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Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Across the globe, agriculture has reached its peak at a variety of levels.

Agriculture started at an adequate pace at 500 BC. As we go farther into the future,

there is a rising concern about the impact of a set of resource and environmental limits

that may substantially impair our ability to continue agricultural output increases. One

source of concern is the environmental impact of agricultural intensifsication. Fertilizer

types and quantities applied to crops are critical in crop production and play an essential

role in cropping systems. Despite being acknowledged as a significant aspect in

satisfying the food requirements of a growing population, relying on inorganic or

chemical fertilizers is a major barrier due to their prohibitive cost (Bandera, 2020). The

contemporary increase of problems in the agricultural sector has been an increasing

trend in recent years to limit the usage of mineral fertilizers, particularly soil applied

minerals such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), and their use has

fallen sevenfold. The low organic matter content is one of the primary difficulties. Soil

acidity (pH levels), excess aluminium, and calcium deficiencies are other prevalent

concerns in tropical soils. Poor soil quality is also caused by poor land management

(Agustiyani et al., 2021).

Furthermore, there is a growing demand for organically farmed products. These

develop conditions for recognizing the value of foliar fertilization and the usage of
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organic fertilizers as a substitute for meeting plant nutrient needs during the growth

season (Kerin and Berova, 2003). Even with the best available cultivars and scientific

management, fertility decrease is the leading cause of land degradation of rice soils in

the Philippines due to long-term continuous cropping. By the 1980s, Philippine

agriculture had largely become conventional. Based on soil study from the 1970s to the

1990s, the general trend suggested very active soil mining, which resulted in higher

fertilizer inputs to sustain farm output. The period 1960-1970 is distinguished by the

requirement to utilize exclusively nitrogen fertilizers. To maintain output, the following

decade of 1970-1980 necessitates increased phosphorus fertilizer inputs in addition to

nitrogen. From 1980 to 1990, fertilizers must include not just nitrogen and phosphate,

but also enhanced potassium and micronutrients such as zinc for rice and magnesium

for corn. The overuse of urea fertilizers beyond the normal 3N:1P ratio contributed to

rice and corn yield standstill and soil nutrient imbalance (Victor et al., 2009). In Region

12 SOCCSKSARGEN, various lands also suffered the same soil nutrient drop by year.

Organic farming has been introduced by some farmers in order to lessen the significant

drop on soil fertility that provides a negative impact to the crops.

Moreover, agricultural waste, sludge from wastewater treatment, animal manure,

fish feed, shredded paper, mushroom growth media, vermicast, vermicompost and

other organic wastes can all be used to make compost and solid fertilizers. Frass, is a

by-product of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) rearing, has recently been employed as

an alternative organic fertilizer in different countries. The frass contains substantial

amounts of nutrients that could be useful in crop production if converted into organic
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fertilizer. However, research on its performance on crop production remains largely

unknown.

Additionally, the growing demand for animal feed from black soldier fly (Hermetia

illucens L.) mass rearing utilizing organic waste gives an opportunity for organic waste

management while also improving soil fertility. Proteins, lipids, and minerals abound in

BSF larvae (Caruso et al., 2014). BSF larvae have a high waste degrading rate (65%-

79%) and can greatly reduce infections in garbage (Lalander et al., 2015). The frass, a

byproduct of BSF rearing, includes significant amounts of nutrients that, if transformed

into organic fertilizer, could be useful in crop production (Lalander et al., 2015, Oonincx

et al., 2015). The frass fertilizer produced would help improve income from insect

farming by selling organic fertilizer as a byproduct of BSF rearing or save the farmer

money on fertilizer purchases.

To address this concern, the researchers will conduct a study in cultivation of

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis with the application of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass in

the effectiveness of its height, weight and number of leaves. Pechay is a vegetable crop

with monetary value. Pechay plant production is affected by environmental factors and

soil nutrient concentration; it can be grown from low to mid elevations throughout the

year. Production is best, however, during the dry season in sandy to clay loam soil, with

a pH of 5.5-6.5 (Department of Agriculture, 2021). Thus, the growth experiments with

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) is carried out in order to investigate the use of

BSF frass as an alternative organic fertilizer to see how this fertilizer affects plant

growth and soil fertility.

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Statement of the Problem

This study generally aims to determine the potential efficacy of Hermetia illucens

L. (Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass) as an alternative fertilizer for the cultivation on

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay).

Specifically, this study shall seek answers to the following questions:

1. What is the effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as an alternative fertilizer in

cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in the following treatments?

3.1 T0 – 7g Commercial fertilizer, 2000g soil

3.2 T1 – 350 mL Water, 2000g soil

3.3 T2 – 15g BSF frass, 2000g soil

3.4 T3 – 28g BSF frass, 2000g soil

3.5 T4– 44g BSF frass, 2000g soil

3.6 T5– 57g BSF frass, 2000g soil

2. Which of the treatments of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as alternative fertilizer

is effective in cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in terms of:

2.1 A. Height?

2.2 B. Weight?

3. Is there a significant difference between the treatments of Black Soldier Fly

Larvae Frass as an alternative fertilizer in cultivating pechay?

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4. Is there significant difference between the treatments of Black Soldier Fly Larvae

as an alternative fertilizer in cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

in terms of:

4.1 A. Height?

4.2 B. Weight?

Hypotheses

1. There is no significant difference between the commercial fertilizer and Black

Soldier Fly Frass as sustenance for pechay cultivation.

2. There is no significant difference between the commercial fertilizer and Black

Soldier Fly Frass in terms of cultivated pechay plants’ weight and height.

3. There is no significant difference between the six (6) treatments in terms of the

time it takes the fertilizer to be absorbed by the plant.

4. There is no significant difference between the six (6) treatments as the most

effective in cultivating Pechay.

5. There is a significant difference between the weight and height of Pechay in the

different treatments.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focused on determining the maximum advantage of Black Soldier Fly

Larvae Frass as an alternative fertilizer for cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis

(Pechay). This delimited only the Black Soldier Fly Farm (Limadol), located in Tacunan,

Davao City, where the Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass was bought. The researchers

intended to address the growing concern about the agricultural market's inflation rate for
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commercial fertilizers. The study was conducted months of February to April 2023 in

DOST Laboratory Backyard located at General Santos City National High School,

General Santos City. Due to other major circumstances, the samples was moved to

Purok 13-A, MC Village, Block 3, Barangay Fatima, General Santos City. The

researchers commenced by going to the Black Soldier Fly Farm (Limadol), located in

Tacunan, Davao City, to buy the Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass to be used in the study

as an alternative fertilizer in cultivating the Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay).

Significance of the Study

The results and accomplishments of this study will be a benefit to the following

beneficiaries:

Environment. The environment is one of the primary concerns why this study is

being conducted. By using Hermetia illucens L. (Black Soldier Fly) Larvae Frass a

cheaper and an alternative fertilizer in plants, the study can help lessen the damage of

the environment and biological elements, as well as the deprivation among living

organisms.

