IPIL-IPIL AS ORGANIC FERTILIZER 1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

These days, it is common for farmers to use commercial fertilizers, believing

that it will help their crops to grow big and healthy and in return, giving them higher

earnings but they do not realize that using commercial fertilizers can be costly as well.

This is the reason why in recent years, people have been creating alternative fertilizers

for these commercial ones. It is also great that it is eco-friendly and easy to make.

Ipil-Ipil plant, scientifically known as Leucaena lucocephala, can be an

organic head spring of compost as its foliage rivals the excrement in the nitrogen

content. Some studies demostrated that Ipil-Ipil leaves were practically identical to

ammonium sulfate in providing the nitrogen neccessity of rice plants in various soil

conditions.

In this study, the case of utilizing Ipil-Ipil plant as an organic fertilizer is

incorporated into another use. In this case, the Ipil-Ipil leaves will be used in growing

bell peppers. As the economic progress of the Phillipines begins to stabilize, it is time

to begin to ask whether it is time to apply the practicality and sustainability of crop

grownth should be accepted. The findings of the study will provide an input that will

help in aswering the questions as a little step to future advantacements in agriculture.

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1.1 Background of the Study

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), additionally called ‘sweet pepper’,

‘kampana’ or ‘lara’ is grown for its fruits, that typically comes in varied colours like

red, green, yellow, brown, and orange. A sweet pepper may be extremely nutrient

vegetable. This bell formed vegetable with an inexperienced, shiny exterior adds a

splash of color to any dish. The months of October to December are suitable for

planting sweet bell pepper, especially for areas that are low elevated to achieve the

best quality of fruit outcome. For mid and high elevated areas, any month of the year

is applicable to grow sweet bell pepper because it requires low temperature.

Nowadays, farmers usually use commercial fertilizers in growing their crops,

but these commercial fertilizers have adverse effects that can cause soil acidification

because it can decrease the organic matter in the soil. In this study, the researchers

would like to introduce Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer in growing sweet bell

pepper. A study by Brady (as cited in Gonzales et. al., 2015), organic fertilizers

supply nutrients to the soil to help improve its physical, chemical and biological

property which could enhance the growth and development of plants just like

commercial ones but it is less harmful to the environment and cost less.

In order to make Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer, the researchers will

ferment the leaves. Fermented plant juice (FPJ), is the extract of the plants’

chlorophyll and blood. It is a rich enzyme solution that could help enhance the growth

of plants. In order to extract the essence of the plant through osmotic pressure, brown

sugar is needed. In addition, fertile soil is one of the best soils that a farmer would

use. This kind of soil has nutrients coming from decayed plants and animals, so it is

best to use when planting a seedling. Furthermore, the type of soil that sweet bell
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pepper would best grow is that it is loamy and rich in nutrients, so the researchers will

use this kind of soil.

Overall, the researchers will use Ipil-Ipil leaves as an alternative fertilizer for

it contains good nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus that help

improves and add the nutrients that are already present in the soil. In addition, Ipil-Ipil

is abundant in the Philippines as it adapts the tropical climate which makes it more

accessible to the researchers in making it as an alternative fertilizer.

The purpose of this study is to inform the farmers about the effects of Ipil-Ipil

leaves as an alternative fertilizer in growing sweet bell pepper considering that

farmers usually use commercial fertilizers for growing crops. This study will create

consciousness to the farmers and to the community on the effects of Ipil-Ipil leaves as

an alternative fertilizer.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The researchers’ aim in conducting this study is to give information about

using Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer and how it affects the growth of sweet

bell pepper. It also aims to answer the following questions.

1. How does Ipil-Ipil leaves, as an organic fertilizer affects the growth of sweet bell

pepper in terms of:

a. Time and length of sprout produced

b. Time and length of stem produced

c. Time and length of fruit produced

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2. What are the nutrient contents present in Ipil-Ipil leaves that makes it suitable as an

organic fertilizer?

3. What is the best volume of Ipil-Ipil leaves to be used as an organic fertilizer of

sweet bell pepper?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To test the effectively of Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer in growing

sweet bell pepper.

2. To determine which volume of Ipil-Ipil leaves is the best organic fertilizer.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The researchers’ goal in making this study is to inform about the effects of

Ipil-Ipil as an alternative fertilizer in growing sweet bell pepper. This study is

beneficial to the following:

1. Farmers – Farmers who plant sweet bell peppers will benefit from this study, as

this study focuses on the use of Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer in growing

sweet bell pepper. Instead of buying commercial fertilizer and they can save money in

using this.

2. Community – People living in the community can benifit the use of ipil-ipil leaves

as an organic ferltizer specially those who have home gardens since they would not be

buying commercial ones.

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3. Future Researchers – This study would help the future researcher in gaining

information in using Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer. This can also serve as a

reference for future studies.

