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APPLICATION OF EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH COMPOST WITH THE COMBINATION OF CHICKEN MANURE ON THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF CALABASH GOURD (Lagenaria Siceraria
APPLICATION OF EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH COMPOST WITH THE COMBINATION OF CHICKEN MANURE ON THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF CALABASH GOURD (Lagenaria Siceraria
APPLICATION OF EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH COMPOST WITH THE COMBINATION OF CHICKEN MANURE ON THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF CALABASH GOURD (Lagenaria Siceraria
October 2023
DECLARATION
This Final Year Project is a partial fulfilment of the requirements for a degree of
Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Plantation Technology and Management, Faculty of
Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA.
It is entirely my own work and has not been submitted to any other University or higher
education institution, or for any other academic award in this University. Where use has
been made of the work of other people, it has been fully acknowledged and fully
referenced.
I hereby assign all and every right in the copyright to this Work to the Universiti
Teknologi MARA (UiTM), which henceforth shall be the owner of copyright in this
Work and that any reproduction or use in any form or by any means whatsoever is
prohibited without a written consent of UiTM.
Name: .......................................................................
I hereby declare that I have checked this project, and in my opinion, this project is
adequate in terms of scope and quality for the award of the degree of Bachelor of
Science (Hons.) Plantation
Signature: …………………………….....................
Position: ...................................................................
Date: .........................................................................
2
ABSTRACT
This research proposal aims to investigate the effects of applying empty fruit bunch
(EFB) compost, in combination with chicken manure, on the growth and production of
calabash gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). The utilization of agricultural waste materials
such as EFB compost and chicken manure has gained considerable attention due to their
potential as organic fertilizers and their ability to enhance soil fertility, promote
sustainable agriculture, and reduce environmental pollution. The objectives of this study
are: (1) to determine the effect of the combination of EFB compost and chicken manure
on the growth performance and yield of calabash and (2) to determine the formulation
of combination of EFB compost and chicken manure for calabash cultivation. The study
was conducted with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in the field with 4
treatments replicated 4 times: T1 (EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil), T2 (EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil), T3 (100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil ), and T4 (150g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil ). Data collection include the growth parameters
pertaining to length of vine, number, size leaves and yield parameters consisting of
number, length, girth and weight of gourds. The data analysis will be conducted using
IBM SPSS version 27 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. T4 150g of
Chicken Manure + EFB Compost in a 1:2 ratio with topsoil) proves to be the best soil
media significant growth and yield response. Through meticulous observations, it is
noteworthy that T3 surpasses T4 in terms of weight and size. However, despite these
differences, Treatment 4 yields a greater quantity of fruit compared to the other
treatments. Therefore, we can confidently conclude that Treatment 4 holds significant
importance in the context of this experiment.
3
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER 1 ............................................................................................................................. 6
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 6
1.0 Background of Study .............................................................................................. 6
1.1 Problem Statement ................................................................................................... 8
1.2 Objectives.................................................................................................................. 8
1.3 Significant of study................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Scope of study ........................................................................................................... 9
1.5 Limitation of study ................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 2 ........................................................................................................................... 10
LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................................................... 10
2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 10
2.1 Calabash gourd ...................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Chemical fertilizer.................................................................................................. 12
2.3 Organic vegetables ................................................................................................. 13
2.4 Biowaste of Oil palm plantation and EFB Compost ........................................... 14
2.5 Chicken Manure..................................................................................................... 15
CHAPTER 3 ........................................................................................................................... 16
METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 16
3.1 Experimental site.................................................................................................... 16
3.2 Treatment ............................................................................................................... 16
3.3 Experimental Design .............................................................................................. 16
3.4 Research material and set up experiments. ......................................................... 17
3.5 Parameter of research ........................................................................................... 17
3.6 Data Analysis .......................................................................................................... 18
3.7 Research flow chart. .............................................................................................. 19
3.8 Gantt chart ................................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER 4 ........................................................................................................................... 21
RESULT AND DISCUSSION............................................................................................... 21
4.1 Mean Length of Vine ................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Mean Number of Leaves.............................................................................................. 24
4.3 Mean Leaf Length ........................................................................................................ 27
4.4 Mean Leaf Width ......................................................................................................... 29
4
4.5 Number of Fruits.......................................................................................................... 31
4.6 Fruit weight .................................................................................................................. 33
4.7 Fruit length ................................................................................................................... 35
4.8 Fruit width .................................................................................................................... 37
4.9 Overall result ................................................................................................................ 39
DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................................... 40
CHAPTER 5 ........................................................................................................................... 43
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................. 43
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 44
5
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
One of the most notable features of the calabash plant is its fruit, which grows in a
variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small and spherical to elongated and bottle-
like. These fruits have a hard, durable outer shell that matures into a woody consistency,
making them excellent for various practical applications. From ancient times to the
present day, calabash fruits have been utilized by humans for a wide range of purposes,
such as containers, musical instruments, utensils, decorative items, and even as pipes.
