FARMING TECHNIQUES AND QUALITY CROP YIELD OF FARMERS IN

MALITA

ARAH JANE LAHAYLAHAY

JEPHSY ROSE ELICOR

A THESIS PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO MS. GENEVIVE C. ETICANO. TEACHER

EDUCATION PROGRAM OF SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES AGRIBUSINESS AND

MARINE AND AQUATIC SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY IN MALITA, DAVAO

OCCIDENTAL. IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FROM THE

DEGREE

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY LIVELIHOOD AND EDUCATION

(MAJOR IN AGRI-FISHERY ARTS)

 DECEMBER 2023

APPROVAL SHEET

This thesis proposal entitled" FARMING TECHNIQUES AND QUALITY CROP

YIELD OF MUNICIPALITY OF MALITA" prepared and submitted by ARAH JANE

LAHAYLAHAY and JEPHSY ROSE ELICOR in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of Bachelor of Technology Livelihood and Education-Major in Agri-

Fishery Arts, is hereby accepted.

MS. GENEVIVE C. ETICANO

ADVISER

_____________________

Date Signed
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PPRELIMINARY PAGES PAGES

Title Page I

Approval Sheet II

Table of Contents III

CHAPTER

I THE PROBLEM OF ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction 1

Objective of the Study 4

Significance of the Study 5

Scope and Limitations of the Study 7

Definition of Terms 8

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Conceptual Framework of the Study

Hypothesis of the Study 16

III METHODOLOGY

Research Locale 17

Research Design 17

Respondents of the Study 17

Research Instrument 18

CHAPTER I

Introduction
 Global farming systems are dealing with several issues, including inconsistent

yield levels, volatile input and output costs, and mounting environmental concerns

about the effects of farming operations. Rising energy prices and demographic

trends will probably make matters more difficult in the future. There are certain

drawbacks to the capital-intensive agricultural paradigm that has become popular in

western nations. Small-scale farmers have not embraced the model in many

developing nations, especially in Africa, for a variety of internal (such as a lack of

funds or labor resources) and external (such as a lack of input supply and poor

market prices) reasons, Le Gal et al., (2011).

In addition, in many regions of the world, organic agriculture has grown throughout

the last 15 years. Nevertheless, only a small portion of global agricultural land is

used for organic farming, such as 4% in Europe (Eurostat, 2007), despite this rise

and the increased research, policy, media, and public attention. From the

consumer’s point of view, the low market shares in industrialized nations may be

explained by the higher prices at which organic food is marketed (Offermann and

Nieberg, 2001); from the producer’s point of view, these factors may include lower

and more variable yields, a decline in the demand for organic products, and the

difficulties involved in switching to organic production.

However, Mutyasira, V., et al. (2018) found that numerous initiatives to support the

sustainable intensification of smallholder farming systems have been launched within

the last ten years. Various Sustainable Agriculture Practices (SAPs), such as
improved seed varieties, legume crop rotations, conservation tillage, soil and water

conservation, and the use of animal manure.

According to Naab et al., (2017), CA boosted crop output in multiple

areas in China. CA has been widely adopted, and farmers have reaped substantial

financial rewards from higher agricultural output and lower input costs. Many studies

on CA have been conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa, with varying

results for agricultural productivity. After three years, no-till and residue retention in

Malawi improved maize yields in two of the five districts.

Lastly, Dutta et al., (2020) found that smallholder farms in eastern India, disparities

in maize (Zea mays L.) yield result from a complex interaction between

meteorological differences, soil fertility gradients, socio-economic determinants, and

varying management intensities.

This study aims to explore the background of the intricate interactions that occur

between the techniques farmers use to cultivate crops and the final quality and

quantity of the harvest. Understanding the historical, cultural, and technological

settings that influence the wide range of farming practices used by farmers around

the world is crucial as agricultural landscapes continue to change.

Throughout farming history, methods have continuously evolved in response to

several elements, including soil composition, climate, and technology developments.

Precision farming techniques spurred by technological progress have coexisted with

traditional ways of agriculture that have their roots in cultural practices. This

background investigation seeks to place the study in the larger context of agricultural

growth, highlighting the necessity of considering both conventional wisdom and

contemporary methodologies in the quest for sustainable and high-quality crop

production.

Objective of the study

The purpose of the study is to examine how different farming practices, such as the

use of organic fertilizers, irrigation techniques, crop rotation, and pest control
methods, affect the quality of crop yield among farmers in Malita. Specifically, we will

look at how different farming practices affect crop yield quality, size, weight, and

nutritional content. By conducting thorough analysis and statistical analysis, we hope

to offer important insights into how to optimize farming practices for improved crop

quality in the Malita region.