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study is limited to the use of Ipil-Ipil as an organic fertilizer for the

growth of sweet bell pepper. The researchers will collect the leaves of Ipil-Ipil and

then chop it manually. After chopping the leaves, the researchers will dissolve brown

sugar with water and then add the chopped Ipil-Ipil leaves to BLAH BLAH. After that

the leaves will be crushed thoroughly and then place the mixture in a net cloth. The

mixture is then preesed and drained in a colander. The juice and the net cloth will then

be placed in a plastic container and is covered with a paper bag and let sit in 15-20

days before it can be use. The Ipil-Ipil leaves will first be tested in the Office of the

Provincial Agriculture, Turno, Dipolog City to examine the nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium content. The place where the sweet bell pepper will be planted is located in

Purok Rubia, Obay Polanco. The soil will first be tested in the Office of the Provincial

Agriculture, Turno, Dipolog City before planting the sweet bell pepper in order for

the researchers to know what type of soil that they will be using.

This study will be focusing on the growth and development of the bell pepper.

It will discuss about the growth of sweet bell peppers depending on the treatment that

is being applied in terms of time and length of sprout, stem, and fruit production. The

data analysis of the study will be focusing on the effectively of Ipil-Ipil leaves as an

organic fertilizer.
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1.6 Definitions of Terms

Commercial fertilizer –are types of fertilizer that is manufacture with the use of

chemical substance. A fertilizer that is commonly brought in the market

Fertile soil - refers to the soil that has an abundance of nutrients such as nitrogen,

potassium, and phosphorus that is needed for growing plants.

Ipil-Ipil leaves - it is a part of Ipil-Ipil plant that will be used as an alternative

fertilizer in growing sweet bell pepper.

Loamy soil - it is a mixture of soil that is ideal in plant growing. It is a type of soil

that is best used in agricultural land. It is compose of sand slit and small amount of

clay.

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium - refers to the substances that can be found in

the Ipil-Ipil leaves and what makes Ipil-Ipil leaves as a possible alternative fertilizer.

Organic fertilizer-

Sustainability of the soil - this refers to the ability of soil to maintain its nutrient

composition.

Time and length of fruit produced - the duration of in which sweet bell pepper

produces its fruit

Time and length sprout produced - the duration when to see the small growth of

sweet bell pepper.

Time and length of stem produced - the duration wherein the trunk of the sweet bell

pepper is visible.
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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 SWEET BELL PEPPER

Sweet bell pepper are CHUCHU The most important nutrient for sweet bell pepper

cultivation is nitrogen, together with potassium; these are the nutrients that are

required by the crops. With that reason, it is necessary to provide greater attention to

the supplementation of these nutrients. The negative impacts to the growth and

development of bell pepper can be caused by the high concentrations of nutrients and

minerals (Lorenzoni et. al, 2016).

According to Kormoker et. al. (2017), application of manure requires fertilizers which

are composed of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which can provide the essential

needs of the sweet bell peppers. Sweet bell peppers are important spice cum vegetable

crop and widely comparison of organic amendments and used foods in the world. Bell

peppers' ideal growing conditions should be warm soil, (21 to 29°C) that it will moist

but not saturated. Organic fertilizer provides soil with significant nutrients. Also, it

improves the soil texture, increases ion exchange capacity of soil, increases soil

microbial populations and activity, improves moisture- holding capacity of the soil

and enhanced soil fertility.

But according Malavolta as cited by Lorenzoni et al (2016) the number of fruit

produced will vary to the amount of nitrogen and potassium. If there will be an excess

number of nitrogen the number of fruit produced will decrease also the same if there

is a lack amount of potassium the number of fruit will also be affected.

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2.2 IPIL IPIL

Ipil-Ipil, otherwise known as Leucaena leucocephala is not endemic to the

Philippines. It has been growing well all over the country. Ipil-Ipil has been used as

fertilizer for it is low cost compared to other expensive fertilizers for plants.

According to Tacio (2015), Ipil-Ipil can be a natural source of fertilizer as its foliage

rivals manure in nitrogen content. It is one of leguminous plants that can function as

an organic fertilizer. In addition, Javier (2019), Ipil-Ipil supplies organic matter with

high amount of nitrogen will not only help farmers to increase their production of

living.

As cited by CABI (2018) Ipil-Ipil has been use to the improvement of the soil, soil

conversion and erosion in diverse agroforestry combinations and systems and

farming. Leucaena leucocephala are recognized as a valuable green manure in

cropping.

2.3 METHODS OF APPLYING IPIL-IPIL FERTILIZER

Green manure is a plant materials that is furrowed into the dirt or plants that are left in

the field to decompose in order to increase the organic matter of the soil. According to

Tilley (2016), the purpose of green manuring is to increase the nitrogen supply in the

soil. The usage of green manure can provide this benefit when being incorporated into

the soil which makes it a better option of fertilizing plants.

Moreover, Ipil-Ipil has been acknowledged in the mid 1970’s in the Philippines as

“green compost”. One reason it is considered as green compost is that its quick

regrowth and high generation of herbage, high nitrogen content and the speed with

which its leaves decay after being joined in the soil.

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On the other hand, there is another way for Ipil-Ipil leaves to be a fertilizer is by

fermenting it. According to Rudy (2010), fermented fruit juice helps the growth of

plants. It can be sprayed on the leaves of plants or on the soil to increase the micro-

organisms that are beneficial to the soil which enable the plants to be resistant to

diseases.