In Malaysia, one of the major crops is oil palm (Elaeis Guineensis), which plays a
significant role in the country's exports, particularly to China. Malaysia's oil palm
production constitutes approximately 39% to 40% of the global market. The extensive
cultivation of oil palm covers about 4.49 million hectares, resulting in a substantial
output of 17.73 million tons of palm oil and 2.13 million tons of palm kernel. This
production is expected to increase due to the growing demand for palm oil products
(Ferdous, 2017).
6
positive effects of applying EFB in combination with N, P, and K fertilizers on nutrient
absorption rates and overall yield in oil palm cultivation. Therefore, it is recommended
to advocate for the use of EFB alongside appropriate nutrient supplementation to
maximize oil palm nutrition and productivity.
Hence, there is a need to investigate the effect of EFB compost enriched with
chicken manure in improving the yield and quality of calabash plants. The main
purposes of this study were to determine the effect of EFB compost enriched with
chicken manure enhancing the growth, yield and quality of the plants.
7
1.1 Problem Statement
Planting calabash needs a sufficient nutrient supply during its growing season.
Proper maintenance needs to be done to make sure calabash will be able to grow
efficiently and to prevent it from being attacked by pests and disease. Although
calabash can be grown on almost any type of soil, the trend is organic production of
food crops. There is very little information on calabash being able to produce
economic yield under EFB compost. In addition, Literature review has also
indicated that EFB compost being a slow releasing organic fertilizer may not
provide sufficient nutrients to sustain economic yield and usually animal manure is
added to enhance the fertility status. The appropriate soil pH for calabash is around
6.5-7.0, in acidic soil can be amended by adding EFB compost.
1.2 Objectives
I. To determine the effect of the combination of EFB compost and chicken manure
on the growth performance and yield of calabash.
II. To determine the formulation of a combination of EFB compost and chicken
manure for calabash cultivation
This study helps to determine the effectiveness of EFB compost combined with
chicken manure, where it can enhance the production of calabash. The method of using
the EFB will give more nutrients and shading for the soil so it can keep the humidity of
the soil. Meanwhile for the chicken manure, it can provide additional nutrients for the
plant.
8
1.4 Scope of study
The scope of this study is to investigate the effect of different application rates of
chicken manure and EFB compost on calabash gourd production. The finding of this
study also helps in understanding the combination of EFB compost and chicken manure
compost at the right ratio in enhancing the growth and production of calabash gourd.
The limitation of the study lies in the lack of sufficient information to determine
whether the EFB is suitable for the plant under investigation. Furthermore, regarding
the specific plant species being studied, namely the calabash plant, it is crucial to note
that it is highly susceptible to adverse effects when deprived of proper watering and
essential nutrients. In the absence of adequate hydration and nourishment, the calabash
plant's condition will deteriorate significantly, causing it to wither, shrink, and
eventually fall off. Thus, ensuring appropriate levels of watering and nutrient supply is
of paramount importance to maintaining the health and vitality of the calabash plant
during the study.
