THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING PENCIL SHAVINGS AS AN ALTERNATIVE

FERTILIZER FOR OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus)

A Research Study

Presented to the

College of Teacher Education

Senior High School Department of

Palompon Institute of Technology

In Partial Fulfilment

of the Requirements for

Practical Research 2 (SSSTEM9)

By:

Andanar, Kassandra Allure Reign D.

Angcay, Rex Nicholas N.

Mecca, Bryjorey M.

Paquibo, Althea Denise D.

January 2020
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

LIST OF FIGURES iii

Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study 1

Theoretical Framework 5

Conceptual Framework 10

Statement of the Problem 11

Research Hypothesis 12

Significance of the Study 12

Scope and Delimitation of the Study 13

Definition of Terms 13

Chapter 2 - METHODOLOGY

Research Design 15

Research Locale 16

Research Instrument 16

Experimental Procedures 16

Statistical Treatment of Data 22

BIBLIOGRAPHY 21

ii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1 Schematic Diagram of the Study 10

iii
 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Pollutants linked with animal manures and commercial fertilizers do not just affect

plant and animal life (including humans) negatively, but it also impacts nature.

Composts and fertilizers are utilized day by day by ranchers and farmers to help

harvests and gardens develop. They are used to provide additional nutrients to the

plants, and without them, nature will struggle to replenish the soil's nutrients. However,

as stated, it considerably affects the environment. A few of these effects incorporate

algae blooms, which cause the exhaustion of oxygen in waters, microorganisms and

nitrates in drinking water, and the discharge of odors and gasses into the air.

(Wiederholt, R. and Johnson, B., 2017)

Additionally, from the same study, Wiederholt and Johnson (2017) also stated

that when fertilizer or commercial fertilizers enter surface water, the nutrients they

release invigorates or stimulates microorganism development.

Moreover, according to Hunt (2010), a portion of the synthetic composts may

cause stream contamination, chemical burn to crops, expanded air contamination,

fermentation and acidification of the soil, and mineral consumption of the loam.

Chemical fertilizers have excessive nutrient content, such as nitrogen. Too much

chemical fertilizer application to plants may give rise and cause the leaves to turn yellow

or brown, harming the plant and diminishing crop yield. The over-use of chemical
 2

fertilizer can lead to soil fermentation, and that is because of the diminish in the natural

matter within the soil.

Furthermore, there is an expanding concern that nonstop utilization of chemical

fertilizers on soil or loam depletes its fundamental nutrients. As a result, the food

created and produced in these soils has fewer vitamins and mineral substances. Lastly,

even though chemical fertilizers enhance plants' development and increase the yields of

natural food like fruits and vegetables in a brief period, there are certain drawbacks of

utilizing chemical fertilizers as opposed to natural and organic fertilizers from natural

sources.

Additionally, Smith's (n.d.) study states that it is best to maintain a strategic

distance away from fertilizers and improve the soil, preferably with revisions, such as

handcrafted or acquired natural compost, cured fertilizers, decayed leaves, and more. In

case fertilizer is utilized, natural fertilizer is favored since they discharge minerals and

supplements more gradually for plant development.

So in this particular study, the researchers decided to use pencil shavings as an

alternative fertilizer for plants. Because according to Ledger (2020), everybody uses

pens and pencils for everything, like note-taking, drawing, and even editing. It is one of

the primary writing tools that people used right next to crayons. Although many people

outgrew pencils to a certain degree, they are still the necessary work materials to

artisans or artists, designers, and individuals in related fields. Forbes magazine once

considered pencils one of the most influential human history tools, along with blades or

knives, abacuses, and the compass (Rinkesh, 2020).

 3

Moreover, Mala (2020) stated that the biggest consumers of “tree products” like

pencils and papers are schools. Furthermore, although many schools are getting

digitalized, there are still places that intensely depend on the wooden pencil for

satisfactory and adequate learning. The manufacturing of wooden pencils significantly

affects the world's forests, with 82,000 trees cut down to make 2 billion traditional

wooden pencils-- as each tree makes around 170,000 pencils. Furthermore, until the

invention of something similarly convenient, wooden pencils' production will continue out

of easy availability.

In line with the previous statement, Rinkesh (2020) stated that about 14 billion

pencils are utilized each year globally due to their common usage. Pencils are from

wood or plastic materials and graphite. The lead sticks in pencils, which are graphite

coated in clay, are used in writing. However, according to Bromley (2013), the graphite

component of pencils would most probably end up in landfills and the rest of the pencil,

and it would take 100 to 200 years or more to decompose if it is compacted closely in

the landfill. Also, in America alone, 1.6 billion pens are disposed of annually. This waste

makes its way to the waterways, where it breaks down, polluting the water and bringing

harm to ocean life ("Pens and Pencils by the Numbers," 2020).