Specially, it has the following objectives:

1. Analyze how farming methods affect the quality of crop yields in Malita by:

1.1 Evaluating how organic fertilizers affect crop quality.

1.2 Assessing how different irrigation methods affect crop weight and size.

1.3 Examining the connection between crop rotation techniques and dietary

value.

2. To compare and quantify the impact of each agricultural strategy on crop quality

metrics, do a comprehensive statistical analysis.

3. Provide insights into optimizing farming practices for improved crop quality in the

Malita region based on the findings.

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 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will give contributions to the following:

Farmers in Malita

The study will empower local farmers with insights into optimizing their farming

practices, considering factors such as organic fertilizers, irrigation methods, crop

rotation, and pest control. Improved understanding of these techniques can

potentially enhance crop quality, size, weight, and nutritional content, leading to

increased agricultural productivity.

Agricultural Development Agencies

Government and non-government organizations involved in agriculture can utilize

the findings to formulate targeted policies and support programs. The study provides

a basis for the evaluation and promotion of sustainable farming practices,

contributing to the overall development of the agricultural sector in Malita.

School

The Department of Education can benefit by incorporating the study’s insights

into the evaluation of academic programs related to agriculture. Students can gain

awareness of the practical implications of various farming techniques, fostering a

more comprehensive understanding of agriculture beyond theoretical knowledge.

6
Teachers

The results of the study can be used by educators to help students make the

connection between their theoretical understanding and actual farming skills. More

efficient teaching techniques in agricultural education can be achieved by having a

better understanding of how farming practices affect crop quality.

Parents

Parents will become more conscious of the significance of encouraging their kids

to adopt productive farming methods, which may have an impact on household

farming practices. Teaching kids how to manage their time well can have a

significant impact on both academic and practical performance in farming activities.

Future Researchers

The study lays the groundwork for upcoming investigations into agricultural methods

and can be consulted by others looking into related subjects. By broadening the

study’s scope or improving its methodology, researchers can add to the growing

body of information about sustainable farming.

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Scope and the limitation of the study

The purpose of the study is to look at the connection between Malita farmers’

farming practices and the caliber of their crop produce. It will examine different

farming techniques used by farmers and assess how they affect the yield of crops as

a whole. During a designated time period, beginning in December 2023 and ending

in December 2024, farmers who are actively involved in agriculture will be included

in the study.
 8

Definition of Terms

To ensure clarity, crucial terms utilized will be operationally defined.

Crops Rotation Techniques- The methodical process of planting various crops on

the same plot of land in a sequential order with the goal of enhancing crop

productivity overall, preventing pests and improving soil health.

Farming Techniques- The diverse techniques used by farmers to grow crops;

includes procedures including crop rotation, irrigation, organic fertilizer, and insect

control.

Irrigation Methods- Various methods of providing water to crops, such as flood

irrigation, sprinkler systems, or drip irrigation, with the goal of maximizing water

efficiency and guaranteeing sufficient plant hydration.

Organic Fertilizers- Organic materials derived from plants or animals (apart from

synthetic chemicals) that are used to improve soil fertility and encourage the growth

of plants in an environmentally sustainable way.

Pest Control Method- Farmer-managed pest management strategies include

chemical and non-chemical methods, with an emphasis on ecologically benign and

sustainable solutions, to control and lessen the impact of pests on crops.

Quality Crop Yield- The total quality of agricultural products, considering variables

like weight, size, and nutritional value, and demonstrating the efficiency of the

farming methods used.

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Farming Techniques

Current advances in technology and developments in decision support in soft

computing information technologies and systems) have made it possible for the

advancement of agriculture based on accuracy. These modern developments have

made it possible to utilize methods and resources like wireless sensor technologies,

IOT and soft computing methods to enhance the environmental and economic

sustainability in agriculture creation. Precision farming is a recent trend. Agriculture

sets itself apart and differentiates itself from the conventional farming methods

through effective, logical, methodical, and well-planned usage and application of

resources for higher quality, more productive yields. In to do this, precision farming

makes use of software instruments like Support Vector Machines (SVM), Artificial

Neural Networks (ANN), Fuzzy Logic (FL), Determination Trees (DT), geographical

data systems such meteorological trends and distant detecting devices such as

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) for the purpose of tracking and forecast the needs

for farm produce in the present and the future to increase the security of food, Bryan

et al., (2018).
The farmer’s self-identification as primarily stewardship motivated or otherwise

nonfinancial motivated, environmental attitudes, a positive attitude toward the

specific

11

program or practice, prior adoption of other conservation practices, information

seeking and use, awareness of programs or practices, vulnerable land, larger farms,

higher income levels and formal education, participating in marketing

arrangements, and positive yield impact expected were among the variables that

were found to be positively associated with adoption, Linda S Prokopy, Kristin

Floress, J Gordon Arbuckle, Sarah P Church, Francis R Eanes, Yuling Gao, et al.,

(2019).

