CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

I. Research Design

The Descriptive Research design was used in this study. This involved

observation of the environmental conditions within a period of time and counting of

the different plant species. Data were recorded, organized and presented in the form of

tables and graphs.

II. Subject of the Study

The subject of the study was the disturbed area of the USLS Eco-Park. The

disturbed area was around two hectares and included the buildings, structures and

gardens.

III. Instruments and Materials

The instruments required for the field study were plastic straws, barbecue sticks

which were used as pegs, pH meter, soil thermometer, laboratory thermometer, sling

psychrometer, and plastic bags for the sample collection.

IV. Data Collection Procedure

The Transect-Quadrat method was used for this study. It involved the laying

out of a baseline of desired length and dividing it into equal sections. A random

selection of the sample sites was conducted and quadrats were established.
A. Selection of Sample Sites

Two transects, each being 100 meters long, were randomly laid out

within the disturbed area of the Ecopark. The area along the transects represented

the sample sites. Both transects were divided into 10 equal portions. Within each

transect, two portions were randomly selected using the table of random numbers.

A 10x10 meter quadrat was then established in a selected portion. The parameter

was marked with pegs and bordered by plastic straws. This process was

duplicated for the other three selected portions. Two quadrats represented each

sample site - Quadrats 3 and 7 for Site 1, and Quadrats 2 and 10 for Site 2.

B. Determination of Environmental Conditions

The environmental conditions observed were the soil temperature,

pH, and mineral content, and humidity. These were measured within the sample

sites twice a month for two months. All readings were conducted from 9 until 12

in the morning.

1. Soil

The temperature, acidity, texture and mineral content of the soil were

determined.

The soil temperature was measured with the aid of a soil thermometer.

The soil thermometer resembled the appearance of a nail with its gauge on top.

Obstructions, such as stones and debris, were cleared to avoid damage to the

thermometer or to affect the temperature reading. Around two-thirds of the 3

13
inch thermometer was inserted into the soil. This was done randomly within

each quadrat. Three replicate readings of the soil temperature were obtained.

The soil acidity was determined using a pH meter. The pH meter is an

electronic instrument used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid. It

consists of a special measuring probe connected to an electronic meter that

measures and displays the pH reading. A soil solution consisting of 1 part water

and 2 parts soil was prepared. The metal rod of the pH meter was then immersed

in the solution for 1 minute. Three replicate readings of the soil pH was obtained

from each quadrant and for each replicate, the average was calculated.

To determine the texture and mineral content of the soil, the soil samples

were processed in the laboratory of the Sugar Regulatory Administration facility

in Bacolod City.

2. Air

Relative humidity was determined using a sling psychrometer. The sling

psychrometer consisted of two thermometers - one dry bulb and the other

wrapped with a wick requiring continuous dampening with distilled water. The

sling psychrometer was swung in a circle in the air, until the temperature of the

wet bulb ceased to decline. The temperature readings of the wet and dry bulb

thermometers were noted and recorded immediately after swinging. The

difference between the two was then calculated. The relative humidity was

determined by consulting the table found in the book “Field and Laboratory

14
 Methods for General Ecology”. Air temperature was determined using a

laboratory thermometer.

C. Determination of Plant Diversity

All plants within the quadrats were considered. The species of

plants present were identified using a plant directory on ornamental plants found in

the Philippines and their quantities were recorded. Since the grasses in the sites

existed in clumps, each quadrat was further divided into four equal parts

(quadrants). Each quadrant measured 1x1 meters. Three quadrants were then

randomly selected. The 1x1 meter quadrant was again divided into four equal

parts. One quarter which contained the most number of grasses was considered as

having around a hundred percent of a particular grass. It was considered the basis

for taking the percentages of grass for other quarters.

The book “A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philipine Ornamental Plants” by

Domingo A. Madulid was referred to for the identification of the plant species.

V. Data Analysis Procedure

After collection of the raw data, the measures of central tendency for density,

relative density, frequency, relative frequency and dominance were calculated for each

plant specie. The data was then recorded in the tabulation sheets (Appendices A, B, C,

D, E and F).

The values obtained determined the diversity of the plants within the Eco-park.

Analysis conducted on the computed values for relative density determined which

15
species were the most abundant. The abundant species among all quadrats were also

considered since this would determine the particular species best suited to the

environmental conditions in the area.

The relationship between the data on the environmental conditions during dry

and wet seasons and the plant abundance and distribution were established by

determining the abundant plant species between seasons. There may be certain plants

found in the Eco-park that do well either during the dry or wet season.

16