Community. This study exists because of human health and the people in the

community will have ideas on how to preserve and save the environment. Also,

contamination of soil may pose risks and hazards to humans and the ecosystem,

hence, this sustainable method aids the community in combating such menace to the

public.
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Economy. This study will provide knowledge and understanding by using

powdered Hermetia illucens L. (Black Soldier Fly) Larvae Frass as an alternative

fertilizer in plants. This will be a great help to the growth and development of the plants.

Poultry farmers. This study will provide knowledge and understanding by using

Hermetia illucens L. (Black Soldier Fly) Larvae Frass in growth of the plants. This will

help the farmers to grow their crops and have healthier products.

Researchers. This study will help the future researchers be able to gather prior

facts and information about the maximum advantage of Hermetia illucens L. (Black

Soldier Fly) larvae frass as alternative fertilizer for the cultivation.

Future researchers. This study will provide knowledge and understanding by

using Hermetia illucens L. (Black Soldier Fly) Larvae Frass as an alternative fertilizer in

plants. This will be a great help as a reference to support their data and hypothesis to

their future studies.

Operational Definition of Terms

BSF Frass. a by-product of growing Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) including

their exoskeleton shedding, feed remnants, and larvae feces. It is an organic fertilizer

that is ideal for revitalizing soil, promoting the growth of leafy plants and vegetables, and

assuring consistent and ongoing plant growth. In this study, this organic fertilizer will be

used to replenish the soil's nutrients and make the plant grow faster and bigger.
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Pechay. a subspecies of the plant that has the scientific name Brassica rapa

subsp. chinensis also known as Chinese cabbage or Bok Choy. It is a plant that has

glossy dark green leaves and thick crisp white or green stalks in a loose head.

Furthermore, it will be operationally used as a subject to be cultivated by the Black

Soldier Fly Larvae Frass (BSFF).

Fertilizer. a natural or synthetic material that contains chemical ingredients that

help plants grow and produce more. Operationally, this will be the by-product of the

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass (BSFF) and will be used for the cultivation of Brassica

rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay).

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Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter provides an overview of previous research knowledge sharing

recent related findings as well as other related facts from the study. It also introduces

the framework and gaps that comprise the main focus of the study.

A. Related Literature

This section provides all the various related literatures used in relation to the

variables that will be used in this study.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass (BSFFF)

The intensification of animal agriculture in recent decades has led to a significant

increase in the size of livestock units. As a result, farm specialization has facilitated the

decoupling of livestock production from land devoted to feed production and fertilization,

resulting in negative environmental impacts from unsustainable fertilizer management.

Improving nutrient cycling through a well-thought-out combination of animal agriculture

and cropland is important on the way to sustainable agricultural systems (Zhang et al.,

2019). In the context of shaping in agronomical industries, the contemporary insect and

especially plays important role to the bioconversion, the Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier

Fly) production is expected to play an important role: BSF can be reared on manifold

organic waste substrates, even manures (Diener et al. 2011).

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In addition, the discovery of BSF has expanded through the time (Derrien &

Boccuni, 2018). Along with this, BSFL frass is considered to constitute a major output

from these production systems (Schmitt and de Vries, 2020). With the upscaling of BSF

production, the valuation of frass is getting more economic and ecological weight. The

use of frass as a fertilizer is expected to be promising and would increase the circularity

of the production system (Cadinu et al. 2020). Among the marketable frass fertilizers,

the BSFFF contains the maximum yield in known potentials. The ideas of BSF Frass

are continuously arising that in the past studies, the implications of BSF frass are

subjected in greenhouse methods. However, Frass is not a single product. Its quality

and composition are greatly influenced by the feed substrate used in the feeding

process (Klammsteiner et al., 2020).

Moreover, the coefficient of variation (CV) varies significantly between

parameters. Micronutrients and some macronutrients show large variations. Differences

in feeding quality have decisive effects on plant growth (Song et al. 2021). Because

researchers used frass produced with different feeding substrates and post-treatment

methods, differences in nutrients and their availability may explain why both high and

low fertilization efficacy of BSFL frass were reported. The study was able to partially

explain this difference in plant nutrition and other properties of various marketable

forage fertilizers (Menino & Murta, 2021).

Furthermore, the physiochemical content of BSFL frass is varied in terms of the

pH of BSFL frass typically ranges between 7.0 and 8.0, which is the optimum range for

promoting plant growth and providing a conducive environment for the beneficial

bacterial communities in BSFL frass. Using a suitable pre-treated waste in BSFL

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treatment (processing parameters and feeding strategies) can produce dry frass. It is

worth noting that dry frass is considered immature compost since the organic waste

must undergo rapid composting for about two weeks which may contain phytotoxins

compounds that may inhibit plant growth. Many researchers recommend post-treatment

of the dry frass to ensure its maturity and stability (Lopez et al., 2022). The nutrient

content of BSFL frass has a high content of NPK. Continuous movement of BSFL can

lower the temperature of BSFL frass. This helps retain nitrogen in the BSFL frass and

ensures a high nitrogen content in the BSFL frass. The nutrient content of BSFL frass is

primarily influenced by the nutrient content of the substrate that feeds the BSFL (Chen

et al., 2019). BSFL frass derived from food waste have a total nitrogen content range

from 0.6 to 4.8, total phosphorus content ranges from 0.8 to 2.5 and total potassium

range from 0.2 to 2.1 (Basri et al., 2022).

Most significantly, the further nutrient profile of BSFL Frass has the comparison

of NPK in commonly used organic fertilizers which are the cow manure with a ratio of

0.6: 0.4: 0.5; pig manure- 0.8:0.7:0.5, chicken manure- 1.1:0.8:0.5, average homemade

compost- 0.5:0.2:0.8 and the BSFL frass has the NPK ratio of 5:3:2 and that means the

nitrogen present is 5%, 3% phosphorus and 2% potassium content. The data implies

that BSFL Frass is way more concentrated and it is beneficial to the plant yield than the

common organic fertilizers with the exceptions of the commercial fertilizers (The Critter

Depot, 2019).
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Black Soldier Fly (BSF)

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, is a true fly (Diptera) of the family

Stratiomyidae. Black soldier fly (BSF) occurs in tropical and temperate regions. It feeds

on a wide range of organic materials and has been used in small-scale waste

management using substrates such as manure. BSF accumulates lipids from their diet

for use as energy by the non-feeding adult, to the point that they can be converted to

biodiesel. Additionally, when BSF is at the pre-pupa stage, it will instinctively leave the

substrate and move to a self-harvesting behaviour that removes an otherwise labour-

intensive step from their farming. BSF is practical to rear and a suitable tool to valorise

wastes, plus possibly a sustainable animal feed or human food source (Wang and

Shelomi, 2017).

