Growing Pechay (Brassica Rapa) in Different Organic Mulches
Abstract
The study entitled “Growing Pechay (Brassica rapa) on Different Organic Mulches” was conceived to
help vegetable growers maximize their production. Specifically this aimed to lessen water loss,
conserve soil moisture, prevents weed growth and enhances soil nutrients.
The procedure includes the following: preparation for pechay seedling, seeding, transplanting,
application of mulches and data collection through observation.
There were 5 set-ups made. These include set-ups for coarse sawdust; fine sawdust, peanut
shells/pods, ipil-ipil pods and the last set-up serve as the control (no mulch added). In each set-up,
there were three replicates. The following variables were controlled during the experiment: the type
of pots, type of soil, the amount of mulches, the amount of sunlight, the time of watering and the
amount of water applied.
Observations were done everyday. Visual/ocular observation on soil moisture was done because soil
moisture detector was not available.
Based on the actual results of the study, the following conclusion is drawn:
The applications of organic mulches lessen water loss, conserve soil moisture and prevent weed
growth. But the effect of the mulches to the growth of pechay plants in this study did not arrive with a
valid conclusion because of some intervening factors like unpredictable weather changes and the
presence of pechay diseases due to pest infestation.
The researchers acknowledge the weaknesses of the study made thus the following suggestions are
highly noted:
Chapter I
Introduction
Background of the study
The researchers plan to find materials which are possible as mulches since mulching is one of the
simplest and most convenient practices you can do when it comes to planting. It is used to minimize
the evaporation rate of water in plants. This kind of system helps in conserving water and it prevents
weed growth.
Materials which are normally thrown like ipil-ipil pods, sawdust and peanut shells are used in this
research to see if the following materials are feasible mulches. Since they are organic, they can also be
considered as a soil enhancer.
Statement of the Problem
The study intends to find out the feasibility of growing pechay on different organic mulches.
Specifically, this study attempts to answer the following questions:
1.) Are the following materials (ipil-ipil pods, sawdust and peanut shells) feasible as
mulches?
2.) Is there any difference between the growth of pechay with organic mulches and the
growth of pechay plants without mulch?
Significance of the Study
Using mulch has great advantages. It conserves moisture which means frequent watering is not
necessary anymore. It prevents the growth of weeds as well as erosion of the soil. Much more it can be
become a soil enhancer too.
These organic mulches are accessible to gardeners not only to those who grow vegetables but it can
also be made available to ornamental growers since all of these materials are found in the locality.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The researchers only observed the feasibility of the following materials: ipil-ipil pods, sawdust and
peanuts shells. No other plants beside pechay plants are being observed in this research. They simply
determined the number of their leaves and soil moisture. The study does not include any commercial
mulch to be compared to the tested mulches. Visual/ ocular observation on soil moisture was only done
because of the unavailability of soil moisture detector. Soil analysis was not taken prior to the
application of the mulches.
Definition of Terms
· Mulch - simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on top of the soil. It
prevents the soil from erosion, conserves water and prevent weed growth
· Organic mulches – these refer to the fine and course saw dust; ipil-ipil pods and peanut
shell/pod
· Ipil-ipil– a tree or shrub with the scientific name Leucaena leucocephala.
· Ipil-ipil pods – green (when young) to brown (upon maturity) outer-covering of ipil-ipil
seeds
· Sawdust - the small particles of wood or other material that fall from an object being
sawed. In this study, it includes fine and course sawdust.
· Peanut - the edible, nutlike, oily seed of this plant, used for food and as a source of oil.
Its scientific name is Arachis hypogaea Linn.
· Peanut shell/pods-brown outer-covering of peanut kernel
· Pechay – is a cabbage and one of the most known vegetables in the Philippines with the
scientific name of Brassica rapa.
Chapter II
Review of Related Literature
Mulching has always been a great help for farmers and gardeners. It reduces labor
required in cultivation, since emerging and small weeds perish under their dark barrier.
Therefore, mulching reduces the need for tillage and the use of weed-control
chemicals. Water is conserved because mulches reduce the evaporation of soil moisture
by lowering the soil temperature. Water absorption by a mulched soil is greater than
that of an unmulched soil. Mulch also prevents the formation of soil crusts. In addition,
soil loss from heavy rain and wind is decreased. In effect, mulches are excellent
conservation agents.
Nowadays, many farmers use mulches to plant vegetables. Vegetables like peppers,
tomatoes, squash, eggplant and others are usually the ones being mulched. Pechay
plants are also being mulched since it develops best during cool weather. Thus, it needs
moisture and frequent watering. If it is being mulched, farmers can save because they
don’t
have
to
water
them
everyday
(Robert
R.
Westerfiel; http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/horticulture/veg-mulch.html)
Mulches can either be organic such as grass clippings, straw, bark chips, and similar
materials - or inorganic such as stones, brick chips, and plastic. Both organic and
inorganic mulches have numerous benefits.
Inorganic mulches have their place in certain landscapes; they lack the soil
improving properties of organic mulches. Inorganic mulches, because of their
permanence, may be difficult to remove if you decide to change your garden plans at
a later date.