2.4 EFFECTS OF IPIL IPIL ON THE GROWTH OF ROOT CROPS

According to Paul et. al. (2015), there has been a positive effect on the yield of

contribution on rice crop on the different doses of Ipil-Ipil tree green leaf biomass. It

was found out that the treatment had significant influence on the plant height, total

tillers hill, effective tillers hill, panicle length, grains panicle, 1000-grain height, grain

yield, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index. Among the various portions of

Ipil-Ipil tree green leaf biomass, the third treatment with 10t/ha played out the best

over others. The study found out that Ipil-Ipil tree green leaf biomass has helpful

impacts on the growth of rice crop and could be joined with inorganic compost for

economical harvest yield and keeping the soil fertile.

In addition, there are several studies conducted to evaluate the effects of Ipil-Ipil

herbage as an alternative fertilizer on the growth and yield of cassava, sweet potato,

taro and yam, and its effect on the physical and chemical properties of the soil. With

the application of Ipil-Ipil leaves with commercial fertilizer in sweet potato, it

increased the soil organic matter, phosphorus and potassium content. And to other

root crops, Ipil-Ipil leaves as fertilizer enhance the state of the soil. Hence, Ipil-Ipil

leaves as an alternative fertilizer on root crops was found to be possible (Escalada,

2002).
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2.5 NUTRIENT CONTENT OF IPIL-IPIL LEAVES

The primary macronutrients that can increase plant productivity are nitrogen,

phoshorus, potassium. Their presence in soil is also very important of crop growth

and product. Furthermore, these organic resources take an essential role in managing

soil fertility and on supplying nutrients and contributing to the formation of soil

organic matter (Palm et al.,2001).

Ipil-ipil,as green biomass can help in restoring soil fertility as it contains 20.9 kg to

43kg of nitrogen, 1.5 kgto 4kg phosphorus, and 13.4kg to 40kg potassium, nutrients

that would add to the soil after decomposition process.

Furthermore, there are essential nutriens that enchances fertility of soil can be found

on tree leaf biomass which play an important role in reducing the amount of chemical

fertilier used by agriculturals.

2.6 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF IPIL-IPIL LEAVES AS

ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Ipil-ipil, a small fast-growing mimosoid tree scientifically known as Leucaena

leucephala is believed to have originated from Mexico and Central America and was

introduced in the Philippines during the time of Spanish colonization. From the time

of its existence in the Philippines, it has now been proven to be effective when used as

an organic fertilizer, an alternative to the traditional commercial and chemically based

fertilizers used by farmers and gardeners. However, Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic

fertilizer has its own advantages and disadvantages.

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The advantages of Ipil-Ipil leave as an organic fertilizer further support its

efficiency in growing food crops. Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer is low-cost,

always readily available in the market, and easy to find. Moreover, it can provide

necessary nutrients that can help for better plant growth. In addition, ipil-ipil leaves

are naturally non-hazardous and are purely organic which make it safe to use and

environmental friendly.

Nonetheless, there are also disadvantages in using Ipil-Ipil as an alternative

fertilizer. It contains an unusual amino acid, mimosine, a toxic non-protein amino acid

chemically inclined to tyrosine that when overused, can damage the plant.

Furthermore, fertilizing the soil with only Ipil-Ipil legumes could cause negative

effect on plant growth considering that Ipil-Ipil legumes do not essentially create

nutrients for every specific plant.

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2.7 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT
 Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer on sweet bell pepper
 Preparation in making Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer

PROCESS
 Collect the Ipil-Ipil leaves
 Chopped it manually
 Dissolved brown sugar with water and then add the chopped Ipil-Ipil
leaves
 Crush the mixture thoroughly

 Place the mixture in a net cloth

 Pressed and drained the mixture in a colander

 Place the extracted juice and the net cloth in a plastic container

 Covered the contatiner with a paper bag and let it sit for 7 days in adark
and cold room

OUTPUT
 Fermented Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer

Fig. 1 Study Paradigm on the Effects of Ipil-Ipil as an Organic Fertilizer on

the Growth of Sweet Bell Pepper
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In the study paradigm shown above, the input are Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic

fertilizer on sweet bell pepper and its preparation on making it as a fertilizer. The

process involved is the making of fermented Ipil-Ipil leaves and the output is the

fermented Ipil-Ipil leaves as an organic fertilizer.

2.8 HEALTH AND SAFETY

In making the fermented Ipil-Ipil leaves, thorough preparation and consideration will

be used to worker safety, specifically; making the fermented Ipil-Ipil leaves uses a

fermenting method which ferment the Ipil-Ipil leaves to obtain the material called

fermented Ipil-Ipil leaves. The activity of fermenting the Ipil-Ipil leaves will maintain

the nutrients that the Ipil-Ipil possesses like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus,

which will help the sweet peppers to grow. Doing a fermentation will stain the clothes

so using an apron or any appropriate wardrobe for planting is recommended,

fermenting Ipil-Ipil leaves is not harmful when inhaled since it is organic and the

leaves will only be soaked in water, no other chemical mixtures that will harm a

person.