9
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
Next, the calabash gourd is also used extensively in Malaysian handicrafts and
artwork. Skilled artisans carve intricate designs on the gourd's surface to create
decorative items, such as bowls, containers, and ornaments. These handicrafts are
popular among locals and tourists, contributing to the country's arts and crafts
industry.
In addition, while not as prominent as other gourd varieties, the calabash gourd
is sometimes used in Malaysian cuisine. It can be cooked and consumed in various
dishes, including soups, stews, and curries. However, its culinary use is not as
widespread compared to other fruits and vegetables.
Overall, the economic importance of the calabash gourd in Malaysia stems from
its cultural significance, utilization in traditional crafts, and to a lesser extent, its
culinary uses. While it may not be a major agricultural commodity, it plays a role in
the country's cultural heritage and small-scale economic activities.
10
2.1 Calabash gourd
The calabash gourd thrives in a variety of soil conditions but has specific
requirements when it comes to moisture. It prefers well-draining soil that retains
moisture without becoming waterlogged. Adequate moisture is crucial during the
germination and early growth stages, so regular watering is necessary until the
plants establish strong root systems. However, excessive water can lead to root rot
and other fungal diseases, so it is important to avoid overwatering. Mulching around
the plants helps retain soil moisture and reduces weed competition. Additionally, it
is recommended to water the plants deeply and infrequently rather than frequent
shallow watering to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance. Regular
monitoring of soil moisture levels and adjusting watering accordingly will ensure
optimal growth and yield of calabash gourds. (Wolters, 2023)
11
2.2 Chemical fertilizer
However, the use of chemical fertilizers on calabash gourd also carries certain
disadvantages. One major drawback is their potential negative impact on the
environment. Excessive or improper application of chemical fertilizers can lead to
water pollution, as the excess nutrients can leach into nearby water bodies, causing
eutrophication and harming aquatic ecosystems.
12
2.3 Organic vegetables
13
2.4 Biowaste of Oil palm plantation and EFB Compost
When applied in the composted form or as biochar, EFBs improved soil water
and nutrient content (Ahmad Dani 2018), possibly due to the losses of C from the
anaerobic respiration involved in composting or the pyrolysis involved in biochar
preparation (Fig. 1). EFBs may be a cheap organic fertilizer (Lim et al. 2015)
because they can improve soil organic carbon (SOC) and other soil chemical
properties such as pH and exchangeable K (Zaharah and Lim, 2000; Bakar et
al. 2011).
14
2.5 Chicken Manure
There are different amounts of water, mineral nutrients, and organic matter in
organic waste (Edwards and Daniel, 1992; Brady and Weil, 1996). Although organic
wastes have been used as manure for centuries, it is still important to study the
potential effects of chicken manure on the chemical properties of the soil and crop
yield, as well as determine the appropriate application levels. Additionally, chicken
manure is more desirable and widely used compared to other animal manures such
as pig manure and kraal manure due to its higher levels of N, P, and K (Warman,
1986; Schjegel, 1992).
Due to the rise in fuel prices, the prices of inorganic fertilizers have gone up,
which has led to the use of chicken manure (Place et al., 2003; Duncan, 2005).
Composted chicken manure provides a slow-release source of macro- and
micronutrients and acts as a soil amendment. Addition of organic matter to soils
increases a soil’s water-holding capacity, improves aeration and drainage, reduces
erosion, reduces fertilizer leaching and improves a soil’s structure. Additionally,
organic matter provides a food source for soil microbes, which increases soil
biological diversity, accelerating the breakdown of organic nutrients into forms
more readily available to plants. All these factors can improve plant health (Rosen,
2005).
15
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
The experimental site was held at Blok N, Unit Ladang UiTM Samarahan 1
Campus.
3.2 Treatment
A Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) used as a design for this study with
four replications as shown in Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1: Layout of the experiment using Random Complete Block Design with 4
treatments replicated 4 times.
16
3.4 Research material and set up experiments.
17
3.6 Data Analysis
The data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 27 to generate descriptive
and inferential statistics. Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) determined the significant
differences of treatments and Duncan Multiple Range Test determined the significant
differences between treatments.