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis or also known as Pechay, Pakchoi or Buk choi is

a group of plants in the mustard family consisting of various widely cultivated species. It

is a type of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa or Brassica campestris) of the Chinensis

group, sometimes called Brassica chinensis. It is a loose leaf, non-heading type of

chinese cabbage with thick white leaf stalks with green leaves that form in clusters. It

has been cultivated since the 5th century in Asia, bok choy is now grown in many

countries around the world (Stephens, 2015). Pechay can be grown well in excellent

weather conditions with enough sunlight and soil fertility. The optimal soil acidity or pH

level for pechay is in 6.0 to 7.5 which yields from neutral to basic (CABI, 2019).
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Additionally, pechay is a host for insects and other pests. Some of the common

diseases that may infect pechay are the following; Black Rot (Xanthomonas

campestris), powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca spp.) (fungus), and leaf spot (Alternaria

brassicae) (fungus). Also, these insects or pests may infect pechay like (Hellula

undalis), diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), aphids (Family: Aphididae), cabbage

looper (Trichoplusia ni), and red fire ants (Family: Formicidae) (Tuquero et al., 2018).

Furthermore, Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis can be transplanted or planted

directly to the ground. The seeds will germinate within 3-4 days and it grows best at 17

to 19 degrees Celsius at light frost. It can also tolerate high temperature in temperate

areas with a supplemental ample amount of soil moisture. Pechay can be planted in

single or multiple rows and it can utilize minimal space in an area (Tuquero et al., 2018).

Moreover, the generalized fertilizer application for this plant in one growing

season is around 1500 lbs of 10:10:10 (N-P2O5-K2O) per acre, or approximately 3.5

lbs. of the same nutrient ratio for every 100 sq. ft. (Hemphill, 2014). The water irrigation

of pechay will consist of frequent watering in dry seasons. During the rainy season,

watering may not be necessary until the soil moisture becomes unsaturated. Mulching

around the plants will keep out the excess water from flowing directly to the plant. In

addition, the harvesting period of pechay is around 8 weeks at most, depending on its

varieties. In standard varieties, pechay are usually harvested within 5 to 8 weeks,

reaching its height with 2 feet tall after the germination period. Also, the entire block or

rows of pechay can be harvested by cutting its white stalks. Pechay leaves can be

harvested multiple times using the method of harvesting the outer to inner leaves.
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Younger stalks and leaves will be left until its full growth. This method is commonly

called “cut and come again” until the plant itself will decline (Tuquero et al., 2018).

Commercial Fertilizer

Commercial fertilizers are responsible for 40 to 60% of the world's food

production. The nutrient inputs in crop production systems have come under increased

scrutiny in recent years due to the potential impact from inputs such as N and P. The

benefits of nutrient inputs are often minimized in discussions of potential risk. The

calculated N, P, and K indicate that commercial fertilizer makes up the majority of

nutrient inputs necessary to sustain current crop yields (Majumdar, et al., 2021).

In addition, the commonly cited generalization that at least 30 to 50% of crop

yield is attributable to commercial fertilizer nutrient inputs is a reasonable, if not

conservative estimation (Samreen and Kausar, 2019).

Cultivation

Cultivation is developed to increase soil physical conditions and carried out for

plants to allow for better root growth and thus tree anchorage, improve root access to

soil nutrients and moisture, and improve planting quality. Cultivation also removes

competing weeds, improving moisture and nutrient availability to planted seedlings, and

provides a surface to which herbicides can be applied effectively (Edwards et al., 2019).

In addition, evaluation of soil quality is essential in monitoring the long-term

effects of plant cultivation. It is usually restricted to soil manipulation to create a

seedbed suitable for crop seeding and establishment for the plant growth. Soil
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chemistry profiles from each domesticated and uncultivated soil revealed that

geography, rather than soil record, largely determined soil chemical properties due to

uncultivated site supported differing sets of native plant species. Moreover, soluble

content, organic content in soil, and concentrations in plant shoots and roots exhibited

significant correlation in treated soil (Helm et al., 2019).

NPK Fertilizer

NPK represents the primary micronutrients product used for supplementing the

nutritional requirements of flowers, trees, grasses, and agricultural crops. In an NPK

ratio, the numbers specifically tell the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and

potassium contained in the fertilizer. The soil used to plant crops or grow flowers often

lacks one or more of these essential nutrients. In order to help plants to grow, these

micronutrients are added due to its widespread availability. Additionally, manure can be

added to the soil to help provide these nutrients. It claimed that nitrogen in NPK is

useful for helping plants to grow leaves. Phosphorus, by contrast, helps to produce

healthy flowers, buds, roots, and fruits. Potassium is used by plants to help sustain

overall plant health (Tatomir, 2022).

In addition, NPK is commonly used as a fertilizer among the organic and

commercial synthetic fertilizers that helps to boost soil fertility. NPK represents the

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen is one of the most important and a

primary content of NPK. Nitrogen is important in plant cycles due to its major

component to the chlorophyll. In terms of plant growth, nitrogen is responsible for amino

acids and protein creation in leaves and stems, which provide strength and structure.
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It’s also a component of DNA, so is literally involved in plants right down to their basic

building blocks. Potassium is involved in the movement of water, nutrients, and energy

sources around and within plant tissues, and in the production of ATP for energy use.

Since potassium is involved in the movement of water, one of its main roles is to control

the opening and closing of pores on the surface of leaves called stomata. Stomata

control the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water with the air and are

important for carbon dioxide uptake for photosynthesis and transpiration for temperature

regulation. This transport around the cell also helps thicken the cell walls, strengthening

plant stems when potassium is readily available. Strong cell walls also mean greater

resistance to pests and disease (Arktivate, 2022).

Moreover, Plants cannot grow without the essential plant nutrients. In addition to

carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), plants do need those nutrients to be able to

grow and produce biomass. Fourteen essential plant nutrients are known, and based on

the amounts of nutrients that are required by plants, macro and micronutrients are

distinguished. Macronutrients are taken up in relatively large amounts (10 -100 kg or

more per hectare), while the number of micronutrients that is taken up by plants is

mostly limited to several grams per hectare. Macronutrients are nitrogen (N),

phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S).

Micronutrients are Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Nickel

(Ni), Molybdenum (Mo) and Chlorine (Cl). The availability of N, P, and K in the soil

should be sufficient, but not too high. Too low availability stunts growth and reduces

yields. On the other hand, too high availability of one or more nutrients can inhibit plant

growth and adversely affect harvest yield and/or quality. Furthermore, the availability of
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N, P, and K should be balanced, so the availability of other nutrients should be

considered while adjusting the availability of the nutrient under consideration

(Agrocares, 2022).

Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are naturally available sources of minerals that contain

moderate amounts of essential plant nutrients. They can alleviate problems associated

with synthetic fertilizers. They reduce the need for repeated application of synthetic

fertilizers to maintain soil fertility. They gradually release nutrients into the soil solution

and maintain nutrient balance for healthy crop growth. improve. Organic fertilizers are

generally considered slow-release fertilizers and contain many trace elements. They are

a safer alternative to chemical fertilizers. However, improper use of organic fertilizers

can lead to over-fertilization and under-nutrients in the soil. Controlled release of

organic fertilizers is therefore an effective and progressive way to overcome these

impacts and maintain sustainable agricultural yields (Shaji et al., 2021).

Additionally, organic fertilizers have been proposed as a solution to reduce

environmental impact and as a carbon-neutral alternative to liquid fossil fertilizers.

Organic matter improves soil structure, increases water retention, and facilitates

biological transformations such as nitrogen mineralization. Several researchers have

studied the effects of timing of nitrogen and water application on crop yield in field

experiments (Li et al., 2017). There were many different types of organic fertilizers,

including manure, sewage sludge, straw, compost, biogas residue, and biogas fertilizer.

Although there is an increasing body of literature focusing on N-fertilizers for crop yield
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and NO3-N leaching, there are few reports regarding NO3-N distribution (soil, leachate,

crop), vegetable yield and quality over time. Little literature addresses the comparison of

different types of organic fertilizers. of agricultural processes. To solve the problem of

excessive nitrate levels in vegetables, soil and groundwater caused by inadequate

fertilization. (Li et al., 2017).

Furthermore, the application of organic fertilizers can improve crop quality. The

concentration of vitamin C (Vc) affects the quality of vegetables. Application of organic

fertilizer significantly increased Vc concentrations by 3.0-33.5% in the first crop rotation.

ROF with a Vc concentration of 122 mg kg−1 was the most effective, and GOF was the

least effective. This may be due to the fact that GOF does not have a thermophilic

phase and has a low degree of humus. The concentration of Vc increased by 12.6-

31.5% in celery cultivation. As with the first rotation, ROF was most effective at a

concentration of 83.5 mg kg-1 and GOF was least effective. After 3 rotations, his Vc of

CK-treated tomatoes decreased from 91.4 (1st rotation) to 79.0 (3rd rotation) mg kg-1,

indicating malnutrition and N deficiency. Organic fertilizers application could increase

the concentration of Vc by 31.6–48.1% compared with CK in the third rotation. ROF with

the concentration of 117 mg·kg−1 had the best effect. This is mainly because ROF with

a high stabilization and humification degree could improve soil structure, increase the

water holding capacity and promote biological transformations and then improve the

vegetable quality. Thus, it holds an outstanding performance without the potential

damage to the soil nutrients (Li et al., 2017).

Moreover, the Cd-reducing properties of organic matter work well at pH values

below 6.0, but at pH values between 6.0 and 8.0 organic matter increases Cd
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concentrations in soil (Roberts, 2014). A case study of fertilizer and atmospheric input of

Cd into agricultural soils in Sweden was published and they showed that his Cd input

per year was 0.8 g Cd ha-1 yr-1 when phosphorus fertilizer was applied at an average

rate of 22 kg P2O5 ha-1. However, the net Cd input from manure was 0.01 g Cd ha-1

yr-1, which was almost 10 times lower than the Cd concentration in P fertilizer

(Sternbeck et al., 2014).

Urea Fertilizer

Urea is a low-cost nitrogen fertilizer with an NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-

Potassium) ratio of 46:0:0. Urea is naturally produced by humans and animals, but

synthetic urea is made using anhydrous ammonia. Urea often provides gardeners with

the most nitrogen at the lowest price on the market, but when applying urea to the soil,

special steps must be taken to prevent nitrogen loss through chemical reactions. Urea is

made when carbon dioxide is reacted with anhydrous ammonia. This process happens

under intense pressure, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Urea is processed to take the form

of granules or solid globules known as prills. Dry urea is very soluble and must be kept

away from moisture until its use. Urea is odourless and tasteless (SFGate, 2018).

Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of urea fertilizer in general, urea

provides the most nitrogen at the lowest cost. It is easy to store, does not pose a fire

hazard even in long-term storage, and can be mixed with other fertilizers or applied

alone. For plants that prefer acidic soil, urea is one of the best fertilizers to acidify the

soil. For gardeners growing crops such as corn, strawberries, blueberries, and other

strong nitrogen sources, urea provides immediate and powerful nitrogen use. The
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downside issues of this, the application of urea to soil involves a chemical reaction,

special care must be taken to ensure that no nitrogen is lost as the ammonium

evaporates. This makes it impractical for gardeners to use urea in large quantities.

Because of the high solubility of urea, dry storage is also absolutely necessary (SFGate,

2018). In addition, around 158.9 M tonnes of urea was produced within Asian regions in

2014. High capacities of urea in Africa, Europe and North America have been reported

since then. China is the most consumer and producer of urea fertilizer and followed by

India (Fertilizer Machine, 2015).

B. Related Studies

This section provides the foreign and local related studies, which is in line with

the study.

Foreign

In the study of Fischer and Romano, (2021), the growth and nutritional quality of

Hermetia illucens, the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have the capability to convert food

waste into a sustainable ingredient in terrestrial and aquatic nutrition while the ‘Frass’

can be used as a soil amendment. It is claimed that the BSFL produced from different

substrates such as starch had the lowest amino acid levels. The BSFL produced from

vegetable substrates had significantly higher crude protein and essential amino acids

compared to all substrates, with the exception of histidine.

Also, in the study Zahn, (2017), the potential of frass has either used nutrient-rich

compost for nutrient-rich manure as an insect feed. By excluding nutrient rich inputs, it
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became possible to explore the effect of frass on soil fertility and ultimately plant growth

in agricultural inputs such as compost and synthetic NPK fertilizer often come at a cost

and may not always be available for subsistence farmers.

Moreover, in the study of Lalander et al., (2022), the processing residues of the

treatment (frass) is constantly generated in waste management facilities in large

volumes, and this product can be used as an organic fertilizer in agriculture, stimulating

a transition to a circular economy. However, many aspects related to frass are still

unknown, such as its varying composition of nutrients, microorganisms and bioactive

compounds, its post-processing requirements for improved biological stabilization, its

behaviour in the soil and action in the plants’ metabolism, among other aspects.

