Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Fertilizers were crucial to the production of healthy crops in the

agricultural sector. Fertilizers provide essential plant nutrients including
potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen. The majority of our small farmers,
however, are unable to purchase these fertilizers due to their high cost. Aside
from posing risks to human health and the environment, inorganic fertilizer
can also contaminate the land and water.

A more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to inorganic fertilizers

is the use of indigenous microorganisms as fertilizers. Indigenous
microorganisms refer to beneficial microorganisms that are naturally present
in the local environment, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microbes. These
microorganisms can also be found in various organic materials, such as soil,
compost, and animal manure, and contain various beneficial microorganisms
like lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and photosynthetic bacteria that can promote
plant growth by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, and
producing plant growth hormones (Park et al., 2021). These microorganisms
can help improve soil fertility, promote plant growth, and enhance nutrient
cycling, while reducing the risks associated with chemical fertilizers. In
addition to being affordable, the use of indigenous microorganisms as
fertilizers can also have positive impacts on human health and the
environment, making them a promising option for small farmers facing
challenges with traditional fertilizer use. In recent years, the use of IMO in
agriculture has gained attention due to its potential to enhance soil fertility and
reduce the dependence on synthetic inputs.

Pechay (Brassica rapa chinensis) is a widely cultivated leafy vegetable

in the Philippines and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. However,
the use of synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides in petchay
1
production can have adverse effects on soil quality and the environment. The
excessive use of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and
pollution, while the use of pesticides can affect the natural balance of soil
microorganisms and lead to resistance development in pests (Pirzadah et al.,
2021). Therefore, alternative, and sustainable methods to produce pechay are
needed.

Several studies have investigated the use of IMO in pechay production

in various parts of the country, and promising results have been reported in
terms of enhancing plant growth and yield (Sugiyama et al., 2022). The
application of IMO has been found to increase the availability of nutrients in
the soil, promote root development, and enhance the activity of beneficial
microorganisms in the soil. Furthermore, the use of IMO has been shown to
reduce the incidence of pests and diseases in crops, which can lead to
reduced use of pesticides.

In this study, the researchers aimed to investigate the effectiveness of

indigenous microorganisms (IMO) on the growth performance of pechay
plants in Poblacion, Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Specifically, the effect of IMO on
pechay growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, and biomass
production were evaluated. The results of this study could contribute to the
development of sustainable agriculture practices and provide local farmers
with alternative methods to improve crop productivity without harming the
environment.

2
 Statement of the Problem

Generally, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of Indigenous

microorganisms on the growth performance of pechay (Brassica rapa
chinensis).
To be specific this study sought out answers to the following questions:
1. What are the growth improvement of pechay in different treatments in
terms of:
a) Plant height
b) Number of leaves
c) Average weight of pechay
2. Is there a significant difference among treatments in term of:

a) Plant height
b) Number of leaves
c) Average weight of pechay
3. Which of the treatments is the most effective fertilizer for pechay?

Objectives of the study

The main objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of

indigenous microorganisms on the growth performance of pechay plants in
Poblacion, Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. To measure the growth improvement of pechay in different treatments

in terms of:
a) Plant height
b) Number of leaves
c) Average weight of pechay

2. To determine the significant difference among treatments in terms of:

3
 a) Plant height
b) Number of leaves
c) Average weight of pechay
3. To identify which treatment is the most effective fertilizer for the growth
of pechay.

Significance of the study

The findings of this research will be significant to the following

beneficiaries:
Local farmers. This research will provide farmers with an alternative and

sustainable way to enhance the growth and yield of pechay plants, which may

reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers may

also be able to save money on fertilizer and pesticide costs by using IMO

formulations.

Environment. The use of IMO as fertilizer may help to reduce the negative

impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on the environment, such as soil

degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Researchers. This research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge

on the use of IMO as fertilizer in agriculture, which may lead to further

research and development in this area

4
 Scope and Delimitation of the study

This study aims to determine the effect of Indigenous Microorganism

(IMO on the growth performance of pechay in Poblacion, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

The study will focus on the use of IMO as an organic fertilizer and its potential

in enhancing the growth and yield of pechay. This study will only focus on the

effect of IMO on the growth of pechay in Poblacion, Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Other

factors that may affect the growth and yield of pechay such as temperature,

soil nutrients, and water availability will not be considered in this study. The

study will also be limited to the use of four treatments and three replicates,

which may not represent the full range of IMO formulations that can be used

in organic farming. The study will only be conducted in one location and may

not be generalizable to other regions or areas with different soil types and

environmental conditions. Lastly, the study will only evaluate the effect of IMO

on the growth of pechay and will not consider its effect on the plant's

nutritional content or the soil microbial population.

