Agricultural science school based
assessment on crop production
 Candidate name: Ashley Campbell
 Candidate #:1000360323
 Topic: crop production
 School: Edwin Allen high school
 Territory: Jamaica
TABLE OF CONTENT
CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction………………………………………………………………………2
Problem statement………………………………………………………………..3
Experimental design………………………………………………………………4
Aim………………………………………………………………………………….5
List of materials and equipment…………………………………………………..6
Activities…………………………………………………………………………..7
Data collection…………………………………………………………………….8
Presentation of result and interpretation of data………………………………....11-13
Discussion of findings …………………………………………………………….14
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………15
Limitation…………………………………………………………………………16
Recommendations…………………………………………………………………17
Cost analysis *projected budget………………………………………………….18-19
*Actual budget
Analysis of budget…………………………………………………………………………20-22
Reference ……………………………………………………………………………………..23
2
Introduction
Cucumber, Cucumis sativa, is a warm season crop which grows best in well- drained
soils with pH of 6.0 – 6.8. The fruit which is rich in vitamin C and a little vitamin A is often
consumed either cooked or uncooked in various forms and salads. Some varieties are
even grown just for pickling.
3
Problem Statement
The need to be more self-sufficient as a school has forced the Agricultural Science
Department to embrace more efficient ways of crop production. The use of chicken manure to
grow cucumber can be a cheaper option to using synthetic fertilizer (NPK), since the school
generates large amounts of chicken litter from the broiler production. The production of
cucumber using the chicken manure as fertilizer can therefore be compared with using the
commercial fertilizer and determine which one results in greater productivity.
4
Aim
The aim of this experiment is to investigate whether the use of organic matter (chicken
manure) produces higher yields in cucumber when compared to the use of NPK fertilizer
(14:28:14) over an eight week period.
5
Methodology/Experimental Design
Two (2) plots of land measuring 4 feet by 20 feet, situated on the tutorial farm
next to each other will be used to plant the cucumber seeds. Each plot will be exposed
to the same environmental conditions (sunlight, water, humidity ECT). The only
difference will be the type of fertilizer used. Plot 1 will use NPK (14:28:14). ¼ pound per
planting hole and plot 2 will use ¼ pound decomposed chicken manure per planting
hole. On each plot, mounds will be made 2 feet apart, 8 inches high and 1 foot wide, will
be made. Each mound will be planted with 6 seeds in two different holes. When mounds
are prepared and the 2 holes made in each on plot 1 , each hole will be mixed with a ¼
pound NPK fertilizer, and on plot 2, each hole will be mixed with ¼ pound decomposed
chicken manure. The same cultural practices (watering, weed removal etc.), will be
applied to both plots simultaneously. A sampling of ten plants from each plot will be
done over a five day period following germination. The data will be analyzed to see
which plot produces a faster growing rate. At harvesting, the cucumbers from ten plants
on each plot, will be collected and weighed to determine the production difference
between plots.
6
List of equipment/ materials
List of materials and equipment
Measuring tape
Scale
Cutlass
Fork
Water
spray pan
pesticides
Hoe
Seeds
NPK FERTILIZER (14 :28:14)
decomposed chicken manure
rake
Stakes
Water
water hose
7
Activities
1 – land clearing – area was identified and cleared of bush and debris before being
ploughed and refined
2 – Mound construction – after the measurement was done, a hoe was used to
Form, refine and shape mounds to the desired height before planting the seeds
8
3 – Seed planting – 3 seeds per hole were planted in two holes per mound
4- Weed removal -when necessary a hoe or cutlass was used to remove the weeds
from among the seedlings
9
Data collection
Table # 1- showing the average heights of seedlings= ten from each plot
Plot 1 - using the NPK fertilizer (14:28:14)
Plot 2 - using decomposed chicken manure
Day of plot height
plot 2 ( height cm)
plot 1 ( height cm )
1
2.2
2.0
2
2.5
2.3
3
2.9
2.7
4
3.2
3.0
5
3.5
3.3
6
3.8
3.4
7
4.2
3.8
Table # 2 = Showing the yield of cucumber from the samples taken from plots 1 and 2
Plot
1
2
Total
yield (Lbs)
% of total yield
75
60
135
56
44
100
10
Presentation of results
Fig1
4,5%
4,2%
3,8%
4,0%
3,3%
3,5%
2,9%
2,7%
3,0%
3,4%
3,0%
2,5%
2.2%
2,5%
plot 1
2.0%
2,0%
plot 2
1,5%
1,0%
0,5%
0,0%
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
11
Day 6
Day 7
Fig2
cucumber yield distributed between
plot 1 and 2
44%
plot 1
56%
12
plot 2
Interpretation of Data
The graph shows the average seedling heights over seven days for Plot 1 (NPK Fertilizer
14:28:14) and Plot 2 (Decomposed Chicken Manure). Both plots showed steady growth
Throughout the week, but the seedlings in Plot 2 (Chicken Manure) were generally taller
than those in Plot 1 (NPK Fertilizer), especially towards the later days.
From this, I can see that chicken manure seemed to support better seedling growth,
likely because it released nutrients gradually and improved soil health. On the other hand, while
