CARIBBEAN SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENT (SBA)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE (DOUBLE AWARD)

CROP PRODUCTION

Name of Student: Joshua

Persaud Student Registration Number:

0901000574

Name of School: Saraswati Vidya Niketan

Name of Teacher: A. Rampersaud

Title of Project: An investigation to determine the efficacy of mulching on sweet

pepper production.

Start Date: 15 April, 2023

Termination Date: 15 December, 2023

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................3

PROBLEM STATEMENT..............................................................................................4

AIM................................................................................................................................5

METHODOLOGY.........................................................................................................6

ACTIVITIES..................................................................................................................8

DATA COLLECTION....................................................................................................13

RESULTS......................................................................................................................14

DISCUSSION...............................................................................................................19

CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................20

LIMITATION................................................................................................................21

RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................22

REFERENCES.............................................................................................................23

COST ANALYSIS..........................................................................................................24

COMPARISON OF PROJECTED AND ACTUAL......................................................29

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 INTRODUCTION

Maria Isabel Gil and Juan A. Tudela (2020), expressed sweet pepper fruit (Capsicum annuum
L.) are harvested at either green mature or colored stages. Peppers are highly perishable due to
water loss after long-term storage at low relative humidity (RH). A temperature ranges of 7.5–
13ºC and 95%–98% RH are optimum conditions for storing peppers for 2–3 weeks. It was
also stated that temperatures above 13ºC accelerate ripening and bacterial soft rot and lower
than
7.5ºC causes chilling injury (CI) symptoms. Bell peppers derive a slight benefit from
controlled and modified atmospheres.

As indicated by Barbara Brody (2020), Peppers have a lot going for them. They're low in
calories and are loaded with good nutrition. All varieties are excellent sources of vitamins A and
C, potassium, folic acid, and fiber. Plus, the spicy ones liven up bland food, making it more
satisfying.

According to Matt Bray (2023), When choosing a fertilizer for your pepper plants, look for the
string of three digits on the side of the container. The three numbers are the fertilizer’s N-P-K
ratio, which means how much nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) it contains.
These three nutrients are considered the main three nutrients that you need for a healthy pepper
plant.

GeoPard Agriculture (2019) states that Organic mulching is a type of mulching that uses organic
materials to create a layer of protection for your plants. Mulch helps prevent soil erosion and
water loss while improving soil fertility and aeration. Organic mulches also help protect plants
from pests and diseases by keeping the soil temperature cooler in the summer and warmer in the
winter.

There are different types of organic mulching. Organic mulches are made up of materials such
as straw, grass clippings, and composted leaves. These materials decompose over time, which
adds nutrients back into the soil. They can be applied to bare ground or existing plantings.

Teara (2008) A weed may be defined as any plant or vegetation that interferes with the
objectives of farming or forestry, such as growing crops, grazing animals or cultivating forest
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plantations. A weed may also be defined as any plant growing where it is not wanted.

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 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Farmers are having a debate about whether to do mulching when producing sweet pepper so as to
reduce the frequency of irrigating the crop. Therefore, an investigation is being carried out to
assess if mulching will have an effect on the yield of sweet pepper.

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 AIMS

 To determine if Plot #1 (no mulch) vs Plot #2 (organic mulch) will gain higher
sweet pepper yield.

 To determine if Plot #1 (no mulch) vs Plot #2 (organic mulch) will gain higher income.

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 METHODOLOGY

Experimental Design

 A plot of land was selected in the school compound on the 15th of April 2023.
 The land was cleared manually using cutlass and rake from the 16th – the 19th of
April 2023.
 Primary tillage was done manually using a garden fork from the 23rd of April 2023 –
the 2nd of May 2023.
 Secondary tillage was done manually using a cutlass to chip the soil from the 18th of May
2023 – the 25th of May 2023.
 The area was divided into two (2) plots (Plot #1 and Plot #2).
 On each plot, two rows of mounds were created and a main drain was dug between
the rows to facilitate proper drainage.
 Each plot had a total of 30 mounds.
 Once the mounds were prepared and ready for planting, 30 seedlings were
transplanted on each plot on the 15th June 2023. (transplanting was done late in the
afternoon).
 Two weeks after transplanting, mulching was done on plot #2 using dry grass. Plot
#1 was left un-mulched.
 Weed control was done weekly and fertilizers were applied on the plants at 10-12
days’ interval.
 Harvesting was done manually twice per week and the sweet peppers were sold.
Harvesting began on the 7th of August, 2023 and ended on the 15th of December, 2023.