5
 Definition of terms

 Ammonium phosphate. Are the compounds containing nitrogen and

phosphorus that are usually produced through the neutralization reaction of
phosphoric acid and ammonia.

Ammonium sulfate. Is an inorganic sulfate salt obtained by reaction of

sulfuric acid with two equivalents of ammonia.

Conceptual framework. Is a representation of the relationship you

expect to see between your variables, or the characteristics or properties that
you want to study.

Concoction. A combination of fermented rice and brown sugar mixed

into a liquid so they can be used as soil fertilizer.

Fermentation. is a process in which sugars are transformed into a new

product through chemical reactions carried out by microorganisms.

Fertilizer. It is defined as any material, organic or inorganic, natural or

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

Indigenous Microorganism. A group of innate microbial consortium that

inhabits the soil and the surfaces of all living things inside, and outside which
have the potentiality in biodegradation, bioleaching, bio composting, nitrogen
fixation, improving soil fertility and as well in the production of plant growth
hormones.

Inorganic fertilizer. Is synthetic, comprised of minerals and synthetic

chemicals.

Microorganisms. An organism that can be seen only through a

microscope.

6
 Organic fertilizer. Refers to those organic amendments applied to soils,
other than direct deposition of excreta by grazing animals, and includes
animal manure, sewage sludge and compost, along with rendering waste,
guano, brewery waste, digestate and other bio-wastes.

Pechay Plant. A leafy, shallow-rooted, cool-season crop but can stand

higher temperatures given it is exposed to enough moisture.

Soil fertility. Is the ability to sustain plant growth by providing essential

plant nutrients and favorable chemical, physical and biological characteristics.

Yield. A standard measurement of the amount of agricultural

production harvested—yield of a crop—per unit of land area.

7
 Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents a thorough review of the relevant literature on

the utilization of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) in agriculture and their
impact on the growth of pechay plants. Firstly, the pivotal role of
microorganisms in agriculture is discussed, followed by an overview of the
pechay plant and its nutritional benefits. Lastly, recent studies on the effects
of indigenous microorganisms on plant growth are scrutinized.

Microorganisms in Agriculture

Microorganisms play a vital role in maintaining the soil ecosystem and

are essential for the growth and development of plants. The use of indigenous
microorganisms in agriculture has gained attention as an alternative to
chemical fertilizers and pesticides (Bhardwaj et al., 2014). Indigenous
microorganisms are naturally occurring microorganisms that can be found in
soil, water, and other organic materials. They are used to enhance soil fertility,
suppress pests and diseases, and promote plant growth.

Recent studies have investigated the potential of indigenous

microorganisms in promoting plant growth and increasing crop yield. For
instance, a study by Wu et al. (2021) found that the application of indigenous
microorganisms increased the nutrient uptake of cucumber plants and
improved soil fertility. Similarly, a study by Hussain et al. (2020) showed that
the application of indigenous microorganisms increased the growth and yield
of wheat crops.

In recent years, studies have shown that microorganisms play a crucial

role in the growth and development of plants. One such study conducted by
Singh et al. (2020) investigated the effect of different bacterial strains on the
growth of mustard plants. The results indicated that inoculation with certain
strains led to a significant increase in plant height, shoot and root biomass,

8
and chlorophyll content. The authors attributed these findings to the
production of plant growth-promoting substances such as indole acetic acid
and siderophores by the bacteria.

Another study by Kuklinsky-Sobral et al. (2021) explored the potential

of microbial consortia to improve crop productivity and resilience under
stressful conditions. The researchers isolated various microorganisms from
the rhizosphere of maize plants and identified specific combinations that could
enhance plant growth and increase resistance to water scarcity and high
temperatures. The authors concluded that microbial consortia could serve as
a promising alternative to traditional fertilizers and pesticides, offering a more
sustainable and eco-friendly approach to agriculture.