In addition, the study of Gligorescu et al., (2022), also focuses on black soldier fly

larvae and frass scale production using foodstuffs. The essential amino acid profile of

BSFL reared on mixture at high density was analyzed on a DM basis and used to

estimate the amino acid of the BSFL meal. The N, P, and K content of technical frass

was estimated for individual treatments based on the pooled sample. The production of

BSFL biomass at all density and feed mixture treatments ranged between 2,000 g/tray

for mixture A at high density, and 950 g/tray for mixture C at low density. A higher larval

density resulted in significantly larger BSFL essential nutrient contents. Additionally, the

BSFL substrate reduction was high across the different treatments, with the greatest

reduction of (86-87%) being obtained when BSFL were reared on a mixture at both

densities, and lowest reduction of (75%). The survival rate of BSFL was high across

different interactions of mixture and density.

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Moreover, in the study of Aksoy et al., (2020), the potential source of protein for

livestock, where insect-based protein meals can be used as a more sustainable

alternative to conventional protein sources (fish or plant protein meals) used in

aquaculture black soldier fly larvae are rich in proteins (42.1% and 56.9% in defatted

meal) and lipids (19-37%) and their amino acid and fatty acids profiles are suitable for

inclusion in animal feeds. The BSFL was successfully used as a partial replacement of

fishmeal.

Additionally, the study of Elissen et al., (2019), the soil was infected with the

plant-pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani while in the bioassay with cress, soil was

non-infected or infected with the plant-pathogenic fungus Pythium ultimum. Both

concentrations of the BSF frass (7.5 and 15 g/kg soil) proved to be useful as soil

application, leading to good plant emergence and growth of sugar beet and cress

plants. The highest concentration of BSF frass (15 g/kg soil, both as total product) had a

large fertilizer effect. In experiments with cress without addition of Pythium suppression

with BSF frass was found. In addition, keratin was added as a positive control

treatment, which had a higher suppression effect than BSF frass but comparable

fertilizer effects.

Furthermore, In the study of Musyoka et al., (2020), stated that as an organic

fertilizer, black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is gaining popularity all over the world.

They compare how commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) and BSFFF perform in terms of

producing maize (H513). The rates of both fertilizers were 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 t ha-1 and

0, 30, 60, and 100 kg nitrogen (N) ha-1, respectively. For the purpose of determining the

N fertilizer equivalency (NFE) of the organic fertilizers, mineral fertilizer (urea) was also
 23

administered at rates of 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg N ha-1. The tallest plants and most

chlorophyll were found in the maize crops grown on plots that received BSFFF

treatment. Grain yields on plots treated with 7.5 t ha-1 BSFFF were 14% higher than on

plots treated with SAFI at the same rate. In comparison to those treated with equivalent

rates of SAFI and urea fertilizers, the grain yields in plots treated with 100 kg N ha-1 of

BSFFF increased by 27% and 7%, respectively. As applied at 7.5 t ha-1, BSFFF

considerably boosted N uptake by up to 23% when compared to SAFI at the same rate.

Similar to SAFI and urea, application of BSFFF at 100 kg N ha-1 increased maize N

uptake by 76% and 29%, respectively. In comparison to SAFI at equal rates, maize

treated with BSFFF at 2.5 t ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 had greater nitrogen recovery

efficiency. When maize was treated with 2.5 t ha-1 of BSFFF, the agronomic N use

efficiency (AEN) was 2.4 times greater than when an equivalent rate of SAFI was used.

Additionally, compared to values obtained using equivalent rates of SAFI and urea

fertilizers, the AEN of maize grown using 30 kg N ha-1 was 27% and 116% higher,

respectively. BSFFF's NFE (108%) was 2.5 times greater than SAFI's. While twofold

rates of SAFI were necessary, application rates of 2.5 t ha-1 and 30 kg N ha-1 of

BSFFF were shown to be effective in increasing maize output. The findings show that

BSFFF is a promising and environmentally friendly substitute for synthetic fertilizers in

order to increase maize production.

In the study of Zou et al., (2021), Significant metabolic profile shifts were

observed during the growth stages of the Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis (Pechay) that

are organically fertilized, the metabolites, especially the essential amino acids

decreased while most plant sugars increased from microgreens to seedlings. Most
 24

essential minerals were concentrated in the organic fertilized pechay, while sodium

increased in adult plants. Overall findings reveal that most of the nutritional metabolites

were concentrated either in the adult pechay plant and seedlings.

Consequently, in the study of Shi et al., (2021), various soil ameliorants have

been widely applied in agricultural production. Five fertilization treatments were tested

under field conditions, including chemical fertilization (CK) and reduced chemical

fertilization applied in combination with biochar (T1), microbial agents (T2), organic

fertilizer (T3) and silicon-calcium-magnesium-potassium (SiCaMgK) fertilizer (T4). The

growth, yield, root properties and physiological quality of two varieties of Brassica rapa

subsp. chinensis (Pechay) and their rhizosphere soil properties were measured to

determine the effect of each amendment. Although biochar and other amendments had

no significant impact on cabbage yield, the physiological analyses revealed that

compared with CK, biochar application enhanced the vitamin c (VC) contents and soil

urease and invertase activities by 25.34%–49.58%, 3.75%–10.08%, 42.71%–103.19%

and respectively, in the two varieties of Pechay compared with CK, organic fertilizer

application significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity and soluble sugar and

soluble protein accumulation and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the

two varieties of Pechay. The yield of pechay was affected mainly by soil urease activity,

superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and MDA content. The VC content may have been

regulated by the soil invertase activity and the root morphological parameters of the

plants. It claimed that biochar and organic fertilizer can improve root development and

soil urease, invertase and SOD activities and decrease MDA content, which are factors

related to cabbage yield and quality.

 25

Also, in the study of Budiono et al., (2019), NPK components that were

influenced by fertilizer treatment were the number of panicles, panicle length, number of

filled grains per panicle, weight of 1 000 seeds, and productivity. The number of empty

grains per panicle was not affected by fertilization treatment. NPK fertilizer in fertilizer

treatment had a composition of 15 % for each element. The rational needs of N, P, and

K fertilizers can affect the yield components of the growth of the plant. The number of

empty grains per panicle was not significantly different due to the needs of KCl in plants

being sufficient as the Potassium plays a role in regulating the closing of flowers in

plants. The condition of potassium sufficiency in plants resulted in the effect of flower

closure being the same so that the panicle grain formed would be the same for each

treatment including control plants.

Local

In the study of Pamintuan et al., (2020), black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have long

been considered a potential converter from waste to energy to convert organic waste

into lipids, daily measurements of larval length, width and mass were taken from

hatching to pre-pupal stages. The collected mass of larvae as a function of time is

consistent with the Gompertz growth equation. Growth testing with these substrates

showed that larvae reared in the viscera of the sample milkfish had the highest growth

rates and the greatest final weight, length and width. In addition, they also showed

significantly higher digestible feed conversion efficiency and survival compared with the

other two substrates (control and plant waste). The nutritional composition is

determined in the fractions of crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrates and ash. The

approximate analysis analyzed that the highest protein and carbohydrate content of
 26

larvae reared in milkfish viscera at 38.95% and 44.45%, respectively. Meanwhile, larvae

reared in plant waste obtained the highest fat and ash content, at 40.55% and 15.2%,

respectively. The study expanded the analysis immediately and it claimed the potential

for rearing black soldier flies in plant waste substrates as a fat source for feed through a

waste-to-energy conversion system.