In Europe, there has been a general deterioration of agricultural land and water

bodies due to modern industrial farming techniques such mineral fertilizer. Diverse

farm management approaches are available to mitigate the effects of mineral

fertilizer while maintaining soil fertility. This paper’s goal is to present a

comprehensive, systematic assessment of recent research examining the variables

and circumstances influencing EU farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural

techniques. Emphasis is placed on extensively used and scientifically investigated

strategies, including soil and water conservation techniques, organic farming,

manure treatment technology, and manure fertilization. The primary findings indicate

that the adoption of organic farming is significantly influenced by farmers’ economic

and environmental views as well as them information sources; however, there is

insufficient data to support their influence on the adoption of conservation and

manure treatment practices. Likewise, the adoption of organic farming is found to be

systemically influenced by the age and educational attainment of farmers, but not by

other evaluated technologies, Dmytro Serebrennikov et al., (2020).

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Factors of Farming Techniques

Crop producers can gather real-time data about plant protection and irrigation

procedures using smart farming, which leverages Internet of Things (IoT)

technologies. The goal is to forecast illnesses, boost production, and optimize

farming practices and resources. Large volumes of environmental, soil, and crop

performance data can be gathered by IoT sensors, creating time series data that can

be processed to forecast, compute, and provide farmers with vital information in real

time.

From a farming viewpoint, the added value lies in the potential for these intelligent

farming practices to yield a more sustainable agricultural output, grounded in a more

accurate and resource-efficient approach within the intricate and diverse agricultural

landscape, George Adamides, et al., (2020).

Crop Rotation Techniques

According to Chiranjit Singha, et al. (2020), crop rotation and selection are crucial for

increasing cropping intensities, improving land and labor productivities, and

increasing crop yield. An innovative method for more effective crop selection may be
a land suitability analysis system that combines the Geographic Information System

(GIS) software environment with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique. In

the Hooghly District of West Bengal, India, the land suitability study for crop rotation

decisions for the rice-jute (Kharif season) and potato-lentil (Rabi season) crops was

done using the AHP-GIS technique. Across the globe, farming systems become

more efficient with the implementation of diversified crop rotation, or DCR. It could

enhance system productivity and improve the state of the soil. In a range of crop

rotations,

13

improved soil properties including increased soil water uptake and storage and a

higher population of beneficial soil organisms may boost yield tolerance to drought

and other severe growing conditions. Crop rotations involving a range of crops

improve soil and ecological sustainability, reward farmers, and lower production risk

and uncertainty. By implementing diversified crop rotations, farmers may be able to

diversify their revenue streams. Additionally, due of the unique composition, role, and

interaction of the plant community with the soil in DCR, it promotes the long-term

improvement of soil health by reducing pest and increasing the physical and

chemical structure of the soil and weed and disease incidence. A growing number of

people are using DCR as a strategy to keep crop output sustainable, Kumari Shah,

K., Modi, B., Pandey, H. P., Subedi, A., Aryal, G., Pandey, M., et al. (2021).

Increases in harsh weather have led to several issues, drastically decreased crop

yields, and the loss of agricultural cultivation in the context of climate change.

Furthermore, continuous cropping has gained popularity due to its high economic
benefits; nevertheless, it also increases the land-use intensity in production systems,

exacerbating the issues caused by the extreme climate and having a significant

impact on China’s agricultural output and ecological environment. This makes it

much more evident than previously how important it is to increase farming systems’

resistance to climate change. Crop rotation is a key strategy for strengthening the

agricultural production system’s resistance to climate change and efficiently

addressing the drawbacks of the continuous crop approach now in use. Crop rotation

is essential to

14

many national initiatives, such as those pertaining to the natural environment and

food security, Taize Yu, et al., (2022).