Pechay Plant

Pechay or Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) is a leafy

vegetable that is commonly consumed in Asian countries. It is a rich source of
vitamins A, C, and K and is known for its health benefits, including its potential
to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease (Yan et al., 2017). Pechay is a
fast-growing plant that can be cultivated in a variety of soil types and is a
suitable crop for small-scale farming.

Several recent studies have investigated the growth and yield of

pechay plants under different environmental conditions. For instance, a study
by Jumelita et al. (2019) found that the growth and yield of pechay plants
were significantly affected by changes in soil moisture levels. Another study
by Shahzad et al. (2020) investigated the effects of different soil types on the
growth and yield of pechay plants and found that the plant growth and yield
were influenced by soil type.

A recent study conducted by Agullo et al. (2021) investigated the

effects of microbial inoculants on the growth of pechay plants under controlled
conditions. The researchers applied a mixture of three different bacteria to the
soil and monitored plant growth parameters such as height, leaf area, and
biomass. The results showed that inoculation led to a significant increase in

9
plant height, leaf area, and biomass compared to control plants. The authors
attributed these findings to the ability of the bacteria to produce plant growth-
promoting substances and improve nutrient availability in the soil.

Another study by Rivera-Mendoza et al. (2019) examined the impact of

indigenous microorganisms on the growth and yield of pechay plants in the
Philippines. The researchers applied a mixture of microorganisms isolated
from the soil to the plant rhizosphere and evaluated plant growth parameters
such as height, leaf number, and yield. The results indicated that the
application of indigenous microorganisms led to a significant increase in plant
height, leaf number, and yield compared to control plants. The authors
suggested that the use of indigenous microorganisms could serve as a
sustainable and cost-effective approach to improve crop productivity in
smallholder farms.

Effects of Indigenous Microorganisms on Plant Growth

Several recent studies have investigated the effects of indigenous

microorganisms on plant growth, particularly in enhancing nutrient uptake and
increasing biomass production. In a study by Nandakumar et al. (2015), the
application of a mixture of IMO and vermicompost resulted in significant
increases in plant height, leaf area, and biomass of tomato plants. Similarly, a
study by Bhardwaj et al. (2014) showed that the application of IMO
significantly increased the growth parameters of mung bean plants, including
shoot length, root length, and biomass.

Another study by Shrestha et al. (2019) investigated the effects of

indigenous microorganisms on the growth and yield of cauliflower plants. The
results showed that the application of IMO significantly increased the growth
parameters of cauliflower plants, including the number of leaves, stem
diameter, and biomass. A study by Saleem et al. (2021) investigated the
effects of indigenous microorganisms on the growth and yield of lettuce plants
and found that the application of IMO increased the plant height, leaf area,
and biomass of lettuce plants.

10
 A study conducted by Kim et al. (2020) investigated the impact of
indigenous microorganisms on the growth and nutrient uptake of Chinese
cabbage plants. The researchers inoculated the soil with a mixture of
microorganisms isolated from the cabbage rhizosphere and evaluated plant
growth parameters such as height, leaf area, and nutrient content. The results
showed that inoculation led to a significant increase in plant height, leaf area,
and nutrient uptake compared to control plants. The authors attributed these
findings to the ability of the indigenous microorganisms to enhance soil
nutrient availability and improve plant growth promotion.

Another study by Subramanian et al. (2021) explored the potential of

indigenous microorganisms to improve the growth and yield of tomato plants.
The researchers applied a microbial inoculant consisting of bacteria and fungi
isolated from the tomato rhizosphere to the soil and evaluated plant growth
parameters such as height, biomass, and yield. The results showed that
inoculation with the microbial inoculant led to a significant increase in plant
height, biomass, and yield compared to control plants. The authors suggested
that the use of indigenous microorganisms could serve as a sustainable and
eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, providing a cost-effective
approach to improve crop productivity.

11
Conceptual Framework

The schematic diagram shows the independent variable which is the

Indigenous microorganism and while the dependent variable is Growth
performance of pechay (Brassica rapa chinensis) as depicted in figure 1.

