of running out of raw material was the main factor that influenced

the development of farming technology. The first successful farm for Kappaphycus and

Eucheumat, worth some US$30.12 million dollars. In 1996, 46953 dry t, consisting of dried

seaweeds (53.8%), semi-refined (41.1%) and refined carrageenans (5.1%) and valued at US$

146.434 million, were exported to Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States. At

present seaweeds and their products are the third most important fishery export of the

Philippines. Other species produced in relatively smaller quantities are: C. lentillifera,

Gracilaria spp. and Gelidiella acerosa. Production of C. lentillifera is mainly through pond

and open lagoon cultures, production of Gracilaria spp. is through pond culture and

gathering of local stocks while production of G. acerosa and Sargassumspp. is mainly from

harvesting local stocks.

Difference: The first studies (Study on the Effects of Seaweed Extracts on Crop Plants and

Microbes) was focused in finding the effect of seaweed extract on plant germination, toxicity

and the future perspective of its usage as bio fertilizer while the second study (Diversity of

the seaweed flora of the Philippines and its utilization) gives information about Seaweed

farming as a livelihood.

The difference between all the studies

Similarities: The two studies present the classifications of seaweed as an effective organic

liquid fertilizer.

k.jhvukycriuytsvyerafxsytcrghvfbogunilkhmj[opl
Conceptual Framework
Schematic Diagram

Enhancing Soil
Fertility

Seaweed
Extract Growth of a
vegetable plant

Research Hypotheses

Ha: There are agricultural biostimulants found in seaweed that can be used in enhancing soil

fertility.

Ho: There are no agricultural biostimulants found in seaweed that can be used in enhancing

soil fertility.

Defenition of Key Terms

The following are terms used by the researchers and defined conceptuality

Algae. A diverse group of aquatic organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis.

Certain algae are familiar to most people; for instance, seaweeds (such as kelp or

phytoplankton), pond scum or the algal blooms in lakes.

Decomposition. The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler

organic matter. The process is a part of the nutrient cycle and is essential for recycling the

finite matter that occupies physical space in the biosphere.

Extract. A substance taken from a plant, flower, etc. and used especially in food or medicine.

Fertilizer. A fertilizer is any material of natural or synthetic origin hat is applied to soil to

plant tissues to supple one more plant nutrients essential to growth of plants. Are simply

applied to agricultural fields to supplement required elements found naturally in the soil.

Germination. The process by which an organism grows from a seed or similar structure. The

most common example of germination is the sprouting of a seedling form a seed of an

angiosperm or gymnosperm.

Organic. A natural matter or compounds with a carbon based, and also refers to food and

meat green or raised without chemicals or pesticides. Natural plant matter is an example of

something that would be described as organic.

Photosynthesis. The process by which plants, some bacteria and some protistans use the

energy from the sunlight to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This glucose can

be converted into pyruvate which releases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by cellular

respiration. Oxygen is also formed.

Seaweed. Any of numerous multicellular marine algae that grow on the seashore, in salt

marshes, in brackish water, or submerges in the ocean.

 Chapter III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This chapter presents the research method and procedures to be used in the study. It

also presents the procedural flowchart, research design, research setting, data gathering,

procedures, and data gathering instruments.

A. Materials and Equipments

a.1. Materials

 2kg Seaweed

 Half bucket of fresh water( 2 litres)

 Spray Container

 Bucket with a lid

 Flour bag

B. Research layout and Design

The study used Randomized Complete Block Design for the treatments. Before

conducting the experiment, the researchers extracted the liquid fertilizer using the method

belo. The specie used for extraction is the Finger Algae (Codium Fragile) .
Procedural Flow Chart

Collection and Preparation of Materials

Preparation of Treatments and Replications

Preaparation of Test Organisms

Collection of Data

Interpretation Of Data

Procedure
A. Preparation and collection of materials
1. Gathering of materials

-You’ll need about 1kg of seaweed, 1L (4 glass) of fresh water, spray container, and a bucket

with lid.

2. Preparation

-The researchers will rinse the seaweed to remove some of the excess salt. Grind the

seaweed.
3. Fill the bucket halfway with fresh water

- Add the seaweed to the bucket. Don’t fill the bucket more than half way, and don’t pack the

seaweeds down. Conceal the bucket with a lid.

4. Stir the compound daily

- Stir it at least once a day. This will also ensure that everything is moving around the way it

should.

5. Soaking the seaweed

- Allow it to soak for 3 weeks.

6. Straining

- To strain, line a second bucket with a flour bag or large piece of cloth. Wrap the bag or

cloth around and pull it out of the water. Squeeze the bag gently to remove the excess.

7. Transfer the extract to a spray bottle ton as foliar spray

- A foliar spray is something that gets applied directly to the leaves of a plant. It’s important

to use the compound when it’s fresh.

B. Preparation of treatments and Replication

The
Treatment 1:
Treatment 2:
Treatment 3:
C. Preparation of Test Organisms
E. Collection of Data