Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Soil is an essential organic matter and a natural resource in which most

plant grows. It provides the systematic support and nutrient supply for plants that

are used in agriculture. Environmental problems such as soil erosion and

desertification have resulted in poor soil quality, depletion of crop yields,

economic crisis, deprivation, unemployment and urban rural migration (Usman,

2011). These negative impacts are caused by infertility, a loss of nutrient

elements and compounds in adequate amount which is aggravated by eroding

soil surface (Amer et. al., 2014).

Meanwhile, organic fertilizers are derived materials from animal and plant

waste (Kumar et. al., 1979). In addition to this, the use of chicken manure, an

organic fertilizer, would help to control and enhance the productivity of the soil.

According to McCall (1980), chicken manure are rich in nutrients which can be

used as an essential soil conditioner. It contains much nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium which are highly crucial to plant growth. It also increases the moisture-

holding and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil. Furthermore, the utilization of

chicken manure as an organic fertilizer is vital in improving soil productivity and

crop production (Dikinya & Mufwanzala, 2010).

Furthermore, rice water also benefits the productivity of the soil. In fact,

rice water has an effect on increasing the number of leaves and plant height.
Based on the study of Yulianingsih (2017), one of the contents of rice water is

phosphorus which is a macronutrient that is needed by plants.

In addition, organic matter acts as a source of nutrients and soil water,

helps to reduce compaction and crusting of the surface, and improves water

absorption into the soil. Wherein, it can improve the plant growth, tree

physiology, root growth and other physical properties (Black, 2009). Also,

according to (McCauley, 2009), plant nutrient availability is greatly influenced by

the soil pH which means individual plants and soil organisms also vary in their

tolerance to alkaline and/or acid soil conditions. Neutral conditions appear to be

best for crop growth. However, optimum pH conditions for individual crops will

vary

In this study, the researchers focused on the utilization of chicken

manure and rice water as a soil enhancer. They have also examined the

presence of soil constituents specifically the Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and

Potassium in the soil. This study would be very beneficial as one of the solutions

in identifying problems in the soil by using organic and household waste.

Statement of the Problem

This study sought to answer the following question in order for the

researcher to determine the efficacy of using rice water and chicken manure as

soil enhancer:

1. What is the soil analysis results of the soil samples in terms of:

1.1. (N) Nitrogen;

1.2. (P) Phosphorus; and

 1.3. (K) Potassium

before the application of treatments?

2. What is the soil analysis progress of the following soil samples:

2.1. S1 = Rice water;

2.2. S2 = Rice water + Chicken manure; and

2.3. S3 = Chicken manure.

as observed in 2nd day, 4th day, and 6th day after the application of

treatment?

3. Is there a significant difference on the soil analysis before and after the

application of treatment?

Hypothesis

H0; There is no significant difference on the soil analysis before and after

the application of the treatment.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focused mainly on the determination of soil constituents

presents in the soil namely the Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. The

researcher also sought to determine the significant difference on the soil analysis

before and after the integration of chicken manure and rice water to the soil

sample.

The study was conducted at General Santos City National High School,

Calumpang, General Santos City. The chicken manure was collected from the

Southern Venture Poultry Farm located at Barangay Apopong, General Santos

City. And also, the rice water was collected from the researchers’ household.
Significance of the Study

The benefits and beneficiaries of the result of this study are the following:

Farmers. This study would help them in dealing soil problems by utilizing

organic and household waste instead of using chemical fertilizer or enhancer.

Poultry owners. The manures from their poultry farm would be useful by

using it as an organic soil enhancer. They can benefit from it by using the

manures in an eco-friendly way.

Environmentalists. They would benefit from it and would promote the

use of organic waste and household waste as an alternative soil enhancer.

Researchers. They would benefit from it using the information of this

study to determine the efficacy of chicken manure and rice water as soil

enhancer. They can use the results in this study to know the presence of

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium before and after the application of chicken

manure and rice water in soil

Future researchers. This study would be a great help to those

researchers who will venture on soil analysis and determining the efficacy of

chicken manure and rice water as soil enhancer. They can cite this research as a

reference for their own study.