Irrigation Methods

The effective coordination and precise application of water to suit the unique

needs of individual plants or management units while minimizing associated negative

environmental impacts are known as precision irrigation. Precision irrigation is being

used in response to the growing issue of water scarcity and the need for more

effective irrigation management because it is a holistic coordinated performance that

not only makes it possible for more flexible and reactive operational systems to

emerge, but also involves the best management and operation of agricultural

irrigation systems. A wide range of participant component systems are included in

precision irrigation, both at the on-farm plot and scheme levels, to match various
management and monitoring realities. These systems have the potential to be used

as an efficient water-allocation support tool for cropping patterns in an irrigated area

and irrigation scheduling, Liang Z, et al., (2020).

According to Bwambale E, et al., (2022), recent years witnessed a rise in the

demand for freshwater resources, which has been made worse by rising global

population and rising drought indices in the world’s agricultural zones. Water is a

limited resource that is unavoidably wasted by irrigated agriculture, depriving other

industries of it.

15

Therefore, increasing the effectiveness of water utilization in irrigated agriculture is

essential to the success of sustainable agricultural output. With the development of

wireless communication technologies, monitoring systems, and sophisticated

management algorithms for the best irrigation schedule, smart irrigation systems

have the potential to increase water use efficiency.

Lastly, the importance of ensuring global food and water security has drawn a lot of

attention to appropriate irrigation water management. To maximize crop productivity

and use water wisely in agricultural fields, a smart irrigation system is implemented.

As a result, there is less of a high demand on water supplies, and irrigation has

fewer negative environmental effects. In order to lessen over irrigation, various

irrigation techniques were created by measuring the crop water stress index or soil

moisture content, Touli S, et al., (2022).

Organic Fertilizer

According to Bhunia S, et al., (2021), Agronomic practices that are progressing

require healthy soils. Agro-ecosystems benefit from organic fertilization because it

increases soil fertility, promotes plant development, and increases crop productivity

and fruit quality. The two most important components of Organic Agriculture 3.0 are

soil health and food security. When animal waste from slaughterhouses is disposed

of in a landfill or dumped outdoors, harmful compounds, leachate, and greenhouse

gases are released into the atmosphere. Animal corpses applied directly to

agricultural fields may have a negative impact on the soil microbiology. Animal waste

is transformed into soil

16

that is high in organic carbon and total nitrogen via efficient waste management

techniques like thermal drying, composting, vermicomposting, and anaerobic

digestion. When present in soil, the various sources of organic fertilizers have a

major impact on the development of a healthy microbial ecology, the availability of

nutrients and moisture, and the modification of the soil’s biochemical and physical

characteristics. Organic fertilizers are useful in problematic soils, especially acid

soils, where limited nutrient availability, toxicity, and acidity are difficulties for general

soil use. The management of acidity and toxicity, two characteristics that affect soil

productivity, is just as important as the role that organic fertilizers play as a source of
reservoirs for soil nutrients, moisture, and ameliorants to soil properties that

determine soil fertility status, Michael, P. S. (2021).

In conclusion, strong justifications exist for nutrient recycling in society from a

sustainability perspective, which entails increasing the use of organic nutrient

sources in horticulture and agriculture. Government incentives are being used to

encourage the conversion of more producing areas to organic cultivation, and there

is a growing consumer demand for certified organic products. This holds true for

horticulture in greenhouses as well. Today, a wide variety of raw materials are

utilized to make organic fertilizers, including animal manures, composts, anaerobic

digestates, vegetable and abattoir leftovers, green manure, algae, and green

manure, Bergstrand, K.-J. (2022).

Pest Control Method

17

Agroecological farming, one of the global implementations of ecological

intensification of agriculture (EIA), will impact future landscapes, biodiversity, and

crop yield assurance by increasing the dependence of natural pest control

management on crop yield management. EIA seeks to ensure food security by

optimizing ecosystem services while minimizing external inputs and environmental

harms, Petit, S., Muneret, L., Carbonne, B., Hannachi, M., Ricci, B., Rusch, A., &

Lavigne, C. (2020). Integrated pest management, or IPM, offers an example of how

crop security has changed over the previous sixty years—or hasn’t. During this time,

IPM has worked to advance sustainable agricultural practices, aggressively reduce

the use of synthetic pesticides, and address numerous issues related to the

environment, human health, and socioeconomic conditions. However, the use of

pesticides worldwide has mainly continued unabated, having detrimental effects on

the livelihoods of farmers, the preservation of biodiversity, and the right of human

beings to food, Deguine, J.-P., Aubertot, J.-N., Flor, R. J., Lescourret, F., Wyckhuys,