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 Table 1: Showing Materials and Equipment used in the experiment

Materials Equipment
Sweet Pepper Seedlings (Cultivar: Hybrid) Fork
Nourish 20-20-20 (inorganic fertilizer) Shovel
Black Saran Netting Cutlass
Cable Strap Water can
Bes-tac (insecticide) Water hose
Plastic bag Rake
Bucket Long boots
Knapsack sprayer
Hoe
Scale
Rake

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 ACTIVITIES

 Seedlings were transplanted manually using a dipper.

 Plants were watered daily using the garden hose.
 Weed control was done manually on a weekly basis.
 Plants was observed daily for pest and disease damage.
 Fertilizer application was done at 10- 12 days intervals.
 Harvesting was done between week # 7 and week # 23.

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 Figure 1: Showing Land Preparation

Initially, the undesirable vegetation was removed with a cutlass, collected with a rake, and
disposed of in a wheelbarrow. The earth was turned over, mingled, and fractured over the ground
(ridges). This was done to make sure the planting bed was prepared. To prepare the ground for
planting, preparation is necessary. Furrows and ridges were made when the land was prepared. In
order to prepare the soil for the crop, larger clods were broken up into tiny pieces using a cutlass
during secondary tillage. Primary tillage was carried out manually with a garden fork.

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 Figure 2: Showing the transplanting of plants.

To minimize the impacts of direct sunlight and allow the plants to properly establish themselves
over night and adapt to their surroundings, the tiny seedlings were moved in the late afternoon.
Plants can flourish to their maximum capacity in this new habitat.

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 Figure 3: Showing the Watering of Plants.

Every day, with the exception of rainy days, we watered. So that the plants could see the
nutrients in the soil, it was crucial to maintain the moisture content of the soil. To stop both
temporary and chronic withering, water is crucial.

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 Figure 4: Showing the Mulching of the Plants

Mulching helps conserve and extend available water, protects the soil from erosion, reduces
competition by suppressing weeds, moderates’ temperature extremes, and acts as a barrier
or visible marker of gardening beds to limit damage by landscape maintenance equipment.

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 DATA COLLECTION

 A diary was kept to record all activities and observations that were made daily for
the duration of the project.

 At each time of harvesting the sweet peppers were picked by hand, placed in a
container, and weighed using a metric scale. Sweet peppers from Plot #1 & and Plot #2
were harvested and weighed separately.

 The Sweet Peppers were sold after harvesting and the income was recorded separately
in a table for Plot #1 & Plot #2.

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 RESULTS

Table 2: Showing the number of seedlings transplanted and the number of plants harvested with the yield for plot #1.

Plot #1_Unmulch Soil

No. of Seedlings Transplanted No. of Plants harvested Yield (lbs)

29 15 26.5

Table 3: Showing the number of seedlings transplanted and the number of plants harvested with the yield for plot #2..

Plot #2_Organic Mulch

No. of Seedlings Transplanted No. of Plants harvested Yield (lbs)

29 17 32.5

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 Number of Seedlings Transplanted compare to
the
30 29
Number29 of Plants Harvested
25

20 17
15
15

10

0
NUMBER OF SEEDLINGS TRANSPLANTED NUMBER OF PLANTS HARVESTED
Plot # 1 – Non Mulch Plot # 2 - Organic Mulch

Chart 1: Showing the Number of Seedlings Transplanted compare to the Number of Plants Harvested.

According to Chart 1, the number of seedlings transplanted for both Plot 1 and Plot 2 was 29
however the number of plants harvested was less. Out of the 29 plants, 15 plants were harvested
from Plot 1(Non Mulch soil) while 17 plants were harvested from Plot 2(Organic mulch).

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 Weight(lbs)
35

30 32.5

26.5
25

20

15

10

0
PLOT # 1-UNMULCH SOIL PLOT # 2- ORGANIC MULCH

Chart 2: Showing the Weight (lbs) for Plot #1 and Plot # 2

As shown in the graph above, the weight for Plot 1(Non Mulch soil) was 26.5 whilst the weight
for Plot 2(Organic mulch) was 32.5.

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 Income
35000
32500
30000
26500
25000

20000

15000

10000

5000

0
PLOT # 1-UNMULCH SOIL PLOT # 2- ORGANIC MULCH

Chart 3: Showing the Income of Plot # 1 and Plot # 2.