Figure 1. The schematic diagram of the study

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Indigenous Microorganisms Growth performance of pechay

(IMO) (Brassica rapa chinensis)
- Plant height
- Number of leaves
- Average weight of
pechay

Hypothesis
1. There is no significant difference among treatments in terms of:
a) Plant height
b) Number of leaves
c) Average weight of pechay
2. There is a significant difference among treatments in terms of:
a) Plant Height
b) Number of leaves
c) Average weight of pechay

12
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter provides an overview of the research design, data

gathering procedure and collection, and data analysis.

Research design

The experimental research design was applied in this investigation to

assess the effectiveness of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) as a fertilizer
on the growth performance of pechay plants. The following were included in
the experimental design: Control group - This group served as the norm,
receiving no treatment. Treatment group: This group received indigenous
microorganisms as fertilizer and chemical fertilizer.

Experimental Design and Treatments

A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was implemented, where

the experimental units were divided into blocks to account for potential
variability in environmental conditions. Each treatment was replicated three
times within each block. The following treatments were included:

T1: Control group

T2: Organic fertilizer (IMO)

T3: Inorganic fertilizer (14-14-14)

The treatments were randomly assigned to different plots within each

block to minimize potential bias and confounding factors. The allocation of
treatments to plots was conducted in a random manner.

Data Gathering Procedure and Collection

The effect of the different treatments on the pechay plants was

evaluated using growth and yield parameters such as plant height, number of

13
leaves, and average length and width of its leaves in each treatment. The
height of all plants in each pot was measured using a tape measure from the
base up to the tip of the longest leaf after transplanting. Plant height was
measured during the experiment. The pechay was harvested through hand
picking. The number of leaves in each treatment was counted, while the
weight of the pechay in each treatment was weighed using a 900-g capacity
balance and recorded. This design was planned for the experiment
conducted.

IMO Collection

One kilogram of milled rice was cooked and cooled. Milled rice was
used in this study because of its high carbohydrate content, which can attract
a diversity of good microorganisms. The cooked rice was placed in a split
bamboo internode, covered with manila paper, and secured with masking
tape. The split bamboo internode was also covered with a clean plastic wrap
to prevent water from entering the bamboo. The covered split bamboo
internode was planted in the ground beneath a bamboo grove, in a grassy
area, or somewhere with a thick accumulation of decomposing plant residues.
The bamboo was then left untouched for five days. After five days, white
molds formed, and the IMO was ready to harvest.

Fermentation and Preparation of IMO Concoction

The rice in the box was transferred to a large container or plastic pail
for fermentation. If black and blue-green molds occurred, they were removed
using gloves to lessen the undesirable microorganisms that entered the
fermented rice. One kilogram of brown sugar was added and thoroughly
mixed with the rice in the round bucket. Brown sugar was added to increase
the further fermentation of the rice to form a concoction. It was covered with
manila paper and secured with a rubber band. It was stored in a secure place
for six days to ferment. After six days, the ferment was transferred to a plastic
bottle and labeled as IMO concoction.

Seedling Production

14
 Pechay seeds were sown in a seedling pot containing soil. The seeds
were placed in the middle of the pot, and rice straw was added to protect
them. After four days, the rice straw was removed, and humus soil was added
to the seedling pot. The seedlings were watered daily to keep the soil moist.
After 10 days, the seedlings were ready for transplanting.

Transplanting

Each pot contained one kilogram of humus soil, a perfect soil for
growing pechay plants due to its organic composition. There were three
replicates for each treatment, with four pots in each replicate. 12-day-old
seedlings were transplanted into the pots, with one seedling per pot. The
transplanted seedlings were watered and placed in the bamboo table garden.
The seedlings were assigned randomly and labeled per replicate in each
treatment.

Application of IMO Concoction and Inorganic Fertilizer

Concoction was prepared by mixing the IMO in accordance with the

treatments in a liter of distilled water thoroughly prior to application. A sprayer
was used as the instrument to apply the concoction directly on the soil. The
concoction was applied five days after transplanting with the assigned
treatments per replicates.

For Treatment 3, inorganic fertilizer using Complete fertilizer (14-14-14)

was applied five days after transplanting. The application was done after 5
days. It was applied thrice every ten days in the experiment.