NPK fertilizer provided nutrients quickly, it might not have sustained growth as well as the
organic fertilizer. Overall, my results suggest that chicken manure was slightly more effective in
promoting seedling development. This makes it a good alternative to synthetic fertilizers, but I
would need to observe the plants for a longer period to see if this trend continues.
The pie chart represents the cucumber yield distribution between Plot 1 (NPK
Fertilizer 14:28:14) and Plot 2 (Chicken Manure). According to the chart, Plot 1 contributed 44%
of the total yield, while Plot 2 contributed 56%, meaning the cucumbers grown with chicken
manure produced a slightly higher yield than those grown with NPK fertilizer.
From this, I can conclude that chicken manure was more effective in boosting
cucumber production. This could be due to its gradual nutrient release, improvement in soil
structure, and better moisture retention. While NPK fertilizer provided essential nutrients, it may
not have had the same long-term benefits as the organic alternative. Overall, the results suggest
that using chicken manure led to better cucumber growth and yield, making it a more sustainable
and cost-effective option. However, further analysis over a longer period could help determine if
this difference remains consistent. Slower, possibly due to the gradual release of nutrients as
organic matter decomposed over time. However, organic fertilizers offer long-term soil health
benefits by improving soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient retention. In conclusion, the
findings suggest that NPK fertilizer is more effective for faster plant growth and higher
cucumber yields in the short term. However, decomposed chicken manure remains a valuable
organic alternative that may contribute to soil fertility and sustainability in the long run. The
choice of fertilizer should therefore depend on the grower's priorities, whether it is maximizing
yield in a shorter time or maintaining long-term soil health.
13
Discussion of findings
The results of the experiment demonstrate that the type of fertilizer used has a direct
impact on seedling growth and crop yield. The seedlings in Plot 1, treated with NPK fertilizer
(14:28:14), showed a slightly faster growth rate compared to those in Plot 2, which were treated
with decomposed chicken manure. This difference suggests that the readily available nutrients in
NPK fertilizer—particularly its high phosphorus content—promoted early root development and
overall plant growth more effectively than the organic alternative.
Fertilizers are important for plant growth because they provide essential nutrients. This
Experiment tested NPK fertilizer and decomposed chicken manure on cucumber plants to
see which worked better. NPK fertilizer has nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which help
plants grow leaves, develop strong roots, and stay healthy. Since it releases nutrients quickly, the
plants grew faster, produced more fruit, and had stronger roots. However, using too much can
cause soil \problems and nutrient imbalance over time. Chicken manure is an organic fertilizer
that releases nutrients slowly. It helps improve soil texture, holds moisture better, and supports
beneficial bacteria. The plants in the soil stayed healthier. The results showed that plants with
NPK fertilizer grew faster, while those with chicken manure had better soil moisture and
healthier leaves. Factors like watering and pests may have affected the results. Both fertilizers
helped the plant grow, but they worked in different ways.
14
Conclusion
Cucumber (Cucumis sativa) is a warm-season crop that thrives in well-drained soils with
a pH of 6.0–6.8. Rich in vitamin C and small amounts of vitamin A, it is a nutritious vegetable
widely consumed fresh, cooked, or pickled. Fertilization plays a crucial role in its growth and
productivity, influencing both seedling development and yield. The experiment demonstrated
that NPK fertilizer (14:28:14) had a more immediate and significant impact on cucumber growth
compared to decomposed chicken manure. Seedlings in Plot 1, treated with NPK fertilizer,
consistently grew taller than those in Plot 2, reaching an average height of 4.2 cm by day seven,
compared to 3.8 cm in Plot 2. This indicates that the readily available nutrients in the synthetic
fertilizer contributed to faster vegetative growth. In terms of yield, Plot 1 produced 75 lbs of
cucumbers, making up 56% of the total yield, while Plot 2 produced 60 lbs, contributing 44%.
The higher yield from the NPK-treated plants suggests that it provided essential nutrients in a
more efficient manner, supporting both early growth and fruit production. However, while
decomposed chicken manure resulted in slightly slower growth and lower yield, it remains a
valuable organic alternative, promoting long-term soil health and sustainability. These findings
suggest that while NPK fertilizer is more effective for achieving rapid growth and higher yields
in the short term, decomposed chicken manure offers long-term soil fertility benefits. A
combined approach, integrating both synthetic and organic fertilizers, could optimize cucumber
production while maintaining soil health, ensuring both immediate productivity and sustainable
agricultural practices.
15
Limitations