In Chart 3, it shows that the income for Plot 1 (Unmulch soil) was $26,500 while the income for
Plot 2 (Organic mulch) was $32,500. Plot 2 (Organic mulch) gained more income since the
mulch helped to control the weed population.

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 Profit
25000

22380
20000
16380
15000

10000

5000

0
PLOT # 1-UNMULCH SOIL PLOT # 2- ORGANIC MULCH

Chart 4: Showing the Profit for Plot #1 and Plot # 2.

According to the chart above, Plot 1(Unmulch soil) made a profit of $16,380 while Plot 2
(Organic mulch) made a profit of $22,380. Plot 2 made more profit than that of Plot 1 because
weed control was taking place on Plot 2.

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 DISCUSSION

The issue around which this examination is based is the impact of organic mulch on the
development of sweet pepper. To lead the examination, two plots were built contiguous one
another. The two of them contained similar number of seedlings transplanted yet plot 1 would
have un-mulch soil though plot 2 would have Organic mulch soil.

The two plots comprised of 29 plants however it was noticed and recorded that plot 1 had 14
unfortunate plants, which means it just created 15 plants. This would show that un-mulch soil
could adversely influence the wellbeing of the plants as they are presented to rivalry with weeds
for supplements, water, and so on, and furthermore more nuisances and sicknesses. Plot 2, with
organic mulch, had 17 out of 29 plants being harvested which was 2 more plants than the un-
mulch soil. This could be because of Plot 1 plants having more rivalry for supplements, and so
forth, and furthermore less openness to nuisances and sicknesses. It was also stated in the
literature review that mulch helps to prevent soil erosion and water loss while improving soil
fertility and aeration.

Plot 2 delivered sweet pepper of a greater and at a similar expense. Thus Plot 2 acquired the
higher pay, and returned more profits.

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 CONCLUSION

Plot 2 which was organic mulch delivered greater produce than Plot 1, and furthermore had
better sweet pepper. Plot 2 also gained more income than that of Plot 1. It would be attainable to
presume that sweet pepper which are organic mulch produce superior grade and hence more
income leading to more profit.

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 LIMITATION

1. The constant weather change affected the production of the sweet peppers.
2. Fungal diseases affected the sweet pepper plants.

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 RECOMMENDATION

Farmers could select Organic mulching on their Sweet pepper farm as it yields
better produce and bigger salaries.
The weather should be checked so to maintain your sweet peppers.
The researcher recommends that farmer should start to practice organic mulching since it
reduces the amount of weed present and it improves soil moisture which will lead to less
expenditure creating more income and profits for the farmer.

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 REFERENCES

 Maria Isabel Gil, Juan A. Tudela, ScienceDirect

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/sweet-
pepper

 Teara, The Encyclopedia of New Zealand (2008 November

24) https://teara.govt.nz/en/weeds-of-agriculture/page-1

 Barbara Brody, WebMD (2022 November 30)

https://www.webmd.com/diet/peppers-health-benefits

 Matt Bray, PepperScale (2023)

https://pepperscale.com/fertilizing-pepper
plants/#:~:text=The%20recommended%20N%2DP%2DK%20values%20for,phos
phorus%2C%20and%2010%25%20potassium.

 Geo Pard Agriculture (2019)

https://geopard.tech/why-geopard/

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 COST ANALYSIS

- PROJECTED EXPENDITURE

Table 4: Showing Projected Expenditure for Plot 1 - Unmulch soil.

Plot #1_Unmulch Soil

Items Quantity Unit Total
cost
Sweet Pepper 30 200 6000
Seedlings
Garden Hose 1750 1750
Nurish 20:20:20 1 600 600
Plastic Bags 100 260 260
Scale 1 1500 1500
Transportation 1500 1500
Water 3000 3000
Labour 4000 4000
Insecticide 1000 1000
Fungicide 1000 1000

Total 20610

Table 5: Showing Projected Expenditure for Plot 2- Organic Mulch.

Plot #2_Organic Mulch

Items Quantity Unit Total
cost
Sweet Pepper 30 200 6000
Seedlings
Garden Hose 1750 1750
Nurish 20:20:20 1 600 600
Plastic Bags 100 260 260
Scale 1 1500 1500
Transportation 1500 1500
Water 3000 3000
Labour 4000 4000
Insecticide 1000 1000
Fungicide 1000 1000

Total 20610

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 - ACTUAL EXPENDITURE

Table 6:Showing Actual Expenditure for Plot 1- Unmulch Soil.

