MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT
BASED ON: CROP PRODUCTION

NAME OF STUDENT: JEMAINE GOODRIDGE

CENTER NUMBER: 090033

CANDIDATE NUMBER:090033

NAME OF SCHOOL: MAHAICONY SECONDARY

NAME OF SUBJECT TEACHER: SIR B. SOBERS

YEAR: 2024

TERRITORY: GUYANA

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
CONTENT
PAGE
INTRODUCTION 1

METHODOLOGY 4-7

DATA COLLECTION 8

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS 9-11

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 12

LIMITATION 13

RECOMMENDATION 14

REFERENCE 15

COST ANALYSIS 16-19

CONCLUSION 20

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 INTRODUCTION
Start date: 1st January 2024

Termination Date: 4th March 2024

Background of Celery: Celery, scientifically known as Apium graveolens, is a biennial plant

that belongs to the family Apiaceous. It is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop for its crisp

stalks and flavorful leaves. Celery is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated

for centuries for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Celery is a cool seasonal crop that thrives in moderate temperatures ranging from 15 to 24

degrees Celsius (59 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter

and requires regular watering to maintain adequate moisture levels. The plant has a shallow root

system and can be sensitive to drought conditions.

The celery plant consists of a cluster of long, thick stalks that are commonly consumed as a raw

snack or used in various dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries. The leaves of

celery are also edible and often used as an herb or garnish.

Problem Statement: To compare the plant on the grow bed from the plant on the garden bed.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess and compare the following parameters

between plants grown in a grow bed system and those grown in a traditional garden bed

system: Plant height and width, weight, and growth rate.

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the growth and development of plants grown in a

grow bed system with those grown in a traditional garden bed system.

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 METHODOLOGY

Experimental Design: In this experiment, two sets of celery plants were utilized: Plant A was

grown in a designated grow bed, while Plant B was cultivated in a traditional garden bed. The

selection of a suitable celery variety was made, ensuring that it had similar growth requirements

for both bed types.

The experimental setup involved creating separate sections within a controlled environment,

such as a greenhouse. The size of the grow bed and the garden bed was standardized to provide

adequate space for optimal plant growth and development.

Careful planting techniques were employed, including the sowing of celery seeds, transplanting

seedlings into each bed according to recommended guidelines for the chosen variety. Equal

numbers of plants were planted in both the grow bed and the garden bed to maintain

consistency throughout the experiment.

To ensure consistent conditions, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light

exposure were carefully controlled for both bed types. Additionally, regular watering and

fertilization practices were implemented, applying the same techniques to both the grow bed

and the garden bed. Weed control, pest management, and disease prevention measures were

consistently applied to maintain plant health in both settings.

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 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
1. Garden Shovel: Used for digging and preparing the soil before planting celery.

2. Garden Hoe: Used for removing weeds and loosening the soil surface around celery plants.

3. Garden Rake: Used for leveling the soil surface and creating a fine seedbed for celery

seeds.

4. Hand Trowel: Used for transplanting celery seedlings into the garden bed and grow bed.

5. Watering Can: Used for watering celery plants, ensuring they receive adequate moisture.

6. Fertilizer Spreader: Used to evenly distribute fertilizers, such as compost or granular

fertilizers, around celery plants.

7. Shade Cloth: Used to protect celery plants from extreme weather conditions, pests, or

excessive sunlight.

8. Insect Netting: Used to create a barrier against insect pests that may damage celery plants.

9. Pest Control Materials: Insecticides or organic pest control products used to manage insect

pests that may affect celery plants.

10. Seed Trays: Used for starting celery seeds indoors or in a controlled environment before

transplanting them into the garden or grow bed.

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 ACTIVITIES AND PICTURES

Soil Preparation: Clear the planting area

of any existing vegetation or debris.

Planting: Transplanting
seedlings, use a hand to
carefully dig holes in the
garden bed and grow bed
then placing the seedlings
at the appropriate depth.

Watering: Watering with a gentle spray attachment to avoid disturbing the soil or
damaging the plants.

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1. Weed Control: Regularly inspect the planting area for weeds and remove them
promptly to prevent competition for nutrients, water, and light.

Harvesting: washing and preparing harvested plants for sale.

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 DATA COLLECTION
Table 1: the table below shows the height and width of the celery plant during the
six-week period.

WEEKS GROW BED GARDEN BED

HEIGHT & WIDTH HEIGHT & WIDTH
5cm 4.8cm
1
3cm 2cm

8cm 6cm
2
5cm 4cm

15cm 12cm
3
6cm 5.3cm

18cm 16cm
4
8cm 6cm

22cm 20.6cm
5
11cm 9cm

24cm 22cm
6
16cm 13cm

Table 2 the table below represents the weight of the harvested celery plans in lbs.
GROW BED GARDEN BED

Weight 55lbs. 45lbs.