Consequently, a study by Cameron (2014) states that wood pencils emit water

pollutants, BOD (organic water pollutant), and suspended solids. However, they are less

significant compared to plastic and paper pencils. Moreover, emissions from wood

pencils are less than or equal to the paper and plastic pencil in terms of carbon and

nitrogen oxide, culfer oxide, and particulate matter. Besides that, wood pencil emits 5 to

6 times more carbon dioxide than plastic or paper pencil.

 4

Disposing of pencil shavings in the waste bin will cause them to end up in

landfills-- which are not precisely substantial for the environment. Having that said, it is

a must to keep pencil wastes away from landfills. One way to make this possible is to

use up the whole pencil and recycle its waste to not end up in the trash (Rinkesh, 2020).

As a matter of fact, "Pens and Pencils by the Numbers" (2020) states that as

people try to lessen the environmental impacts, it became easy to forget that a smaller

thing, such as pens and pencils, can add up to much trash. That is why according to

Ledger (2020), throwing pencils and pencil wastes is not advisable. Instead, these items

have to be recycled to prevent them from taking up space in a landfill somewhere.

Considering this, placing pencil waste into the compost cart instead of the landfill

cart is better. Because according to "Benefits of Recycling Pencil Shavings" (2018),

pencil shavings trash is favorable within the garden plants. Mulching or applying pencil

shavings within the cultivated soil will hold soil moisture by stopping water evaporation,

particularly in summer. Additionally, it stifles weed growth and development.

Moreover, according to Singh (2017), most pencil shavings are produced from

cedar wood, a known biodegradable material. Cedarwood prevents and wards off

numerous insects, so the pencil shavings can be placed and mixed into the soil around

the plant to ward off undesirable bugs and insects. On a similar statement, Mantz

(2016) stated that pencil shavings could be blended into the compost container or work

them into the soil around plants to deter bugs and other pests away ("Benefits of

Recycling Pencil Shavings," 2018).

 5

The graphite present in pencils is healthy for the garden because, according to

Magharing (2017), graphite is a common and natural fertilizer made up of carbon and

hydrogen. The author implies that it can be a carbon source more than it may be a

natural fertilizer.

According to Mala (2020), pencil casings are from softwood gathered from the

trunks of coniferous trees, such as pines, spruces, and cedars-- the most commonly

utilized within the pencil manufacturing industry today. The cedar tree should be at least

14 years old before it gets logged and cut into 7.5 inches (the length of pencils).

A well-known pencil brand is the MONGOL pencil, made out of basswood, a

softwood. According to Castro (2019), MONGOL Pencils have always been popular and

well-favored in the Philippines and are highly regarded and considered part of Filipinos'

early education. The Philippine Postal Corp. even issued a stamp showing a MONGOL

pencil to mark the brand's 50th year in the Philippines.

Hence, this study aims to produce an eco-friendly substitute for chemical

fertilizers from pencil shavings. Nowadays, people often use chemical fertilizers

carelessly, but they do not know its consequences. This research aims to help the

environment ease the chemical problems that cause soil pollution and offer organic and

natural fertilizer.

Theoretical Framework
 6

This portion of the research paper presents several studies containing notable

information regarding the topic in focus. The following related literature included a

clearer understanding of the research paper's concepts, definitions, and theories.

According to the study, this theoretical framework is into three sections or points of

discussion: A.) The Composition of Pencils, B.) Pencil Shavings as Compost and

Fertilizer, and C.) The Use of Pencil Shavings for Plant Growth.

A.) The Composition of Pencils

According to Schlager (1993), the significant ingredient in pencils is

graphite, which most people often refer to and call lead. Conte's strategy of

combining graphite with clay is still present and utilized, and wax and other

chemicals are sometimes incorporated. Additionally, he stated that most pencils'

compositions are from cedar (particularly California cedar), the wood choice for a

long time. Cedar encompasses a satisfying odor, does not warp or lose its

shape, and is promptly accessible.

Moreover, according to Ritter (2001), in 1779, Swedish chemist Carl W.