Also, in the study of Navasero et al. (2022), the fatty acid present in black soldier

fly larvae BSFL is the short chain fatty acid. BSFL is composed of 70% saturated fatty

acid, 13.6% omega-9, and 13.4% omega-6 fatty acids. The variations of the nutrient

composition of BSFL and nature of its amino and fatty acid profile showed the ability of

BSFL to adopt the nutrient profile of substrates used as feed due to higher the protein

and fat content of the substrates are, the more likely to produce BSFL with high fat

content. Also, the variation of this by-product is essential for assessing possible

application purposes. The BSF frass analyses from the anonymized frass analysis of

production.

Furthermore, the study of Go, (2021), the fertilizer application using either

organic fertilizer to the pechay varies from the potential sources of organic compost. A

form of organic fertilizer and considered low-analysis fertilizers as it contains about 1%

N and P and their organic nitrogen mineralization rate is about 10%. It is claimed that

the effect of different levels of compost depends on the source of organic fertilizers on

the growth and yield performance of pechay. The study expands on the growth and

yield performance of pechay in terms of leaf area and fresh weight of the application of

the organic fertilizer.

 27

Additionally, in the study of Yruma and Lluz, (2019), the transplanted organic

fertilized Pechay at high density planting is favourable than other methods due to higher

number of plants that could grow per unit area. Increasing the number of plants growing

could result in a higher probability of increasing harvestable crops than the other

methods with a very high mortality rate and low number of growing plants per unit area.

It affirmed that the most appropriate method of planting for Pechay is through seedling

transplanting as compared to mustard and other vegetable crops. Based on actual

observation, low survival and actual plant density in direct seeded. Pechay is due to

high incidence of mortality due less root anchorage and high weed competition.

Whereas, transplanted Pechay seedlings have higher survival rate due to higher

capability to compete with weeds and firm anchorage into the soil.

Moreover, in the study of Bandera, (2020), the application of nutrient sprays is

indeed an important factor in the foliar fertilization method since the nutrients are

directly delivered to the plant in limited amounts, thereby helping to reduce the impact

associated with soil fertilization. However, response to foliar sprays is often variable and

not reproducible due to the existing lack of many factors related to the penetration of the

leaf-applied solution. The study showed that T2 (Recommended Rate (RR) Inorganic

Fertilizer) plants are the tallest while T1 (Control) plants are the shortest with a mean

height of 14.56 and 8.66 cm, respectively. T2 plants also have the highest mean growth

rate of 3.015 mm/day, and T7 (50% RR Organic Fertilizer + 50% RR Foliar Fertilizer) as

the shortest with a mean growth rate of 1.237 mm/day. Further, T5 (50% RR Inorganic

Fertilizer + 50% RR Organic Fertilizer) plants show the highest mean number of leaves

of 10.197, and T1 plants are the least with a mean number of leaves of 6.867. Yield was
 28

also highest in T2 and lowest in T1 with a mean weight of 225.863 g and 50.853 g,

respectively.

Therefore, the studies mentioned by different authors is in lined to the application

of BSFFF to the efficacy of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in terms of height

and weight measurements.

C. Research Gaps

This section provides all the questions and problems that has not been answered

by any of the existing related literature and analysis or research within the field of this

study. Also, this section manifests all the gaps determined in this review.

Several studies have been conducted by numerous authors internationally in

relation to cultivation of Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis (Pechay) with the use of Black

Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as an alternative fertilizer. In the study of Musyoka, et al.,

(2020), stated that as an organic fertilizer, black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is

gaining popularity all over the world. They compare how commercial organic fertilizer

(SAFI) and BSFFF perform in terms of producing maize (H513). The rates of both

fertilizers were 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 t ha-1 and 0, 30, 60, and 100 kg nitrogen (N) ha-1,

respectively. For the purpose of determining the N fertilizer equivalency (NFE) of the

organic fertilizers, mineral fertilizer (urea) was also administered at rates of 0, 30, 60,

and 100 kg N ha-1. The tallest plants and most chlorophyll were found in the maize

crops grown on plots that received BSFFF treatment. Thus, the findings show that

BSFFF is a promising and environmentally friendly substitute for synthetic fertilizers in

order to increase maize production.

 29

In the study of Fischer and Romano, (2021), proved that the growth and

nutritional quality of Hermetia illucens, the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have the

capability to convert food waste into a sustainable ingredient in terrestrial and aquatic

nutrition while the ‘Frass’ can be used as a soil amendment. The authors highlighted

that the BSFL produced from different substrates such as starch had the lowest amino

acid levels. Thus, the BSFL produced from vegetable substrates had significantly higher

crude protein and essential amino acids compared to all substrates, with the exception

of histidine.

Also, the study of Zahn, (2017), focused on the potential of frass, which has

either been used as nutrient-rich compost or nutrient-rich manure as an insect feed. The

researcher concluded that just by excluding nutrient-rich inputs, it became possible to

explore the effect of frass on soil fertility and ultimately plant growth. Hence, agricultural

inputs such as compost and synthetic NPK fertilizer often come at a cost and may not

always be available for subsistence farmers.

In addition, the study of Gligorescu et al., (2022), focused on black soldier fly

larvae and frass scale production using foodstuffs. The researchers explained the

essential amino acid profile of BSFL reared on mixture at high density was analysed on

a DM basis and used to estimate the amino acid of the BSFL meal. Consequently, the

survival rate of BSFL was high across different interactions of mixture and density.

Therefore, the study is distinct because the study aims to determine the

maximum advantage of Hermetia illucens L. (Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass) as

alternative fertilizer for the cultivation of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay).
 30

D. Conceptual Framework

This section illustrates the expected relationship between the variables to be

used and emphasize how these ideas relate to this experimentation. Specifically, this

shows the independent and dependent variables that will be used in this research study.

Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Cultivation of Brassica rapa

Fly) Larvae Frass Fertilizer subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

 31

Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the method approach that was used to support the

quantitative design used in this study. It also includes the research design, procedural

flowchart, locale of the study, materials and instrumentations, data collection, data

analysis, and statistical tools

Research Design

This study used quantitative experimental research methods. Specifically, it

ascertained the efficacy and efficiency of Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer through

cultivating Pechay seeds and measuring its capability to substitute commercial fertilizer

in agricultural purposes, which could be more cost-effective and essentially organic,

with a lesser ruinous disadvantage to the soil fertility. There were five (6) treatments

labelled as T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 & T5 used in the study, and each had three (3) replicates,

R1, R2, and R3. All treatments had an equal concentration of soil; treatment 0 (control)

consisted of 7g commercial fertilizer, treatment 1 (negative control) contained water,

treatment 2 had 15g BSF frass, treatment 3 had 28g BSF frass fertilizer, treatment 4

consisted of 44g BSF frass, and treatment 5 contained 57g BSF frass fertilizer. Figure 2

showed the research design of the study that followed on the next page.