Other Cultural Management Practices

The plants were watered every morning and afternoon of the day to
ensure normal growth of the plants. Weeds were removed weekly. There was
no spraying of insecticide to avoid killing the IMO.

Data Analysis

15
 Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and
confidence intervals were used to compare the growth improvement of
pechay in different treatments.

To test the hypothesis, a one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) was

conducted to determine if there was a significant difference among the
treatments in terms of plant height, number of leaves, and average weight. If
the ANOVA showed a significant difference, a post-hoc test was used to
identify which treatments were significantly different from the others.

16
 Chapter 4
RESULT AND ANALYSIS

The results of the experiment conducted to determine the effect of

indigenous microorganisms (IMO) in the growth performance of pechay
(Brassica rapa chinensis) were shown in the following parameters that were
analyzed using the Analysis of Variance in Randomized Complete Block
Design (RCBD), average growth in plant height, total number, and weight of
leaves.

Table 1 shows the data collected on how the Pechay plant grow after a

couple of days on different treatments; Organic fertilizer, control group, and

Inorganic fertilizer in terms of height in centimeter within the first to 10 days

after implanting the seedlings.

Table 1. The effects on the growth of Pechay plant on different treatments in

terms of height in centimeters every 10 days after the application of the
treatments.
PLANT’S AVERAGE HEIGHT (cm)
TREATMENTS DAY 1O DAY 20 DAY 30 MEAN
Control group 7.45 15.885 20.0825 14.4725
Organic fertilizer
8.25 16.6575 20.965 15.29083
Inorganic fertilizer 8.315 16.64 21.005 15.32

As shown in the table 1, the growth of Pechay plants under different

treatments was observed over a period of 30-day, with measurements taken
at 10 days interval. The control group showed steady growth and have an
average mean of 14.4725, while the plants treated with organic have an
average mean of 15.29083 and inorganic fertilizers with an average mean of

17
15. 32 higher than the control and organic exhibited slightly higher heights.
The minimal differences between the two fertilizer treatments suggest that
their impact on plant growth is comparable. These results implies that both
types of fertilizers can effectively promote Pechay plant growth, as the plants
treated with fertilizers exhibited slightly higher heights compared to the control
group.

Table 2. The effects on the growth of Pechay plant on different treatments in

terms of number of leaves from Week 1 to Week 4.
PLANT’S AVERAGE NUMBER OF LEAVES
TREATMENTS DAY 1O DAY 20 DAY 30 MEAN
Control group 7.45 15.885 20.0825 14.4725
Organic fertilizer
8.25 16.6575 20.965 15.29083
Inorganic fertilizer 8.315 16.64 21.005 15.32

The table 2 presents the effects of different treatments on the growth of

Pechay plants, specifically in terms of the number of leaves observed over a
period of 30 days. As shown in table, it can be observed that the organic and
inorganic fertilizer treatments resulted in higher average leaf numbers
throughout the duration of the study, with means of 15.29083 and 15.32,
respectively, compared to the control group's mean of 14.4725. Based on the
findings, it can be inferred that both organic and inorganic fertilizers contribute
positively to the growth of Pechay plants compared to the control group, as
indicated by the higher average number of leaves. However, the difference in
growth between the organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments is minimal.
These results imply that the use of either type of fertilizer can enhance the
growth and leaf production of Pechay plants, suggesting their potential for
improving agricultural practices and maximizing crop yields.

Table 3. The effects on the growth of Pechay plant on different treatments in

terms of weight of Pechay plant (in grams) from the 30 days.

PLANT’S AVERAGE WEIGHT

18
 Treatments R1 R2 R3 R4 MEAN
Control Group 17.8 15.9 14.4 20.1 17.05
Organic fertilizer 20.6 18.5 21.2 17.9 19.55
Inorganic fertilizer 18.7 19.1 21.5 20.7 20

The table 3 presents the effects of different treatments on the growth of

Pechay plants in terms of their weight (in grams) over a 30-day period.