While organic mulches improve the condition of the soil. As these mulches slowly
decompose, they provide organic matter which helps keep the soil loose. This improves
root growth, increases the infiltration of water, and also improves the water-holding
capacity of the soil. Organic matter is a source of plant nutrients and provides an ideal
environment
for
earthworms
and
other
beneficial
soil
organisms
(http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/FEATURE/backyard/mulching.html).
A list of mulching materials follows, with specific emphasis on advantages and
disadvantages.
Bark: Small pieces of bark are preferred over large chunks. Bark mulches vary, but all
are attractive, durable and suitable for vegetable gardens. The high carbon-to-nitrogen
ratio of bark requires prior application of nitrogen fertilizer.
Cocoa shells: Available in some areas of Georgia. These are brown, light, easy-tohandle and relatively noncombustible. Cocoa shells have some value as a fertilizer and
resist blowing in the wind. Their high potash content harms some plants, so they should
not be applied to a depth greater than 2 inches. Cocoa shells may have an offensive
odor.
Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds cake badly; a depth of 1 inch is recommended. Coffee
grounds contain some nitrogen.
Compost: An especially good mulch, compost has fertilizer value and soil-like
appearance. Finished compost (humus) is also a good organic amendment for tilling into
the soil after the growing season ends.
Corn cobs: Ground corn cobs are a good mulch. Some find their light color
objectionable. Other uses for ground corn cobs, such as in feeds and mash, tend to limit
the supply for mulching.
Leaves: Leaves are free, readily available in many areas, release some nutrients upon
decomposition and spread easily. However, they have a tendency to form a soggy,
impenetrable mat. This problem can be overcome by mixing leaves with fluffy
materials, such as hay or straw, or by shredding the leaves with a lawn mower.
Newspaper: This is certainly readily available and economical but somewhat difficult
to apply. The high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio necessitates the prior application of
nitrogen fertilizer. A good use for newspaper is as an undermulch; that is, place two to
three sheets under a thin layer of an attractive, more expensive mulch.
Peanut shells: (Not recommended) These are attractive and easy to apply. Peanut
shells also contain nitrogen and are long-lasting. However, peanut shells are carriers
of Sclerotium rotfsii, also known by the common names of Southern blight and white
mold, which can be a major problem in the garden. Peanut hulls may also be infested
with nematodes and nutsedge seeds and/or tubers. At the present time, peanut hulls
are not recommended as a mulch.
Peat moss: This mulch is attractive and easy to handle but somewhat expensive. Dry
peat moss requires considerable time and water to become moist, so it should be
applied only to a 3-inch or less depth and avoided in areas subject to drought. Its acidic
pH makes it especially desirable for acid-loving plants.
Pine needles: These have an aesthetics appeal and are not prone to forming a soggy
mat as are leaves. They are especially good for acid-loving plants.
Polyethylene film: This is one of the few mulches that is readily available and
economical enough to be used on larger-scale commercial applications. Polyethylene
allows passage of gases such as nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Holes or slits
facilitate the planting of seeds or plants and water entry. It can last several years if
undamaged by machinery. Usually, it is used as black film. Clear film is sometimes used,
but it offers limited weed control (unless herbicide is applied before mulching), since
light passes through it. Earlier crops can be produced with the clear and, to a lesser
degree, black plastic mulch because of the warming of the soil.
Straw/hay: These materials are lightweight and easy to apply, but their appearance
restricts their application mostly to vegetable gardens. They are used more frequently
as a winter mulch for protection. They are not long-lasting and frequently contain weed
seeds. Coastal Bermuda hay is propagated vegetatively and is an excellent hay mulch.
Sawdust: Aged or partially rotted sawdust makes a satisfactory mulch that lasts a long
time. Since it is prone to caking and has a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, apply it only
2 inches deep after adding nitrogen fertilizer to the soil.
Wood chips: Since these are moderately priced or free, attractive, readily available
and easy to apply, they make an excellent mulch. However, their high carbon-tonitrogen ratio requires an application of nitrogen fertilizer. Wood chips can last about
two years. Like bark mulch, woodchips can be a vector for termites
(http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/horticulture/veg-mulch.html).
. One of the vegetables that need high soil moisture content is the Pechay. And because
of this, the researchers tested the following organic mulches namely the ipil-ipil pods,
peanut shell, course and fine sawdust to Pechay.
Pechay (Pak Choi) is a cabbage. It is one of the most known vegetables in
the Philippines. It is also known as one of the oldest green vegetables in Asia. The
Pechay differs in many aspects from other (for instance European) cabbages. The leaves
of the Pechay vary in length from 10 to 30 cm. The leaves are green and mild flavoured
and less crisp than other cabbages (http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/vegetables3.htm)
Chapter III
Methodology
Materials:
The following materials were prepared and gathered:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
pechay seeds
Seedpots
Rubber pots of the same size
Garden soil
Coarse and fine sawdust
Ipil-ipil pods
Peanut shells
Garden shovel
Scissors
Weighing scale
Beakers
Paper labels
Germination of Pechay Seeds
Pechays seeds were planted in a seed pots and were watered daily. Then after a week of germination,
the healthy ones were transferred in separate rubberized pots.