Locale of the Study

The research was conducted from February to April 2023 at DOST Laboratory

Backyard located at General Santos City National High School Campus, General
 32

Santos City. Due to other major circumstances, the samples was moved to Purok 13-A,

MC Village, Block 3, Barangay Fatima, General Santos City.The Black Soldier Fly Frass

Fertilizer (BSFFF) was collected at Limadol, Barangay Tacunan, Davao City. The

commercial fertilizer was bought and purchased at any local farm and fertilizer shop

together with the Pechay seeds located only in the locality of General Santos City.
 33

Hermetia illucens
Effectiveness of BSF
(Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass Fertilizer in Pechay
Frass)

Height (cm)
R1

T0 R2 Weight (kg)

R3
Legend:
R1
Tn – Treatments
T1 R2

R3
Rn – Replicates
R1
T0 – (Control) 7g Commercial fertilizer, 2000g soil
T2 R2

R3 T1 – (Negative Control) 350 mL Water, 2000g soil

R1
T2 – 15g BSFL frass, 2000g soil
T3 R2

R3 T3 – 28g BSFL frass, 2000g soil

R1
T4– 44g BSFL frass, 2000g soil
T4 R2

R3 T5– 57g BSFL frass, 2000g soil

R1
BSFL = Black Soldier Fly Larvae
T5 R2

R3 g = grams

Figure 2. Research Design

 34

Procedural Flowchart
This section shows the step-by-step manner of the course of the

experimentation.

Pre-Experimental Experimental Post-Experimetal

Phase Phase Phase

Gathering of Black Building of

Gathering of data
Soldier Fly Frass Greenhouse
Fertilizer (BSFFF) Facility

Cultivation of Analyzing and

Gathering of
Brassica rapa Computation of
Commercial
subsp. chinensis Data
Fertilizer
(Pechay)
(Oneway ANOVA)

Preparation of
Materials
 35

Figure 3. Procedural Flowchart

Data Collection

The researchers gathered the Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass Fertilizer from a

Black Soldier Fly Farm (Limadol) in Tacunan, Davao City. The Black Soldier Fly Frass

was bought from a farm in Davao City. The Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass was kept in a

good and stable area to preserve its natural form and content. The data was collected

within 1 month prior to the time frame. The data was analyzed through the accumulation

of growth rate (weight and height) of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in varying

treatments and the number of days before the Pechay integrated and absorbed the

nutrient content of the fertilizers, especially the BSFFF.

A. Gathering of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass Fertilizer (BSFFF)

Black soldier fly larvae frass fertilizer (BSFFF) was collected and bought at Black

soldier fly larvae farm (Limadol) at Tacunan, Davao city. After gathering the BSFFF, the

subject was kept in an optimal and stable area.

B. Preparation of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) for cultivation

The Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) seeds were purchased in the

locality of General Santos City and were kept in a secured location to preserve their

natural form and content. The growth rate of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in

terms of weight and height varied according to the type of fertilizer used.

C. Preparation of Commercial Fertilizer

 36

The commercial fertilizer was bought and purchased at a local farm and fertilizer

shop. It was also kept in a secured location to preserve its natural form and content.

D. Preparation of Treatments

The study employed five (6) treatments with the designations T0, T1, T2, T3, T4,

and T5. Each treatment contained three (3) replicates, R1, R2, and R3. The amount and

quality of soil in each replicate under different treatments were uniform. Treatment 0

(control) was 7g commercial fertilizer; treatment 1 (negative control) only consisted of

water; treatment 2 had 15g BSF frass; treatment 3 had 28g BSF frass; treatment 4 had

44g BSF frass; and treatment 5 had 57g BSF frass fertilizer.

E. Cultivation of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

The Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) was cultivated in pots using both

commercial fertilizer and black soldier fly larvae frass. The growth rate of Brassica rapa

subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in terms of weight and height varied depending on the type

of fertilizer used.

F. Gathering of Data

All the data recorded during the experimental phase was gathered, inclusive to

the treatments and replicates shown in the research design. After the experiment, the

researchers was gathering data from each treatment, T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. Each

treatment contains three (3) replicates (R1, R2, and R3). After gathering the data, the

researchers was analysed the data using the statistical tool One-Way Analysis of

Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD Test.

Materials and Instrumentation

 37

The following instruments and materials needed in performing this study are

listed below:

A. Gathering and Preparation of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass (BSFFF)

The materials and instruments that was used in gathering and preparation of

BSFFF are gloves, face mask and sack.

B. Preparation of Commercial Fertilizers

The materials and instruments that was used in the preparation of commercial

fertilizer will be plastic cups, weighing scale and soil shovel.

C. Preparation and Cultivation of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

The materials and instruments that was used in the preparation and cultivation of

pechay are gloves, plastic flower pots, garden shovel, garden soil, and water.

D. Construction of Greenhouse Facility for the Saplings

The materials that was used on the construction of greenhouse facility are used

coco lumber post, nails, hammer, wood planks and garden net.

Statistical Tools

The researchers analyzed the measured and collected data by utilizing the

statistical tool One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). This was used to compare the

mean and standard deviation of two groups of data, namely the weight and height of the

Pechay plant. This was done to determine and grasp if the treatments had significant

differences with each other by using the fertilizer as the single factor. The treatments
 38

were analyzed simultaneously to provide informative data results. Tukey HSD Test or

known as Tukey’s Honest Significance Difference was used to test differences and

relationship of the sample means for significance.

 39

Chapter IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter presents and addresses the analysis and interpretation of data

gathered in the study, it is specifically detailed the potential efficacy of Hermetia illucens

L. (Black Soldier Fly Larvae) frass as an alternative fertilizer on the cultivation of

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay).

Presumptive height results of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

The researchers measured the height of the samples with their corresponding

treatments and replicates by every 5th day interval of data measurement within the time

frame of experimentation as shown in Table 1. The data was gathered from the

experiment that the researchers conducted at Purok 13-A, MC Village, Block 3,

Barangay Fatima, General Santos City.

Table 1.