As shown in the table, the control group had average weights of 17.8g,
15.9g, 14.4g, and 20.1g across the four replicates, resulting in a mean weight
of 17.05g. The organic fertilizer treatment exhibited slightly higher average
weights, with values of 20.6g, 18.5g, 21.2g, and 17.9g for the four replicates,
resulting in a mean weight of 19.55g. The inorganic fertilizer treatment
showed the highest average weights, with values of 18.7g, 19.1g, 21.5g, and
20.7g for the four replicates, resulting in a mean weight of 20g. Based on
these findings, it can be observed that both the organic and inorganic fertilizer
treatments resulted in higher average weights of Pechay plants compared to
the control group. The inorganic fertilizer treatment showed the highest mean
weight among the treatments. These results suggest that the application of
fertilizers, whether organic or inorganic, positively influences the weight and
growth of Pechay plants. Therefore, incorporating fertilizers into Pechay
cultivation practices can potentially lead to increased plant productivity and
yield.

Table 4. Result of One-way Anova Measuring the Significant Difference

between Controlled, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Pechay plant on
terms on height in centimeter.
Data Summary
Treatments N Mean Std. Dev. Std. Error
Control group 12 14.4725 5.5183 1.593
Organic 12 15.3508 5.6439 1.6293
fertilizer
Inorganic 12 15.32 5.5575 1.6043
fertilizer

ANOVA Summary

19
 Source Sum of Mean F-Stat P-Value
DF Squares Square
Between 2 5.9625 2.9812 0.096 0.9087
Groups
Within Groups 33 1025.1015 31.0637
Total: 35 1031.064

The table 4 presents the results of a one-way ANOVA conducted to

determine the significant difference in height (in centimeters) among Pechay
plants treated with controlled, organic, and inorganic fertilizers. The data
includes the number of observations (N), the mean height, the standard
deviation (Std. Dev.), and the standard error for each treatment. The control
group had 12 observations, with a mean height of 14.4725 cm, a standard
deviation of 5.5183 cm, and a standard error of 1.593 cm. The organic
fertilizer treatment also had 12 observations, with a slightly higher mean
height of 15.3508 cm, a standard deviation of 5.6439 cm, and a standard error
of 1.6293 cm. Similarly, the inorganic fertilizer treatment had 12 observations,
with a mean height of 15.32 cm, a standard deviation of 5.5575 cm, and a
standard error of 1.6043 cm.

The ANOVA shows that the between-groups variation, which measures

the differences among the treatments, yielded a sum of squares of 5.9625
and a mean square of 2.9812. However, the F-statistic is low (0.096), and the
corresponding p-value is high (0.9087), indicating that there is no significant
difference in plant height among the treatments. Based on these results, it can
be inferred that the use of controlled, organic, or inorganic fertilizer did not
lead to a significant difference in the height of Pechay plants. Therefore, the
choice of fertilizer treatment may not have a substantial impact on the growth
and height of Pechay plants in this study. Further investigations or variations
in fertilizer types or application methods may be required to explore potential
effects on plant height in future research.

Table 5. Result of One-way Anova Measuring the Significant Difference

between Controlled, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Pechay plant in terms
of number of leaves.

20
 Data Summary
Treatments N Mean Std. Dev. Std.
Error
Control group 12 8.6667 3.3934 0.9796
Organic fertilizer 12 9.6667 3.576 1.0323
Inorganic fertilizer 12 9.25 3.7929 1.0949

ANOVA Summary
Source Sum of Mean F-Stat P-Value
DF Squares Square
Between Groups 2 6.0555 3.0278 0.2348 0.7921
Within Groups 33 425.5793 12.8963
Total: 35 431.6348

The table 5 displays the findings of a one-way ANOVA carried out to

ascertain whether there was a significant difference in the quantity of leaves
on Pechay plants treated with controlled, organic, and inorganic fertilizers. A
mean of 8.6667 leaves, a standard deviation of 3.3934, and a standard error
of 0.9796 were the results for the control group's 12 observations. Twelve
observations were made for the organic fertilizer treatment as well, with a
slightly higher mean of 9.6667 leaves, a standard deviation of 3.576, and a
standard error of 1.0323. The treatment with inorganic fertilizer yielded 12
observations, a mean of 9.25 leaves, a standard deviation of 3.7929, and a
standard error of 1.0949. The ANOVA shows that the between-groups
variation, which measures the differences among the treatments, yielded a
sum of squares of 6.0555 and a mean square of 3.0278. However, the F-
statistic is relatively low (0.2348), and the corresponding p-value is high
(0.7921), indicating that there is no significant difference in the number of
leaves among the treatments.