Scheele found out that black lead was a form of carbon. In 1789, German

geologist Abraham G. Werner supposedly gave it the title graphite, after the

Greek graphein, meaning "to write." Moreover, as previously mentioned,

according to Magharing (2017), graphite is a common and natural fertilizer, which

is composed of carbon and hydrogen. This statement implies that it can be a

carbon source more than it may be a natural fertilizer.

 7

Most people think that the lead component in pencils is toxic to plants.

However, according to "Benefits of Recycling Pencil Shavings" (2018), pencil

lead is an inapplicable title. It does not represent the element lead; it is non-toxic

and is a source of carbon to plants, for it is composed of graphite and clay mix.

B.) Pencil Shavings as Compost and Fertilizer

According to Li et al. (2000), the benefits of compost utilization in farming

have been well-recorded. Applications of composts are known to improve the

physical, chemical, and natural properties of soils, which results in higher crop

yield and better quality. Similarly, organic fertilizers are also useful to plants

because, according to Pokorny (2015), organic fertilizers contain plant

supplements in low concentrations. She also stated that numerous of these

nutrients should be converted into inorganic forms by soil microbes and parasites

before plants utilize them, so they are typically more gradually discharged.

Additionally, Pokorny (2015) stated that to make soils have a small

amount of acid, gardeners need high calcium materials, including wood ashes,

dolomite, and even gypsum. Based on Magharing (2017), pencil shavings are

mainly composed of woods, and because of that, they are beneficial and can be

of use as a compost material in the garden. Singh (2017) notably stated that

most pencil shavings are from cedar wood, a known biodegradable material.

In line with the previous statements, Morse (2018) stated that cedar has

the most exceedingly lousy notoriety among natural mulches utilized for planting.

Its detractors say it causes plants to die and hinders seed germination. However,
 8

according to recent research, cedarwood benefits instead of causing harm to

plants. Moreover, it does not only benefit plants in terms of keeping down weeds,

regulating soil temperature, and decreasing water evaporation, for it also

emanates chemicals that repulse pests, bacteria, and fungus.

Although cedar is the most common wood used in manufacturing pencils,

pencil casings are also from softwoods, as Mala (2020) stated previously.

MONGOL pencils, which are very popular in the Philippines, are from

basswood-- another softwood type (Castro, 2019). Another pencil brand that is

famous in the Philippines is Faber-Castell-- which is from cedarwood. Having that

said, regardless of the type of wood or wood chips used, it can help with moisture

retention, temperature moderation, and weed control (Caroll, 2020). Moreover,

according to Nibali (2016), all shavings from wood can be used as mulch as long

as they are not from pressure-treated lumber.

C.) The Use of Pencil Shavings for Plant Growth

In the study of Thomas et al. (2017), plant bugs or pests meddles with the

development and cause harm to developed and naturally developing plants.

Obstructions and damage regularly fail plants to establish. With that said, pencil

shavings will help plants grow because, according to Singh (2017), almost all

pencils are made of cedarwood and placed into the soil surrounding the plant to

deter unwanted pests. In an article by Ray (2020), Hilton (2020) stated that cedar

is a famous repellant for bugs, and by putting pencil shavings in the soil, it will
 9

essentially create pencil mulch. However, the article also stated that bugs, like

gnats, prefer the ground to be damp, and the pencil shavings will help wither the

soil out.

In a study conducted by Song et al. (2016), varying mulches have notable

effects on soil's physical properties and plants' growth. The study also mentioned

mulching improved plant development by expanding root action, solvent sugar,

and chlorophyll substance and providing appropriate moisture within the root

zone. The plant height and trunk diameter were also astoundingly expanded or

increased after mulching. Furthermore, as previously stated, mulching or

applying pencil shavings within the cultivated soil will hold soil moisture by

stopping water evaporation, particularly in summer. Additionally, it stifles weed

growth and development ("Benefits of Recycling Pencil Shavings," 2018).

The plant to be utilized in this study is Okra (Abelmoschus

esculentus). According to Vinje (2012), growing okra is easy most especially if

it's from seeds. But, weeds are developing around okra plants that can victimize

them from supplements, water, and daylight-- which is why setting mulch around

okra plants is necessary and can make a difference to combat weeds and warm

the soil (Caines, 2012).

In conclusion, based on the literature accumulated from various sources,

pencil shavings can be a potential substitute for synthetic fertilizers. Making

pencil shavings as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers will not just lessen the soil

pollution caused by the chemical substances from synthetic fertilizers. But it will

also make use of pencil wastes instead of letting them end up in landfills-- which
 10

are not substantial for the environment. Moreover, these studies motivate the

research proponents to explore further the effects of pencil shavings as an

alternative fertilizer for plants, specifically for Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus).

Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

 Thirty (30) Okra  Soak Okra seeds in

seeds water for twelve (12)
 Thirty (30) pcs. 10 hours.
oz. plastic cups  Puncture holes at the
bottom of the thirty
 Tap water
(30) plastic cups
 Soil  Fill the plastic cups
 Soldering Iron with soil and create
 Eighteen (18) 30 holes using the
Styro boxes index finger.
 Distribute seeds and
(11x14x11 in)
add a thin layer of
 Twelve (12) cups soil, then water
of pencil shavings thoroughly.
 Commercial  Transplant eighteen
Fertilizer (18) okra seedlings
 Watering to the styro boxes. THE EFFECTIVENESS
There will be one (1)
equipment OF USING PENCIL
plant per styro box
 Gardening tools and six (6) styro SHAVINGS AS AN
boxes per group: ALTERNATIVE
a. Pencil shavings FERTILIZER FOR OKRA
group (Abelmoschus esculentus)
b. Without pencil
shavings group
c. Commercial fertilizer
group
 Water 600ml tap
water per group daily
(morning and
afternoon) with an
exposure of 6-8 hrs.
of sunlight
 Record data and
observations weekly
 11

Fig. 1 Schematic Diagram of the Study

Statement of the Problem

It is the intention of the proponents of this research to manufacture an eco-

friendly substitute for the chemical fertilizers from pencil shavings, to make use of

environmental wastes, and to test its effectiveness in terms of plant development,

particularly to that of the Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants, through comparative

analysis.

With regards to the purpose of the study, the researchers aim to answer the

following specific questions related to the subject matter:

1. What are the measurements of the growth parameters of the plants in various

treatments in terms of its;

1.1 height

1.2 mass of fruit

1.3 number of leaves

2. Is there a significant difference between the growth parameters'

measurements of plants in various treatments in terms of its;

2.1 height

2.2 mass of fruit

2.3 number of leaves

 12

Research Hypotheses

The below-mentioned hypotheses are pertinent in the focus of the study:

Null Hypothesis (Ho): There exists no relationship between the growth of the

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants and the pencil shavings as an alternative

fertilizer.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha): There exists a relationship between the growth of

the Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants and the pencil shavings as an alternative

fertilizer.

Significance of the Study

This research study is significant for it will help the environment ease the

chemical problems that cause soil pollution by using pencil shavings as an alternative

for synthetic fertilizers.

All information gathered by the researchers in the duration of this study would be

beneficial to the following:

Agriculturists. This study's outcomes shall be of great help to agriculturists in

contributing to innovations in the sector.

 13

Community. This study can be of great help to the community. It can reduce the

environmental waste and soil pollution from the chemicals present in synthetic

fertilizers.

Students. The study will significantly contribute to students who intend to create

a paper on pencil shavings' effects on plant development. Added information on the

matter will offer assistance to the students in seeking relevant literature concerning the

study.

Researchers. Likewise, this can shed light on the other uses of pencil shavings

and contribute to a deeper understanding of plant development's effects. The

researchers can acquire added information regarding researches about this

phenomenon in a local setting.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study shall mainly focus on the effects of pencil shavings on the

development of plants. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedlings will be of use in the

study. The treatment group shall be the A-with pencil shavings group and the control

groups B-without pencil shavings group or unadorned soil, and C-applied with

commercial fertilizer group. The locale for the study, as the researchers determine, is

the town of Palompon, Leyte. The study shall take seven to nine working weeks,

enough period for the researchers to witness drastic changes. It is also noteworthy to

include natural occurrences such as weather disturbance and imminence as a potential

limitation in this study's conduct.

 14

Definition of Terms

For clarification, the definitions of the terms vital to the study in focus are

conceptually present below.

Okra. This term refers to the plant to be of use in the conduct of the study. The

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) will be the material or variable tested with pencil

shavings as an alternative fertilizer.

Compost. It refers to the decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer. It is

a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for

fertilizing the soil—a composition; compound.

Effects. It pertains to the changes visible in the conduct of the study.

Fertilizers. This term is a chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to

increase its fertility. Any natural or synthetic origin material is put into the ground or to

plant tissues to provide one or more plant nutrients essential to plants' growth. Many

origins of fertilizer exist, both natural and industrially produced.

Growth. It refers to the characteristic of the plants that will be affected by the

pencil shavings. It will serve as a measure of the effects of the pencil shavings.