K. A. G., Ratnadass, A., (2021).

Lastly, the sterile insect technique, or SIT, is becoming more and more popular as a

sustainable method of controlling insects. SIT was initially employed in

government/public area-wide integrated pest management (IPM) programs, with the

goal of eliminating a target population. These days, though, it's more frequently

employed as a means of population control. Consequently, commercial insect

producers are also becoming increasingly interested in this technology. Some

standard regulations for the use of sterile insects in pest control may eventually be

required, given the growing popularity of the SIT

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as a tool and the variations in national laws governing the mass-rearing, importation,

and release of living organisms, Kapranas, A., Collatz, J., Michaelakis, A., & Milonas,

P. (2022).

Quality Crop Yield

According to Peng Li, Yuanbin Li, Luyao Xu, Huijuan Zhang, Xueshan Shen,

Haofan Xu, et al. (2021). The conflict between the increasing need for food and the
fast deterioration of the soil is becoming more and more apparent. A sensible

approach to recycling agricultural waste can have a significant impact on

environmental health and soil productivity, which is important for the sustainability of

agricultural output. We assess how organic amendments affect crop productivity and

soil quality in the upland double cropping region of China by conducting a meta-

analysis of 160 studies. The results showed that adding organic amendments to

chemical fertilizer considerably boosted crop output (6.0%–9.0%) and the soil quality

index (17.6%–26.3%). When organic materials were combined with either full-or

part-chemical fertilizer (OTC or ORC), the yield increased by 8.3% and 8.7%,

respectively, while the soil quality increased by 19.5% and 18.4%.

The most significant legume for human consumption globally is the common bean

(Phaseolus vulgaris L.), which is also a significant source of minerals, antioxidants,

vegetable protein, and bioactive compounds. This crop’s ability to fix nitrogen dioxide

(N2) lessens the need to apply synthetic N fertilizer to boost yield and quality. Other

agronomic techniques like irrigation, rhizobia application, planting density, etc., can

all

19

be used to maximize the quality, yield, and fertilization of common beans, Karavidas,

I., Ntatsi, G., Vougeleka, V., Karkanis, A., Ntanasi, T., Saitanis, C., Agathokleous, E.,

Ropokis, A., Sabatino, L., Tran, F., Iannetta, P. P. M., Savvas, D., (2022).

In conclusion, the demand for food, feed, and other goods generated from plants is

rising due to both the growing global population and rising living standards. One of
the main forces ensuring food security and the growth of the bio-based economy in

the upcoming years will be plant-based research. Numerous elements influence crop

productivity, such as crop management, the quality, inherent yield potential, and

efficient use of existing physical and agricultural resources, Burgess, A. J.,

Masclaux-Daubresse, C., Strittmatter,G., Weber, A. P. M., Taylor, S. H., Harbinson,

J., … Baekelandt, A. (2023).

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Conceptual Framework of the Study

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLES

FARMING TECHNIQUES
Quality Crop Yield

Crop Rotation

Irrigation Methods
Organic Fertilizer
Pest Control Method
Figure 1. Schematic Diagram Showing the variable of the study.

Figure 1, shows the relationship between the variables of the study.

In datively, the independent variable describes the factor of farming techniques while

the dependent variable is the quality crop yield.

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22

Hypothesis
Ho1. There is no significant difference in the quality crop yield when different

farming techniques, including crop rotation techniques, irrigation methods, organic

fertilizer usage, and pest control methods, are employed.

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METHODOLOGY

Both Expletory and Descriptive Research will be conducted on this study. In

Expletory Research Design, both Focus group and Agricultural Experts will be
contacted. After the discussion with focus group and interview with experts,

descriptive research will be designed. Here, rigorous questionnaires will be designed

to conduct a survey on farmers. Randomly around fifty (50) samples will be drawn

from the farmers.

Research Locale

The study will be conducted in Malita, located at Poblacion Malita Davao

Occidental. Research will be conducted in one district to conduct a survey of fifty

samples of farmers.

24

Figure 2: Municipality of Malita Map.

 Research Design

In this study, descriptive design will be used since it aims accurately and

systematically describing a population, situations of phenomenon. It will learn the

Farming Techniques and Quality Crop Yield of farmers in Malita.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study will be a total of fifty (50) randomly selected

farmers of Municipality of Malita. Respondents then will consist of Farmers,

Agricultural Experts, and Focus Group.

Research Instrument

A set of survey-questionnaires adopted from the study of Atnan et al., (2021) will

be employed in this study to gather the needed data regarding the Farming

Techniques.