Based on these results, it can be inferred that the use of controlled,

organic, or inorganic fertilizer did not lead to a significant difference in the
number of leaves in Pechay plants. Therefore, the choice of fertilizer
treatment may not have a substantial impact on the leaf production of Pechay
plants in this study. Further investigations or variations in fertilizer types or

21
application methods may be required to explore potential effects on leaf
development in future research.

Table 6. Result of One-way Anova Measuring the Significant Difference

between Controlled, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Pechay plant in terms
of weight
Data Summary
Groups N Mean Std. Std.
Dev. Error
Control group 4 17.05 2.4637 1.2319
Organic fertilizer 4 19.55 1.5969 0.7984
Inorganic 4 20 1.3216 0.6608
fertilizer

ANOVA Summary
Source Sum of Mean F-Stat P-Value
DF Square Square
s
Between Groups 2 20.2067 10.1033 2.9238 0.1051
Within Groups 9 31.0996 3.4555
Total: 11 51.3063

The table 6 presents the results of a one-way ANOVA conducted to

determine the significant difference in weight among Pechay plants treated
with controlled, organic, and inorganic fertilizers. The control group had 4
observations, with a mean weight of 17.05 grams, a standard deviation of
2.4637 grams, and a standard error of 1.2319. The organic fertilizer treatment
also had 4 observations, with a higher mean weight of 19.55 grams, a
standard deviation of 1.5969 grams, and a standard error of 0.7984. Similarly,
the inorganic fertilizer treatment had 4 observations, with a mean weight of 20
grams, a standard deviation of 1.3216 grams, and a standard error of 0.6608.
The ANOVA shows that the between-groups variation, which measures the
differences among the treatment groups, yielded a sum of squares of 20.2067
and a mean square of 10.1033. The F-statistic is 2.9238, and the

22
corresponding p-value is 0.1051. Although the F-statistic is moderately higher,
the p-value is above the conventional significance level of 0.05, indicating that
there is no significant difference in weight among the treatment groups.

Based on these results, it can be concluded that the use of controlled,

organic, or inorganic fertilizer did not result in a significant difference in the
weight of Pechay plants. Therefore, the choice of fertilizer treatment may not
have a substantial impact on the overall weight of Pechay plants in this study.

23
 Chapter 4
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions, and

recommendations of the study

Summary of Findings

The study on “Effectiveness of Indigenous Microorganism (Imo) As

Fertilizer on The Growth Performance of Petchay (Brassica Rapa Chinensis)”
was conducted at Purok-1 Teachers Village, Poblacion, Kitaotao, Bukidnon
with the following objectives: To measure the growth improvement of pechay
in different treatments in terms of plant height, number of leaves, average
weight of pechay. To determine the significant difference among treatments in
terms of plant height, number of leaves, average weight of pechay. To identify
which treatment is the most effective fertilizer for the growth of pechay.

24
25
 References

Agullo, E. P., Guzman, M. G., & Domingo, I. I. (2021). Inoculation with plant
growth-promoting rhizobacteria improves growth and development of
pak choi (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis) under controlled
conditions. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 40(2), 741-753.
Bhardwaj, D., Ansari, M. W., & Sahoo, R. K. (2014). Tapping the unexploited
plant growth promoting potential of indigenous bacteria for crop
growth promotion. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 8(1), 17-
25.
Bhardwaj, D., Ansari, M. W., Sahoo, R. K., & Tuteja, N. (2014). Biofertilizers
function as key player in sustainable agriculture by improving soil
fertility, plant tolerance and crop productivity. Microbial Cell Factories,
13(1), 66.
Hussain, A., Munir, M., & Anjum, M. A. (2020). Effect of indigenous
microorganisms on growth and yield of wheat crop. Pure and Applied
Biology, 9(1), 115-124.
Jumelita, E. S., Wang, H. J., & Shen, Q. R. (2019). Effects of soil moisture on
growth, yield, and water use efficiency of Chinese cabbage.
Agronomy, 9(9), 503.
Kim, K., Lee, S. G., & Kim, S. H. (2020). Effects of indigenous
microorganisms on growth and nutrient uptake of Chinese cabbage
(Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis). Journal of Plant Nutrition, 43(15),
2271-2280.
Kuklinsky-Sobral, J., Araújo, W. L., Mendes, R., Pizzirani-Kleiner, A. A., &
Azevedo, J. L. (2021). Isolation and characterization of soybean-
associated bacteria and their potential for plant growth promotion.
Letters in Applied Microbiology, 72(1), 42-48.