18
3.7 Research flow chart.
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Thesis Writing
19
3.8 Gantt chart
Item
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
Literature review / / / / /
Proposal preparation / / / / /
Proposal submission /
Preparing polybag /
Seedlings /
germination
Transplant seedlings / /
into polybag
Applying treatment /
Parameter / / / /
measuring.
Data Collection / / / /
Data Analysis / / / / / /
Thesis Writing / / / / /
Thesis Submission /
20
CHAPTER 4
The effect of the combination of EFB compost and chicken manure on the growth
performance and yield of calabash gourd is presented.
The mean vine lengths from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks is
shown in Figure 4.1. At Week 2, the effect of treatments has exhibited rapid growth in
Treatment 3 as compared to the other 3 treatments. At Week 3, the mean plant vine was
observed to be much longer in T3 and T4 when compared to T2 and T1. Starting from
Week 4, the growth in Treatment 4 accelerated, maintaining a consistent upward trend
until the final week. The pattern of the growth in mean vine length was similar in all
treatments with T4 observed to have the longest length followed by T3, T2 and lastly
T1.
Figure 4.1: Mean vine length of Calabash gourd from 4 treatments over a growth period
of 7 weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio
of 1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2
to topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
21
There are very significant differences between the treatments as shown in Table 4.1
where ANOVA obtained a p value of < 0.001.
Table 4.1 : ANOVA mean vine length from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1
to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil;
Significance is at ɑ = 0.05
Figure 4.2 Overall mean vine length of Calabash gourd from 4 treatments over a growth
period of 7 weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in
a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio
of 1:2 to topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil
22
Table 4.2: Duncan Multiple Range Test of mean vine length from 4 treatments over a
growth period of 7 weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in
a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance is at ɑ = 0.05
Subset
TREATMENT N 1 2 3
T1 28 200.8393
T2 28 244.6679
T3 28 307.7607
T4 28 336.3893
Sig. 1.000 1.000 .149
Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed.
Based on observed means.
The error term is Mean Square (Error) = 5416.388.
a. Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 28.000.
b. Alpha = 0.05.
23
4.2 Mean Number of Leaves
Figure 4.3 shows the mean number of leaves observed over a 7 weeks of growth period.
The mean number of leaf patterns are very similar throughout the growth period after
Week 5. The meanest number of leaves is observed from T4 followed by T3 and T2.
The least mean number of leaves is observed from T1.
Figure 4.3: mean number of leaves from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
Table 4.3: ANOVA of mean number of leaves from 4 treatments over a growth period
of 7 weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio
of 1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2
to topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil;
Significance is at ɑ = 0.05
24
The overall mean number of leaves is shown in Figure 4.4. Based on Duncan Multiple
Range Test (Table 4.4), T4 is not significantly different from T3 but is significantly
different from all the other treatments. While T3 is also not significantly different from
T2, it is significantly different from T1. T1 and T2 are not significantly different from
each other.
Figure 4.4: Overall mean number of leaves from 4 treatments over a growth period of
7 weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
Table 4.4: Duncan Multiple Range Test of mean vine length from 4 treatments over a
growth period of 7 weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in
a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance is at ɑ = 0.05
TREATMENT N 1 2 3
T1 28 24.07
T2 28 27.25 27.25
T3 28 31.57 31.57
T4 28 35.61
Sig. 0.244 0.114 0.140
Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed.
Based on observed means.
The error term is Mean Square (Error) = 102.865.
a. Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 28.000.
25
b. Alpha = 0.05.
26
4.3 Mean Leaf Length
Figure 4.5 show treatment 1 was the lowest length of leaf. For the other treatment,
treatment 3 is the highest length of leaf meanwhile treatment 4 is the second highest for
the length of leaf.
Figure 4.5: mean number of leaves from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
27
The overall mean leaf length is shown in Figure 4.5. Based on Duncan Multiple Range
Test (Table 4.5), T4 is not significantly different from T3 but is significantly different
from all the other treatments. While T3 is also not significantly different from T2, it is
significantly different from T1. T1 and T2 are not significantly different from each other.