Plot #1_Unmulch Soil

Items Quantity Unit Total
cost
Sweet Pepper 30 200 6000
Seedlings
Garden Hose 0 0

Nurish 1 500 500

20:20:20
Plastic Bags 120 120
Scale 1 0
Insecticide 1200 1200
Fungicide 1800 1800
Transportation 500 500

Water 0
Labour 0
Total 10120

Table 7: Showing Actual Expenditure for Plot 2-Organic Mulch.

Plot #2_Organic Mulch
Items Quantity Unit Total
cost
Sweet Pepper 30 200 6000
Seedlings
Garden Hose 0 0

Nurish 20:20:20 1 500 500

Plastic Bags 120 120

Scale 1 0
Insecticide 1200 1200
Fungicide 1800 1800
Transportation 500 500
Water 0
Labour 0
Total 10120

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 - PROJECTED INCOME

Table 8: Showing Projected Income for Plot 1- Unmulch soil.

Plot #1_Unmulch Soil

Weight Unit Price Total
45 700 31500

Table 9: Showing Projected Income For Plot 2- Organic Mulch.

Plot #2_Organic Mulch

Weight Unit Price Total
45 700 31500

- ACTUAL INCOME

Table 10: Showing Actual Income for Plot 1- Unmulch Soil.

Plot #1_Unmulch Soil

Date Weight (lbs) Unit Price Total
30/8/2023 1 1000 1000
09/08/2023 3 1000 3000
18/9/2023 1 1000 1000
20/9/2023 1.5 1000 1500
29/9/2023 5 1000 5000
10/11/2023 4 1000 4000
20/10/2023 3.5 1000 3500
27/10/2023 2 1000 2000
11/08/2023 1.5 1000 1500
20/11/2023 1 1000 1000
29/11/2023 2 1000 2000
15/12/2023 1 1000 1000

Total 26.5 26500

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Table 11: Showing Actual Income for Plot 2- Organic Mulch.

Plot #2_Organic Mulch

Date Weight (lbs) Unit Price Total
30/8/2023 1.5 1000 1500
09/08/2023 2 1000 2000
18/9/2023 1.5 1000 1500
20/9/2023 4 1000 4000
29/9/2023 3 1000 3000
10/11/2023 2 1000 2000
20/10/2023 4 1000 4000
27/10/2023 2 1000 2000
11/08/2023 5 1000 5000
20/11/2023 2 1000 2000
29/11/2023 4 1000 4000
1.5 1000 1500

Total 32.5 32500

- PROJECTED PROFIT

Table 12: Showing Projected Profit for Plot 1- Unmulch Soil.

Plot #1_Unmulch Soil

Project Income - Projected Expenditure = Projected Profit
31500 - 20610 10890

Table 13: Showing Projected Profit for Plot 2- Organic Mulch.

Plot #2_Organic Mulch

Project Income - Projected Expenditure = Projected Profit
31500 - 20610 10890

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 - ACTUAL PROFIT

Table 14: Showing Actual Profit for Plot 1- Unmulch Soil.

Plot #1_Unmulch Soil

Actual Income - Actual Expenditure = Actual Profit
26500 - 10120 16380

Table 15: Showing Actual Profit for Plot 2- Organic Mulch.

Plot #2_Organic Mulch

Actual Income - Actual Expenditure = Actual Profit
32500 - 10120 22380

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 COMPARISON OF PROJECTED AND ACTUAL

The projected expenditure for Plot 1 was $20,610 however the actual expenditure was $10,120
which is significantly lower. The projected expenditure for plot 2 was $20,610 whereas the
actual expenditure was also $10,120, which is also significantly lower. Both plots had the same
amount for expense.

Plot 1 had a projected income of $31,500 but the actual income was $26,500. There may have
been a difference since the actual price per sweet pepper was less than the projected price and
also the expenditure. The second plot received an income of $32,500 as against the projection of
$31,500.
Plot 2 earned the higher income of the two plots.

The profit projection for plot 1 was $10,890 while the actual profit being $16,380. For plot 2,
the actual profits were $22,380 as against the projection of $10,890. As it can be seen, plot 2
was more profitable due to healthier and better produce as opposed to plot 1.

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