Table 3: the table below represents the overall growth of the celery plants within a
six-weeks period.
GROW BED GARDEN BED

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 Height Growth 24cm - 5cm = 19cm 22cm - 4.8cm = 17.2cm

Width Growth 16cm - 3cm = 13cm 13cm - 2cm = 11cm

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

TITLE: PLANT HEIGHT AND WIDTH.

Week 6

Week 5

Week 4

Week 3

Week 2

Week 1

2.5 7.5 12.5 17.5 22.5

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6
Grow Bed Height 5 8 15 18 22 24
Garden Bed Height 4.8 6 12 16 20.6 22
Grow Bed Width 3 5 6 8 11 16
Garden Bed Width 2 4 5.3 6 9 13

Graph 1: The Comparative Chart above illustrates the height of celery plants and their

corresponding width for a period of six-weeks. The grow bed's height has steadily

increased from 5cm to 24cm, while the width has increased from 3cm to 16cm. Similarly,

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the garden bed's height has increased from 4.8cm to 22cm, and the width has increased

from 2cm to 13cm.

TITLE: THE WEIGHT BY POUNDS

60

50

40
WEIGHT

30

20

10

0
Grow Bed Garden Bed
METHOD

Graph 2: The Column Chart showcases the weight of the harvested celery plants. Based on

the weight recorded, the harvested celery plants from the grow bed weighed 55 pounds, while

the celery plants from the garden bed weighed 45 pounds.

This indicates that the celery plants in the grow bed yielded a higher weight compared to the

plants in the garden bed. The difference in weight is attributed to various factors, including the

growing conditions, such as soil quality, nutrient availability, watering practices, and sunlight

exposure.

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 TITLE: OVERALL GROWTH RATE PER-WEEK

18%
32%

Grow bed (Height Growth)

Grow bed (Width Growth)
29% Garden bed (Height Growth)
Garden bed (Width Growth)
22%

Graph 3: The Pie chart showcases the growth rate per week for the celery plants over time.

In the grow bed, the celery plants showed a height growth of 19cm and a width growth of

13cm. This indicates that the plants had substantial vertical and horizontal development,

suggesting healthy growth and potentially robust foliage.

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Similarly, in the garden bed, the celery plants displayed a height growth of 17.2cm and a width

growth of 11cm. Although slightly smaller than the grow bed, the garden bed plants also

exhibited significant growth, indicating healthy development and expansion.

DISCUSSION
On the 1st of January 2024, the students of 11 Tvet2 initiated an experiment to assess crop

production by studying the growth rate of 100 celery plants. The plants were divided into two

conditions: the grow bed and the garden bed, with the aim of determining which condition

would yield better growth and profitability.

During the experiment, it was observed that the plants in the grow bed exhibited a faster growth

rate compared to those in the garden bed. This difference in growth can be attributed to several

factors related to the grow bed's design and management.

Firstly, the grow bed was designed with good drainage, allowing excess water to drain away

efficiently. This prevented waterlogging and maintained optimal soil moisture levels. Also, the

insufficient soil moisture impedes nutrient uptake and hinders overall plant growth on the

garden bed.

Additionally, the grow bed provided better control over the plants due to the composition of the

soil and the efficient utilization of available space. The soil in the grow bed was carefully

selected and prepared to provide optimal nutrient content and structure for the celery plants.

This facilitated their healthy development.

In contrast, the garden bed's dry soil condition affected the growth of the celery plants, leading

to a slower growth rate. The lack of adequate moisture in the soil limited nutrient availability

and compromised the plants' ability to absorb essential elements for growth.

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 L IMITATION

o Time Management:

For example, maximizing with other SBAs, it restricted the number of observations/ the

researcher had planned to make.

o Availability of Equipment:

Getting the required equipment had its disadvantages since other students also had to

use the equipment.

o Weather Conditions:

For instance, there were some very sunny days during the study, it lead hindered the

growth of the celery plants.

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 RECOMMENDATION

 During this experiment, the researcher faced several limitations that presented

challenges, including equipment availability, dry weather conditions, and efficient time

management.

 To address the issue of equipment availability, it is recommended to focus on securing

the necessary tools and resources for future experiments. This could involve

collaborating with agricultural institutions or seeking equipment loans from schools or

local farmers. Additionally, advocating for improved resources within the school or

institution can help support future research endeavors.

 To mitigate the impact of dry weather conditions, implementing effective irrigation

management strategies such as scheduling regular watering and using water

conservation methods like mulching is suggested.

 Regarding efficient time management, it is important to emphasize planning and

prioritization by allocating time for each task, setting realistic deadlines, and

establishing a structured schedule. Collaboration and delegation among team members

or classmates can help distribute the workload and ensure efficient progress. Regular

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 monitoring of progress throughout the research process is also recommended to identify

any delays or deviations and make necessary adjustments.

By addressing these limitations and implementing these recommendations, future

experiments involving celery crops can be conducted more effectively.