Preparation of Mulches
The different mulches, namely: ipil-ipil pods, coarse and fine sawdust and peanut shells, were exposed
to the sun until they were thoroughly dried. Then, the dried ipi-ipil and peanut pods were gnashed into
smaller pieces. Finally, the different mulches were weighed 25 grams ready for application.
Application of Mulches
The following are the mixtures of each set-ups:
Set Up A: 3 pechay plants were applied 25 grams each with coarse sawdust
Set Up B: 3 pechay plants were applied 25 grams each with fine sawdust
Set Up C: 3 pechay plants were applied 25 grams each with gnashed ipil-ipil pods
Set Up D: 3 pechay plants were applied 25 grams each with gnashed peanut shells
Set Up E: 3 pechay plants weren’t applied any mulching agent
Observation
All set ups were observed for 4 weeks. Set ups A, B, C and D were watered every after three days
during rainy days while during sunny days; they are watered every other day. Set up E was watered
every day. All the set ups were watered at 8 o’clock in the morning with 100 ml of water each. Data
collection was done every day.
Chapter IV
Results and Discussion
In this chapter, the results of the experiments done will be shown and furthermore, discussions
will follow.
Table 1. Number of Leaves
Set Ups
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Pechay plants with
coarse sawdust
Pechay plants with
dried peanut shells
5
4
5
6
4
5
6
8
Pechay plants with
3
3
6
7
dried ipil-ipil pods
Pechay plants with fine
5
4
6
7
sawdust
Pechay plants with no
3
5
5
5
mulch
In Table 1, the number of leaves was being observed and counted every week. On week 1, the
researchers observed that the pechay plants with coarse and fine sawdust sprouted the most number
of leaves compared to the other set ups. Due to intervening factors such as unpredictable weather
conditions and pests, the researchers observed on week 2 that most of the set ups’ number of leaves
decreased and withered. On the last 2 weeks of observation, most of the set ups sprouted more
leaves especially peanut shells. However, blight and white mold appeared on the leaves of the
pechay plants. The researchers did not attempt to apply any form of pesticides so as not to alter
the results of the study. Since the Pechay plants are not harvested yet, so the final result which is
the weight is not yet taken.
Everyday, the soil was observed if it is dry, fair or wet. The observation done was just visual or
ocular since the researchers could not avail any soil detector that could determine the specific soil
moisture in each set-up. The observations done were recorded (please refer to Table 2).
Day
Week
1
1
2
3
4
5
Set Ups
Pechay plants with
coarse sawdust
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
Pechay plants with fine
sawdust
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
Pechay plants with
dried ipil-ipil pods
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
Pechay plants with
peanut shells
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
In Table 2, the researchers observed that all the set ups with mulches have
showed low evaporation rate or lessen water loss and the soil remained humid
compared to set up without mulch. Only then in week 2, since that was during rainy
season, all of the set ups were humid.
Chapter V
Conclusion and Recommendation
Conclusion
The researchers conclude that the applications of organic mulches can lessen water
loss, conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth. But the effect of mulches to the
growth of pechay plants, the experiments done did not arrive with a valid conclusion
because some of intervening factors like unpredictable weather changes and the
presence of pechay pests and molds.
Recommendation
The researchers acknowledge the weaknesses of the study made thus the following
suggestions are highly noted:
1. Soil detector must be used in observing soil moisture;
2. Soil analysis must be done before mulching and after harvest;
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
wet
3. Other vegetables must be tested with these mulches; and
4. More replicates must be used to validate the results obtained.
References
Robert
R.
Westerfield
,
Extension
Horticulturisthttp://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/horticulture/veg-mulch.html
United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/FEATURE/backyard/mulching.html
The Philippines: HOGESCHOOL UTRECHT
http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/vegetables3.htm
Growing Chinese Cabbage
http://www.farminfo.org/garden/chinese.htm
DOST AGROFORESTRY INFORMATION NETWORK
http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/AFIN/how%20to%20grow%20upland%20food
%20crops.htm
ACKNOWKLEDGEMENT
The researchers are indebted to the following:
Ø Xavier University, College of Agriculture
Ø Agribusiness Sector
Ø Participating Schools
Ø and the MOGCHS Family
To all of you, our salute for you give us an unforgettable
learning
experience.
The Researchers
APPENDIX A
Measurements of the Number of Leaves per Pechay Plant (3 replicates in each set-ups)
Set Ups
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Pechay plants with
4
5
6
3
4
5
3
5
7
4
5
8
coarse sawdust
Pechay plants with
4
4
5
5
5
3
6
8
4
8
10 6
dried peanut shells
Pechay plants with
dried ipil-ipil pods
Pechay plants with fine
sawdust
Pechay plants with no
mulch
3
3
4
2
3
3
5
6
8
7
7
8
4
4
6
4
3
5
6
4
8
8
5
10
3
3
4
4
4
6
7
4
4
9
5
2