Figure 4.5: Overall mean leaf length from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
Table 4.5: Duncan Multiple Range Test of mean leaf length from 4 treatments over a
growth period of 7 weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in
a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance is at ɑ = 0.05
Subset
TREATMENT N 1 2 3
T1 28 18.9036
T2 28 20.0321
T4 28 22.9607
T3 28 23.7000
Sig. 1.000 1.000 .087
Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed.
Based on observed means.
The error term is Mean Square (Error) = 2.557.
a. Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 28.000.
28
4.4 Mean Leaf Width
Figure 4.6 shows that from week 1, there are no big differences in leaf width but start
from week 3, the mean of width leaf started to increase. Treatment 4 shows the highest
growth of width leaf other than other treatment.
Figure 4.6: Mean leaf width of Calabash gourd from 4 treatments over a growth period
of 7 weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio
of 1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2
to topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
There are very significant differences between the treatments as shown in Table 4.6
where ANOVA obtained a p value of < 0.001.
Table 4.6 : ANOVA of mean leaf width between other treatment from 4 treatments over
a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment T1: EFB Compost
in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of
Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4: 150g of
Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance is at ɑ = 0.05
29
The accumulative mean leaf width is indicated in Figure 4.6. The significance is shown
in Table 4.6
Figure 4.7: Overall mean leaf width from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
Table 4.7: Duncan comparison of mean leaf width between other treatment from 4
treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment
T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to
topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance
is at ɑ = 0.05
Subset
TREATMENT N 1 2 3
T1 28 22.1500
T2 28 24.4321
T3 28 28.4321
T4 28 28.6571
Sig. 1.000 1.000 .702
The error term is Mean Square (Error) = 4.810.
30
4.5 Number of Fruits
Figure 4.8 shows the mean difference between the number of fruits from week 5 until
week 7. Figure 4.8 shows that only treatment 4 consistent on producing the fruits for
period of 3 weeks. For treatment 3, it shows that the mean number that it produces are
1 which is on week 7. Treatment 2 produce a mean number of 2 fruits which was from
week 5 and 6. Treatment 1 only produce aa mean number of 1 fruits which were from
week 7.
Figure 4.8: Mean number of fruits from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks.
T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to
topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
There are no significant differences between the treatments as shown in Table 4.8 where
ANOVA did not obtain a p value of < 0.001.
Table 4.8: ANOVA of mean number of fruits between other treatment from 4 treatments
over a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment T1: EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3:
100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4:
150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance is at ɑ
= 0.05
31
Figure 4.9: Overall mean number of fruits from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
32
4.6 Fruit weight
Based on figure 4.10, treatment 1 was the lowest number of mean fruit weight.
Treatment 2 shows the highest number of mean fruit weight which. Treatment 3 were
the second lowest from treatment 1 and treatment 4 shows the second highest of mean
fruit weight after treatment 2.
Figure 4.10: Mean fruits weight from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks. T1:
EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil;
T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4:
150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
There are no significant differences between the treatments as shown in Table 4.10
where ANOVA did not obtain a p value of < 0.001.
Table 4.10: ANOVA of mean fruits weight between other treatment from 4 treatments
over a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment T1: EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3:
100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4:
150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance is at ɑ
= 0.05
33
Figure 4.10: Overall mean fruits weight from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
Table 4.10: Duncan comparison of mean fruits weight between other treatment from 4
treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment
T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to
topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance
is at ɑ = 0.05
TREATMENT N SUBSET
1
T1 3 308.0000
T2 2 994.0000
T3 6 1091.1667
T4 2 1277.5000
Sig. .054
Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed.
Based on observed means.
The error term is Mean Square (Error) = 2.557.
34
4.7 Fruit length
Figure 4.11: Mean fruits length from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks. T1:
EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil;
T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4:
150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
There are no significant differences between the treatments as shown in Table 4.11
where ANOVA did not obtain a p value of < 0.001.