R EFERENCE

1. Celery Production in California. (1979). Univ. California Leaflet, 2672.

2. Celery: Protected Cropping. (1983). M.A.F.F. Booklet, 2062. Alnwick, U.K., 19 pp.

3. Lacy, M. L., & Grafius, E. J. (1980). Disease and Insect Pests of Celery. M.S.U.

Cooperative Ext. Service Bulletin E-1427, 8pp.

4. Whitlock, A. (1979). Celery Grower Guide No. 6. Grower Books, 49 Doughty St., London,

U.K., 93 pp.

5. Ryder, E. J. (1979). Leafy Salad Vegetables. AVI Publishing.

6. Takele, Etaferahu. (1999). Celery Production: Sample Costs and Profitability Analysis.

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 COST ANALYSIS
COMPLETE BUDGET

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE AND INCOME

Estimated Expenditure
Quantity Item Cost
100 Celey plants @ $100 $10,000

1 bag Cow manure @ $500 $500

1 Water can $2,500

Total Estimated Expenditure $13,000

Estimated Income
Quantity Item Cost
50 1 lbs Celery @ $200
$10,000
Total Estimated Income

Estimated surplus/shortfall =
Total Estimated Income $10,000) – Total Estimated Expenditure $13, 000) = $3,000

ACTUAL EXPENDITURE AND INCOME

Actual Expenditure
Quantity Item Cost

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 100 Celey plants @ 100 $10,000

1 bag Cow manure @ $300 $300

1 Water can $2,300

Total Actual Expenditure $12,600

Actual Income
Quantity Item Cost
100 lbs. 1 lbs Celery @ $200
$20,000
Total Actual Income

Actual surplus/shortfall =
Total Actual Income $20,000) – Total Actual Expenditure $12,600) = $7,400

Comparsion Of Estimated Expenditure and Income

13,000

11,000

9,000

7,000

5,000

3,000

1,000

Estimated Expenditure Estimated Income

Comparsion Of Actual and Estimated In- 13000 10000
come

COMPARISON OF ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE AND INCOME

The estimated expenditure for the celery crop was $13,000. It included costs such as 100 celery

plants at $100, cow manure at $500, and miscellaneous expenses totaling $2,500. The estimated

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income was projected to be $10,000, assuming the sale of 50 pounds of celery at $200 per

pound. This would result in an estimated shortfall of $3,000.

Comparsion Of Actual Expenditure and Income

19,000

17,000

15,000

13,000

11,000

9,000

7,000

5,000

3,000

1,000

Actual Expenditure Actual Income

Comparsion Of Actual and Estimated In- 12600 20000
come

COMPARISON OF ACTUAL EXPENDITURE AND INCOME

The actual expenditure for the celery crop amounted to $12,600. This included costs such as

100 celery plants at $100, cow manure at $300, and a water can at $2,300. The actual income

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generated from the celery crop was $20,000, resulting from the sale of 100 pounds of celery at

$200 per pound.

The actual expenditure of $12,600 was slightly lower than the estimated expenditure of

$13,000. This suggests effective cost management and potentially lower-than-expected

expenses for the celery plants, cow manure, and the water can. The reduction in costs

contributed to a more favorable financial position.

Estimated Surplus, 3000

Estimated Surplus
Actual Surplus
Actual Surplus, 7400

COMPARISON OF ESTIMATED AND ACTUAL SURPLUS/SHORTFALL

The estimated surplus was projected to be $3,000, indicating a potential shortfall between the

estimated income and expenditure. However, the actual surplus turned out to be $7,400,

exceeding the initial estimate by a significant margin.

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The higher actual surplus can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the actual expenditure of

$12,600 was lower than the estimated expenditure of $13,000, indicating effective cost

management and potential savings in various expenses. The reduced costs for cow manure and

the water can contribute to the lower actual expenditure.

Secondly, the actual income of $20,000 surpassed the estimated income of $10,000. The sale of

100 pounds of celery at $200 per pound resulted in higher revenue than anticipated. This can be

attributed to a greater yield or better market conditions than initially assumed.

C ONCLUSION

Considering the cost analysis and the yield breakdown, it can be concluded that the grow bed

condition was more successful and profitable for celery growth compared to the garden bed.

The observations still indicate that the well-designed drainage system, proper soil composition,

moisture management, and efficient space utilization in the grow bed contributed to healthier

and faster growth of the celery plants, resulting in a higher yield.

The cost analysis shows that the actual expenditure of $12,600 was effectively managed,

regardless of which bed it was incurred in. This suggests that expenses related to both beds,

including the celery plants, cow manure, and the water can, were well-controlled.

With a total income of $20,000, it is evident that the combined yield from both beds contributed

to the overall profitability. The grow bed, with its yield of 55 pounds, likely played a significant

role in generating a substantial portion of the total income.

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In contrast, the garden bed's yield of 45 pounds, while still contributing to the overall income,

was lower than the yield from the grow bed.

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