Raw data of height (cm) results of Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis (Pechay) after

30 days of measurement.
 40

Pechay Plants height (cm) after 30 Days

Treatment Replicates Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

29.366
1 7.75 11.9666
16.25 21.51 25.3666 6
0 (7g
Commercial 2 6.8333 10.5333 16 19 26.7 28.5
fertilizer)
28.866
3 7.1 10.9333
12.8666 22.7 25.6333 6

18.466
1 5.25 8.25
11.1666 14.3333 16.5 6
1 (No
20.933
fertilizer, 2 5.9 9.1666
13.4666 15.4444 18.5666 3
only Water)
18.533
3 4.9333 7.75
13.5 15.9 17.3333 3

21.466
1 6 10.8
15.2666 17.2333 19.5666 6

2 (15g BSFL 22.966

2 5.9 8.25
frass) 15.75 18.52 19.9333 6

23.933
3 6.4333 10.6666
14.1666 19.5 21.8333 3

25.066
1 5.15 10.1
16.5333 21.7666 23.86 66
3 (28g BSFL
frass) 2 6.9 10.9 16.3333 20.9333 22.9333 25.2

3 6.8333 9.9666 16.1666 19.5666 23.9666 25.3

25.433
1 6.1333 10.5333
18.3666 21.5444 23.67 33
4 (44g BSFL
25.833
frass) 2 5.5333 9.3
12.75 16.3333 21.8333 33

3 5.8 11.25 19.9333 22.7 23.5333 25.2

28.266
1 6.5666 9.7333
19.2 22.8666 24.75 66
5 (57g BSFL
frass) 2 6.4666 11.1333 20.5333 23.5 24.9666 27

3 7.1 10.25 15.3 20.7666 24.8 27.2

 41

Presumptive weight results of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

The researchers measured the weight of the samples with their corresponding

treatments and replicates at 30th day within the time frame of experimentation as shown

in Table 1.2. The data was gathered from the experiment that the researchers

conducted at Purok 13-A, MC Village, Block 3, Barangay Fatima, General Santos City.

Table 1. 2

Raw data of weight (g) results of Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis (Pechay) after

30 days of measurement.
 42

Pechay Plants weight (g) after 30 Days

Replicate
Treatment
s Day 30

1 110
0 (7g Commercial
2 107
fertilizer)
3 103

1 22
1 (No fertilizer, only
2 20
Water)
3 26

1 35

2 (15g BSFL frass) 2 32

3 37

1 39

3 (28g BSFL frass) 2 41

3 36

1 42

4 (44g BSFL frass) 2 50

3 42

1 63

5 (57g BSFL frass) 2 69

3 87

Table 2.
 43

Effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as an alternative fertilizer in cultivating

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in the following treatments

Treatment Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30 Mean SD

T0 (7g
Commercial 7.228 11.144 15.039 21.070 25.900 28.911 18.215 8.514
fertilizer)
T1 (No
fertilizer, 5.361 8.389 12.711 15.226 17.467 19.311 13.077 5.374
only Water)
T2 (15g
6.111 9.906 15.061 18.418 20.444 22.789 15.455 6.414
BSFL frass)
T3 (28g
6.294 10.322 16.344 20.756 23.587 25.189 17.082 7.538
BSFL frass)
T4 (44g
5.822 10.361 17.017 20.193 23.012 25.489 16.982 7.582
BSFL frass)
T5 (57g
6.711 10.372 18.344 22.378 24.839 27.489 18.356 8.258
BSFL frass)

Table 2 presents the effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as an alternative

fertilizer in cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in the following

treatments Treatment 0 (T0-7g Commercial fertilizer), Treatment 1 (T1-No fertilizer, only

Water), Treatment 2 (T2-15g BSFL frass), Treatment 3 (T3-28g BSFL frass), Treatment

4 (T4-44g BSFL frass), and Treatment 5 (T5-57g BSFL frass). It can be seen from the

results that the different treatments continuously increased the from day 5 to day 30.

The highest mean of the growth in height is T 5 ( M =18.356 ). This is followed by T 1

( M =18.215 ). Then by T3 ( M =17.082 ) . The lowest mean result is using the T1. This is the

application of no fertilizer and only water.

This result shows that the effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as an

alternative fertilizer in cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) is effective

and it is equitable to the performance of T0 that is using the commercialized fertilizer.

 44

Table 3.

Means of treatments of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as alternative fertilizer is

effective in cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay).

Treatment Growth in Height (cm) Growth in Weight (g)

T0 (7g Commercial fertilizer) 18.215 8.514 106.67 3.51
T1 (No fertilizer, only Water) 13.077 5.374 22.67 3.06
T2 (15g BSFL frass) 15.455 6.414 34.67 2.52
T3 (28g BSFL frass) 17.082 7.538 38.67 2.52
T4 (44g BSFL frass) 16.982 7.582 44.67 4.62
T5 (57g BSFL frass) 18.356 8.258 73.00 12.49

Table 3 presents the effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as an alternative

fertilizer in cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) in the growth in height

and weight of peachy. In height, the use of 57g BSFL frass in T5 got the highest mean

with 18.356 centimeters, followed by the use of commercial fertilizer in T 0 with mean of

18.215. The lowest mean result is using no fertilizer and only water in T 1 with mean of

13.077.

This result shows that the effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as an

alternative fertilizer in cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) is effective

and it is equitable to the performance of T0 that is using the commercialized fertilizer.

In weight, the highest mean is in the use of commercial fertilizer with mean of

106.67 g followed by the use of 57g BSFL frass with mean of 73.00 g. The same in the

growth in height, the lowest mean result is using no fertilizer and only water in T 1 with

mean of 22.67 g.
 45

This result also shows that the effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as an

alternative fertilizer in cultivating Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) is effective

and Although, it is not equitable to the performance of T 0 that is using the

commercialized fertilizer.

Table 4.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results for the difference in the height using the

different treatments with the number of days.

Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value

Treatment 118.551 5 23.710 12.955 0.000
Number of Days 1579.289 5 315.858 172.587 0.000
Error 45.753 25 1.830

Total 1743.593 35

A two-way ANOVA was used to test the difference in the height across different

treatments and number of days. Results show that there are significant differences with

the growth of pechay using treatments T0 to T5 as supported by the F= 12.955 and

p= .000. A p-value of less than .05 indicates a significant difference. This is also true

with the growth in height when number of days are considered, a significant difference

is noted as evidenced by F= 172.587 and p= .000.

Table 5.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results for the difference in the weight using the

different treatments with the number of days.

 46

P-
Source of Variation SS df MS F
value
2886.18
Treatment 14430.944 5 81.813 .000
9
Error 423.333 12 35.278
Total 14854.278 17

A single ANOVA was used to test the difference in the weight across different

treatments and number of days. Results show that there are significant differences with

the growth of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay) using treatments T0 to T5 as

supported by the F= 81.813 and p= .000.

Chapter V

SUMMARY OF FINDING, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter provides the evaluation and interpretations of the data gathered and

the conclusions drawn from it and it also shows the recommendations and suggestions

based on the analysis that could be helpful in future research.

Summary of Findings
 47

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