Table 4.11: ANOVA of mean fruits length between other treatment from 4 treatments
over a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment T1: EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3:
100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4:
150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance is at ɑ
= 0.05
35
Figure 4.12: Overall mean fruits length from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
Table 4.12: Duncan comparison of mean fruits weight between other treatment from 4
treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment
T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to
topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance
is at ɑ = 0.05
36
4.8 Fruit width
From figure 4.13, treatment 1 was the lowest mean number of fruit width. The second
lowest mean was treatment 3. Next, the highest mean number of fruit width was from
treatment 4 and the second highest of mean number of fruit width was from treatment
2.
Figure 4.13: Mean fruits width from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks. T1:
EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil;
T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4:
150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
There are no significant differences between the treatments as shown in Table 4.13
where ANOVA did not obtained a p value of < 0.001.
Table 4.13: ANOVA of mean fruits weight between other treatment from 4 treatments
over a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment T1: EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to topsoil; T3:
100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil and T4:
150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance is at ɑ
= 0.05
Figure 4.14: Overall mean fruits width from 4 treatments over a growth period of 7
weeks: T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of
1:1 to topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
Table 4.14: : Duncan comparison of mean fruits weight between other treatment from
4 treatments over a growth period of 7 weeks: 4 growth are higher than other treatment
T1: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; T2: EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:1 to
topsoil; T3: 100g of Chicken Manure per kg of EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil
and T4: 150g of Chicken Manure EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil; Significance
is at ɑ = 0.05
TREATMENT N SUBSET 1
T1 3 6.1000
T2 2 8.1500
T3 2 9.0000
T4 6 9.6167
Sig. ,107
Based on observed means.
The error term is Mean Square (Error) = 3.690.
Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 2.667.
The group sizes are unequal. The harmonic mean of the group sizes is used. Type I error
levels are not guaranteed.
Alpha = 0.05.
38
4.9 Overall result
Treatment T1 T2 T3 T4
(EFB Compost (EFB (100g of (150g of
in a ratio of 1:2 Compost in a Chicken Chicken
to topsoil) ratio of 1:1 to Manure per kg Manure per kg
topsoil) of EFB of EFB
Compost in a Compost in a
ratio of 1:2 to ratio of 1:2 to
topsoil) topsoil)
Plant length /
Number of / / / /
fruits
Fruit weight /
Fruit length /
Fruit width /
Number of /
leaves
Leaf length /
Leaf width /
Based on the table above, Treatment 4 have the highest and provide the good result,
while Treatment 1 have the lowest result. The (/) symbols were determining the overall
highest result for all the parameters.
39
DISCUSSION
This research proposal aims to investigate the effects of applying empty fruit bunch
(EFB) compost, in combination with chicken manure, on the growth and production of
calabash gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). From the line chart below, treatment 4 (150g of
Chicken Manure per EFB Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil) was the most significant
among other treatment. It shows that T4 is the longest plant length among the other
treatment. From week 1 until 2, the growth of plant length is consistent and started to
increase from week 2 until 7. It has been showed that 150g of Chicken Manure per EFB
Compost in a ratio of 1:2 to topsoil show a positive impact and provide a high potassium
and nutrient that improved the soil fertility. When applied in the composted form or as
biochar, EFBs improved soil water and nutrient content (Ahmad Dani 2018). Similar
finding was reported by Chan et al. (2019) in the Choy Sam study. In addition, chicken
manure also improves the growth of the plant. According to Hasibuan, whole chicken
manure contains 55% H2O, 1.00% N, 0.80% P2O5, and 0.04% K2O. The research
results show that chicken manure from cages has a very positive effect on soil fertility
and plant growth, and can even improve production outcomes (Pradana et al., 2012).
This can be conclude that chicken manure is effective on plant growth.