Pencil Shavings. It pertains to the product of pencils when a pencil sharpener

sharpens it.
 15

Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the sequence of the advancement of the study and the

methods availed. This chapter comprises the research design, research locale, and

research instrument, respectively, and the experimental procedures – sections relevant

to understanding the research study's advancement.

Research Design

The proponents of this research study adopt the experimental research design in

the development of this. As Mitchel (2015) explained, the term pertains to research

concerned with contriving causal validity among the variables cause and effect

relationship.

As affirmed in the statement of the problem, this research paper's proponents

intend to investigate the effectiveness of using pencil shavings as fertilizer for plants,

particularly that of the Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants. It means that the

relationship between plants and pencil shavings is concerned. Thus, it stems from

adopting the experimental research design and will involve a treatment group A- with
 16

pencil shavings, control groups B-without the pencil shavings group (unadorned soil),

and C-applied with commercial fertilizer group.

Research Locale

Research locale pertains to the designated area wherein the developmental

operations and experiments will happen. Given this, the research proponents designate

the address of one of the researchers. Conducting the pre-experimental procedures and

the formal experiments will be at the municipality of Palompon, Leyte (6538), specifically

in the Poblacion area of Brgy. Mazawalo, Zamora Extension. All things considered

regarding the weather are best suited for the plants chosen to prevent as many

complications as possible.

Research Instrument

As the study is concerned with investigating and determining the effectiveness of

pencil shavings as an alternative fertilizer for plants, the following materials are

essential in the research's conduct: 30 Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds, thirty

(30) 10 oz disposable cups, commercial fertilizer, pencil shavings, measuring tools, soil-

containing styro boxes (15 kg black soil), and water. Gathering the pencil shavings for

the treatment group will be both purposively and from other people.

Experimental Procedures
 17

The utilization of the following scales, instruments, and equipment are needed to

maintain the research experimentations. This section also includes the steps and

processes in the development procedures. Images are also present and attached as the

experiment takes place, which serves as visual documentation. Moreover, this section is

into two subsections: A.) pre-experimental -- the preparations taken before the formal

test; B.) formal experiment -- steps taken in the course of the proper experiment.

A. Pre-Experimental

Growing of Seedlings

Materials:

Thirty (30) pcs. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds

Thirty (30) 10 oz. disposable plastic cups

Sixty (60) ml water

One (1) kg soil

Soldering iron

Procedures:

1. Okra seeds were soaked in water for twelve (12) hours when the

seeds started to sink to the container's bottom before transferred to

the soil.
 18

2. While soaking the seeds, thirty (30) plastic cups are in

preparation. Holes were then punctured at the cup’s bottom using a

soldering iron. The cups will then serve as the seedling pot for the

Okra seeds.

3. Filling in the soil is next right after puncturing holes in the

seedling pots. After that, the index finger then pushed the soil to

create thirty (30) holes in each seedling pot to place the seeds right

after.

4. Next is the distribution of seeds in the holed soil portions. A total

of thirty (30) seeds were in the thirty (30) plastic cups, which serve

as seedling pots. Next is adding a thin layer of soil that buries the

seeds just enough to

cover them.
 19

5. After burying the seeds into the holes, gentle water sprinkles

must add moisture to it and the soil.

6. The seedling pots must be damp and not too wet. After that, the

seedling pots were then placed in a suitable environment and

sustained until seeds are ready for transplant.

 20

B. Formal Experiment

Site Preparation and Transplanting of Seedlings

Materials:

Eighteen (18) pcs. Okra seedlings

Eighteen (18) pcs. 11 x 14 x 11 in styro boxes

Fifteen (15) kg black soil

Twelve (12) cups of Pencil Shavings

Procedures:

1. The experiment's designated location (pencil shavings as an

alternative fertilizer for plants) is at the Poblacion area of Brgy.

Mazawalo, Zamora Extension, Palompon, Leyte.

2. To prepare the site, cleaning the space is done appropriately until

the researchers accomplished an adequate amount of space.

3. Eighteen (18) okra seedlings were picked and afterward

transplanted in the soil-containing styro boxes, which measures 11

x 14 x 11 inches. There are eighteen styro boxes in total. Six

contains bare or unadorned soil. For the other six boxes, the
 21

researchers applied it with commercial fertilizer. Moreover, for the

last six styro boxes, the researchers blended it with pencil shavings

(Four cups of pencil shavings). The researchers then transplanted

one seedling per box.

