COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DUCKWEED AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER

ON THE GROWTH OF NSIC RC216 (TUBIGAN 17) RICE VARIETY IN

SELECTED BARANGAYS OF OTON, ILOILO

INTRODUCTION

Motivation of the Study

This study will be conducted to assess the impact of duckweed fertilizer application rates

on the growth of rice in Oton, Iloilo. According to Philstar Global, an official of farmers’ group

Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) warned of a repeat of the rice crisis in 2018, saying the

scenario being experienced at present on the spike of rice prices and possible shortage was

similar. Studies have shown that applying duckweed as a complementary source of nitrogen to

fertilizer nitrogen in rice crops can increase plant height, straw and grain yields, and N, P, K

contents of rice

According to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Duckweed is a cost-

effective fertilizer option for rice farmers, as it can be easily grown in ponds and other bodies of

water. This can lead to cost savings for farmers, which can be invested in other aspects of rice

production that can improve the quality of the rice crops.

Rice is a staple crop in Oton, Iloilo, and maximizing crop yield is crucial for food

security. Understanding the impact of duckweed fertilizer application rates on rice growth can

provide valuable insights into improving crop productivity. If duckweed fertilizer proves to be

effective in enhancing rice growth, it can contribute to increased crop yield and help meet the

growing demand for rice, ensuring food security for the local community and beyond. The

findings of this research can contribute to the development of sustainable farming practices,
promoting the use of environmentally friendly fertilizers while improving rice production and

ensuring the well-being of local farmers and communities.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the impact of duckweed fertilizer

and non-organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of NSIC Rc216 (Tubigan 17) rice variety. The

study aims to determine whether there are significant differences between the two types of

fertilizers in terms of their effects on the growth parameters.

Specifically, the study seeks to determine whether there are significant differences

between the two types of fertilizers in terms of their effects on the growth parameters. The

investigation will address the following research questions:

1. What are the differences in the growth parameters, such as plant height, leaf area, and

root development, between rice crops treated with duckweed fertilizer and non-organic

fertilizer?

2. Are there any significant differences in the nutrient uptake and soil fertility levels under

duckweed fertilizer and non-organic fertilizer application?

3. What are the practical implications and recommendations for farmers in Oton, Iloilo,

regarding the optimal application of duckweed fertilizer to maximize rice crop growth

and yield?

Hypothesis Statement

Null Hypothesis: There is a positive/no relationship between the use of duckweed and inorganic

fertilizer in the height growth of NSIC Rc216 (Tubigan 17).

Mathematical Symbol: Ho: r ≥ 0

Alternative Hypothesis: There is a negative relationship between the use of duckweed and
inorganic fertilizer in the height growth of NSIC Rc216 (Tubigan 17).

Mathematical Symbol: Ha: r ≤ 0

METHODOLOGY

In order to determine the data and information to be authentic and legitimate, this chapter

will confirm and validate through the precursor studies that were conducted and gathered

information from different locations both local and foreign in varying degrees of interpretation

and different methods of data gathering and methodology which have a definite relation and

resemblance that can aid in the development of researcher’s current study.

Data Gathering

Three barangays in Oton, Iloilo, were selected as study sites based on their suitability for

rice cultivation and the willingness of participating farmers. Within each barangay, plots of

similar size and soil type were identified for the experiment. The selected plots were randomly

assigned into two groups: organic fertilizer-treated plots and inorganic fertilizer-treated plots. The

NSIC Rc216 (Tubigan 17) rice variety was planted in each plot according to recommended

planting densities and spacing. Organic fertilizer, specifically duckweed fertilizer, was applied at

the recommended rate to the organic fertilizer-treated plots, while commercially available

synthetic fertilizers were applied to the inorganic fertilizer-treated plots. Growth parameters,

including plant height, leaf area, and root development, were measured and recorded at weekly

intervals for a period of 30 days.

Statistical Tools

The statistical tool employed in this study will be the t-test, which is suitable for

analyzing the data gathered. The t-test is particularly useful when the sample size is small, as in

this study, and the population standard deviation is unknown. In this research, the t-test will be

used to determine whether there are significant differences between the growth parameters of

rice crops treated with duckweed fertilizer and those treated with non-organic fertilizer.

By using the t-test, the collected data will be analyzed to determine if there are

significant differences in the growth parameters between the two types of fertilizers.

Additionally, the study will investigate the nutrient uptake and soil fertility levels under

duckweed fertilizer and non-organic fertilizer application. The findings of this research will

provide practical implications and recommendations for farmers in Oton, Iloilo, regarding the

optimal application of duckweed fertilizer to maximize rice crop growth and yield.

Statistical Analysis

A t-test was employed to analyze the data and compare the effects of duckweed fertilizer

and non-organic fertilizer on the growth parameters of rice crops. The null hypothesis stated no

significant difference, while the alternative hypothesis proposed a significant difference.

Calculating the t-value and comparing it to the critical value, it was determined whether to reject

or fail to reject the null hypothesis. The results provided evidence of a significant difference if the

null hypothesis was rejected. Assumptions of the t-test were considered, and alternative tests were

explored if necessary.
 A critical value for the t-test was determined according to the chosen significance level

and degrees of freedom, either through a t-distribution table or statistical software. By comparing

the calculated t-value to the critical value, a decision was made. If the calculated t-value exceeded

the critical value (t > critical value), the null hypothesis was rejected, indicating a significant

difference in the growth parameters between the two fertilizer groups. Conversely, if the

calculated t-value did not surpass the critical value, the null hypothesis was not rejected,

suggesting insufficient evidence to support a significant difference.

The results of the statistical analysis were interpreted accordingly. If the null hypothesis

was rejected, it was concluded that there is a significant difference in the growth parameters

between rice crops treated with duckweed fertilizer and non-organic fertilizer. Conversely, if the

null hypothesis was not rejected, it implied that there was inadequate evidence to establish a

significant difference between the two fertilizer types.