40
From the graph below that the number of fruits is same for each treatment which was
1 for each treatment. However, from the graph below, treatment 4 had the greatest
number of fruits produced which is it has fruits produced for each block. This is
happening because the main issue with bottle gourd is pollination even though it
produces large number of male and female flowers (generally 10:1 ratio). Pollination
depends on bees. In general, if the pollination does not occur, female flower will grow
initially but fall off later. (Dr. Ravishankar Narayana, 2016). In addition, the
environment also plays a big role in the yield. Bottle gourd likes plenty of sunlight and
does not grow well in shady areas. The plant grows well under warm temperatures (25
to 35ºC). Under frost–free, low temperature conditions it will also grow well provided
the plants have attained sufficient vegetative growth before the onset of cool weather.
Optimum germination temperature is between 20 and 25ºC. Temperatures below 15ºC
and above 35ºC reduce the germination rate. We can also conclude that the plant needs
additional nutrients to produce fruits which is treatment 4 had the most nutrient between
other treatment.
41
From the graph below, the highest mean of fruit weight is from treatment 3. This means
that treatment 3 provides enough nutrients needed for the plant. According to Hasibuan,
whole chicken manure contains 55% H2O, 1.00% N, 0.80% P2O5, and 0.04% K2O.
The research results show that chicken manure from cages has a very positive effect on
soil fertility and plant growth, and can even improve production outcomes (Pradana et
al., 2012). Oil palm empty fruit bunches can improve soil improvement quality and
serve as a nutrient source for cultivated plants or crops. EFB contains 0.91 % N, 2.13 %
P and 6.68 % K Siddiquee et al. (2017), The ANOVA finding also indicates that for the
mean of fruit weight, treatment 3 are significant among the other treatment. Even though
it produces a low quantity of fruits, it produces the highest weight of fruits. Higher rate
of chicken manure can be detrimental to the fruit quality. This is observed as T3
produced better quality fruit than T4 in terms of size and shape. The fruits are heavier
with higher mean weight. Higher rate of chicken manure can be detrimental to the fruit
quality. This is also attributed by the larger leaf size which is compensating by lesser
number of leaves as compared to T4.
42
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, T4 (150g of Chicken Manure + EFB Compost in a 1:2 ratio with topsoil)
proves to be the best soil media significant growth and yield response. Through
meticulous observations, it is noteworthy that T3 surpasses T4 in terms of weight and
size. However, despite these differences, Treatment 4 yields a greater quantity of fruit
compared to the other treatments. Therefore, we can confidently conclude that
Treatment 4 holds significant importance in the context of this experiment.
43
REFERENCES
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Frimpong, K. A., Sanleri, K. A., Asare-Larbi, S., Adjei, R., Mensah, G. A., &
Andersen, M. N. (2022). The use of oil palm empty fruit bunches as a soil
amendmentto improve growth and yield of crops. A meta-analysis. Agronomy
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00753-z
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10. Noirot, L. M., Müller-Stöver, D. S., Wahyuningsih, R., Sørensen, H., Sudarno,
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11. Rd, M. J. B. P. (2021). What Is Organic Food, and Is It Better Than Non-
Organic Food? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-
organic-food#more-nutrients
12. Safari_Moe. (2023). The Calabash - a very versatile plant - Tanzania Experts.
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(2023). Plant nutrition and soil fertility. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 23–49).
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er%20(Zublena%2C%201993).
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(EFB) compost as growing medium for oil palm seedling production. Food
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17. Narayana, Dr. R. (2016, January 24). Gourd | bottle Gourd fruits not produce.
fruits-not-produce
18. Chan, M.K.Y., Arrifin, T.M. and Rosli, N. (2019). Effect of amended soil with
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46
APPENDICES
T1R2
T3R1
47
T4R2
T1R1
48
1. PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name : Mohammad Haziq Bin Amdan
I/C Number : 000107-12-0919
Race : Sungai
Date Of Birth : 7 January 2000
Place Of Birth : Hospital Kinabatangan, Sabah
Number of Siblings : 5
Permanent Home : Flat Guru Sk Bukit Garam ii,
Address WDT299, 90200 Kota
Kinabatangan
2. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
49