Weather conditions may have affected plant growth, as unexpected rainfall or extreme
heat could have influenced development.

The experiment was conducted over a short period, so the long-term effects of the
fertilizers on soil and plant health were not observed.

The soil in each plot may not have been exactly the same, which could have impacted
how well the fertilizers worked.

Some plants may have been affected by pests, which could have slowed their growth
and influenced the final results.

Differences in watering levels may have occurred, which could have affected how the
plants absorbed nutrients from the fertilizers.

Human error in measuring and applying the fertilizers might have influenced the
accuracy of the results.
16
Recommendations

A larger number of cucumber plants should be grown to get more reliable and
accurate results.

The experiment should be repeated in different locations with various soil types
to see if the outcomes remain consistent.

Conducting the study on level ground would help ensure that water is distributed
evenly and does not give certain plants an advantage.

Testing a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers could help determine if
they work better together.

Regular monitoring of plants for pests and diseases is necessary to prevent
them from affecting growth and skewing the results.
17
Projected budget Cucumber production
Projected income from the sale of 120 lbs. of cucumber @ $80.00 per lb
=
$ 9,600.00
Expenses
-
cost ($)
1 pk. Seeds
450.00
½ bag NPK fertilizer
1,500.00
1 bottle insecticide
900.00
1 bag chicken manure
500.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total variable expenses (TVC)
3,350.00
Total surplus= total income – total expenses
$9,600.00 - $3,350.00 =
18
$6,250.00
Actual Budget - Cucumber production
Income from sales of 135lbs.of cucumber @ $80.00 per lbs.
=
$ 10,800.00
Expenses
Variable (VC)
-
$
1pk seeds
1 bottle insecticide
(Diazinon)
½ bag NPK fertilizer (14:28:14)
1 bag chicken manure
500.00
1,000.00
1600.00
600.00
Total expenses (TC)
Total profit / surplus
=
3,700.00
= total income - total expenses
$10,800.00 - $3,700.00 =
Total expenses (TC)
=
19
$7,100.00
$3,700.00
Analysis of budget
This budget analysis evaluates the differences between the estimated and actual
financial performance of the cucumber production project. The focus is on assessing variations in
revenue, costs, and overall profit. By analyzing these discrepancies, we can identify the key
factors that Influenced changes in income and expenses, as well as their overall impact on
profitability
projected profit vs actual profit
47,1%
projected
actual
52,9%
Income difference:
 Projected income: $ 9,600(from selling 120Ibs of cucumber)
 Actual income: $ 10,800( from selling 135Ibs of cucumber)
 Difference:+$1,200(actual income was higher than projected income)
20
Projected vs expenditure
47,5%
projected
Actual
52,5%
Expenses Consideration:
Projected Expenses: $3,350
Actual Expenses: $3,700
Difference: +$350 (Actual expenses were minimally higher than the Projected
expenses)
21
Projected vs Actual Income
47,1%
52,9%
Projected
Actual Income
Income Difference:
➢ Projected income: $9,600 (from selling 120 1bs of cucumbers)
➢ Actual Income: $10,800 (from selling 135 1bs of cucumbers)
➢ Difference: +$1,200 (Actual Income was higher than Projected Income
22
Reference
 Npk14 28 14 |Fertilizers Manufacturer and Exporter :Fertilizernpk.com
Research Gate – Effect of NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber
 Camilla, S. W ., & Blackwood, M.A. ( 2012 ) Agricultural Science for
CSEC Examination Macmillan Education
23