26
Nandakumar, R., Babu, S., Viswanathan, R., & Sheik Mohamed, J. (2015).
Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality
of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). International Journal of
Farm Sciences, 5(2), 6-13.
Park, K. H., Park, M. J., Kim, D. H., & Kim, H. S. (2021). Utilization of
indigenous microorganisms for sustainable agriculture.
Microorganisms, 9(6), 1256.
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061256
Pirzadah, T.B., et al. (2021). Impact of pesticides on soil health: A review.
Chemosphere, 263, 128285.
Rivera-Mendoza, M. E., Limsila, A., & Srinives, P. (2019). Indigenous
microorganisms improve growth and yield of pak choi (Brassica rapa
subsp. chinensis) in the Philippines. Journal of Horticulture and
Postharvest Research, 2(1), 14-24.
Saleem, M. A., Rehman, M. A., Qamar, M. A., Aslam, M., Ali, A., & Shahzad,
T. (2021). Impact of Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) on the growth
and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). The Journal of Animal and
Plant Sciences, 31(3), 826-835.
Singh, R. P., Jha, P., & Prabha, R. (2020). Effect of bacterial strains on
growth of mustard plant (Brassica juncea). Plant Archives, 20(2),
4314-4318.
Shahzad, B., Tanveer, M., Abbas, T., Rehman, A., Javaid, M. M., Ali, A., ... &
Khan, I. A. (2020). Effects of different soil types on growth and yield of
pak choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). Applied Ecology and
Environmental Research, 18(4), 7321-7334.
Shrestha, A., Nepal, A. K., & Adhikari, D. (2019). Effects of Indigenous
Microorganisms (IMO) on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower
(Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) in hillside farming system of Nepal.
Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2(1), 11-21.
Subramanian, K. S., Santhakumar, M., & Ramesh, M. (2021). Microbial
inoculant of tomato rhizosphere microbial consortium (TRMC) for
improving growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
under field conditions. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 40(1), 192-
204.
Sugiyama, A., et al. (2022). Effect of indigenous microorganisms on growth
and yield of Brassica rapa chinensis. Journal of Sustainable
Agriculture, 46(2), 188-199.

27
Wu, X., Zhang, Y., Li, X., Zhang, L., & Liu, X. (2021). Application of
indigenous microorganisms improves the nutrient uptake of cucumber
plants and soil fertility. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 44(2), 229-242.
Yan, L., Diao, Z., & Liu, X. (2017). Nutritional and medicinal value of Chinese
cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Advances in Horticultural
Science, 31(4), 219-226.

28
 April 2023

HAMMY S. PASCO, PhD

School Principal III
Kitaotao National High School
Poblacion, Kitaotao, Bukidnon

Dear Sir:

Greetings!

The undersigned, Grade 12- STEM Zirconium students of Kitaotao

National High School would like to request for permission to conduct a
Capstone study entitled “EFFECTIVENESS OF INDIGENOUS

29
MICROORGANISM (IMO) AS FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH
PERFORMANCE OF PETCHAY (Brassica rapa chinensis) IN
POBLACION, KITAOTAO, BUKIDNON”, on May 1 until June 19, 2023. As
one of their requirements in the subject Capstone Research.

One of its objectives is to investigate the effectiveness of indigenous

microorganisms on the growth performance of petchay plant in Poblacion,
Kitaotao, Bukidnon. This study will involve an evaluation on the effect of IMO
on petchay growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and
average weight.

Your consent to carry out this study will be greatly appreciated.

Very truly yours,

ASNA, SAMANTA JEKA BIANCA C.

BANTACULO, LYKA FAITH T.

LAMORIN, XARIS TRISHA S.

ORATE, SHALEM C.

Noted by:

JAN VIVIENEL I. BELENO

Research Advisor
Approved by:

HAMMY S. PASCO, PhD

School Principal III

30