Pencil Shavings as Fertilizer

All pots contain fifteen (15) kg of black soil and are in the

same setting. All groups, A-with Pencil shavings group, B-without

pencil shavings group, and C- applied with commercial fertilizer

group, get the same amount of exposure to sunlight-- which is six to

eight hours. The amount of water to be sprinkled is also the same

(200 ml per plant).

Materials:

One (1) pc. Ruler

Documenting pad (for measurements)

200 ml tap water for each plant

Watering equipment

Procedures:

1. After transplanted, the initial height of the seedlings was measured

and recorded.

2. The day after transplanting the Okra seeds in the pots, pencil

shavings are mixed and added into the soil as a fertilizer for the

treatment group.
 22

3. The control group, group C-applied with commercial fertilizer, will

be applied with commercial fertilizer every Monday, Wednesday,

and Friday (MWF) since it has to be applied 2-3 times a week.

4. Plants (from all groups) are watered in the morning and afternoon

using tap water (200 mL for each plant, which will gradually

increase as the plants grow).

5. The number of leaves is measured each week.

6. Measurement of height (cm) was also measured weekly.

7. The researchers also measured the weight (g) of each plant's fruits

during the final day.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The statistical technique used in the raw data gathered while conducting the

study is the Analysis of Variance or ANOVA. The proponents of the research used the

One-way ANOVA test. The One-way ANOVA test is the most suitable for the study in

focus because it involves a test for two groups to see if there is a difference between

them. The basis for gathering raw data is on the different parameters, namely: height,

weight, and the number of leaves of the samples of the varying treatment groups. The

use of Post hoc analysis also intends as a follow-up statistical technique.

 23

Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this chapter, the research proponents present the data gathered throughout

the experiments conducted throughout the six working weeks. The data presented are

analyzed, interpreted, and explained. Included herewith also are tables and graphical

representation of the data obtained during the run-through of the experiments.

This research study's purpose stems from the motivation in investigating the

effectiveness of using pencil shavings as an alternative fertilizer to plants, particularly to

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plant. Growth parameters of a plant, such as

measurement of height (in centimeters), measurement of mass (in grams), and the

number of leaves, were the primary factors in gathering data. The documentation of the

growth parameters of concern in gathering the data is in tables and graphical

 24

visualization. The Results and Discussion portion of this research paper are into three

points of focus: Height Measurement, Weight Measurement, and Number of Leaves.

Height Measurement
 25

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bromley, D. (2013). The Story of a Pencil. Retrieved from

https://prezi.com/pplu5eebxlt0/the-story-of-a-pencil/

Benefits of Recycling Pencil Shavings Waste for your plants in garden. (2018).
Retrieved from
https://www.gkvks.com/benefits-of-recycling-pencil-shavings-waste-for-your-
plants-in-garden/#:~:text=Its%20actually%20not%20the%20element,bugs
%20and%20other%20pests%20away.

Cameron, A. (2014). Practical Solutions to Environmental Problems – How Pencils are

made- Module 6. Retrieved from

https://7506gbs.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/practical-solutions-to-environmental-
problems-how-pencils-are-made-module-6/

Caines, K. (2012). How to Mulch Okra. Retrieved from

 26

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/mulch-okra-21487.html

Hunt, J. (2010). Harmful Effects of Fertilizer. Retrieved from

https://www.hunker.com/12401292/harmful-effects-of-chemical-fertilizers

Infographics: Pens and Pencils by the numbers. (2020). Retrieved from

https://earth911.com/home-garden/infographic-sustainable-pens-pencils/

Ledger, K. (2020) How to Recycle Pens and Pencils. Retrieved from

https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/promo-university/how-to-recycle-pens-and-
pencils.htm

Magharing, M. (2017). Can we use pencil shavings in the garden? Retrieved from
https://prezi.com/8fjfr4mykavx/can-we-use-pencil-shavings-in-the-garden/

Mala, A. (2020). How Many Trees Are Cut Down Each Year To Make Pencils? Retrieved
from
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-many-trees-are-cut-down-each-year-to-
make-pencils.html

Mantz, A. (2016). Are pencil shavings compostable? Retrieved from

https://thrivemarket.com/blog/are-pencil-shavings-compostable

Morse, S. (2018). Is cedar mulch good for gardens? Retrieved from

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/cedar-mulch-good-gardens-66364.html

Muttaleb, A. (2018). The Effect of Three Different Mulches on Weed Presence, Soil
Characteristics, and Zinnia Growth. Retrieved from
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