MISAMIS ORIENTAL GENERAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL Don Apolinar Velez St.

Cagayan de Oro City

A Research Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment in Science Research

Researcher

APRIL, 2011

ABSTRACT
The study entitled "The Effect of Bat Guano on the Growth of an Ornamental Plant" was conducted by Melody Kimberly D. Pitoc of Fourth Yr- Einstein of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School, S.Y. 2010- 2011. The study aimed to determine whether adding bat guano on the soil of the ornamental plant will cause its faster development and bearing of flowers. There were six (6) rubber pots obtained. The same amount and type of soil is placed in each pot. Cuttings of the ornamental plant were bought from the market and it was then transplanted to the six prepared pots. Treatment was then applied and within two (2) weeks, observations were made. The results showed that the plants treated with bat guano have grown better and faster than those without bat guano. Therefore, the researcher concludes that bat guano is a good organic fertilizer of ornamental plants.

i ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The study wouldnt probably proceed smoothly and be done successfully if not for the aid offered by some people. Therefore, the researcher wishes to express her deepest gratitude to the following: To her beloved parents who supported her all throughout the study by allowing her to spend overtime at school and supplying her needs for the study. Their complete understanding was already enough. To Ms. Balve Granido, the Research teacher, who remained patient in spite of our failures during the whole year round. Without her lessons and shared knowledge, the researcher wont be able to get this study done. To the friends and classmates, whom she relied upon when some things regarding the research got complicated. Especially to Mr. Jay Rhen Galagnara who offered a hand during the preparation of the planting medium and transplanting. So with Ms. Annjanette Mae Acuram who had been her companion in the application of the treatment. And above all things, to our God Almighty, who had granted her wisdom and presence of mind that led to the accomplishment of this study. He had been her greatest provider in all her endeavors.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract Acknowledgement CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION a.) Background of the Study b.) Statement of the Problem c.) Hypothesis d.) Significance of the Study e.) Scopes & Limitations f.) Definition of Terms CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY CHAPTER IV RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

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CHAPTER V CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION----------------------------11 Bibliography Appendix Autobiography of the Researcher ---------------------------11 ----------------------------12 ---------------------------13

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
A.) BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY More and more people are gaining interest in gardening and beautification of their vicinity. And so, growing ornamental plants is the first step to give the environment a face-lift. Because ornamental plants have aesthetic features such as its flowers, leaves, foliage, scent, stem, bark and fruit, they are commonly displayed indoors and outdoors. Since it is grown for decorative purposes, most ornamental plant growers consciously want their plants to look healthy and attractive. Thus, in this study, the researcher utilizes an organic fertilizer, specifically bat guano, to make this possible. Guano is usually extracted from caves inhabited by bats and it is rich in nitrogen, ammonia and uric, phosphoric, oxalic & carbonic acids. Although it is not that easy to acquire, bat guano is a suitable fertilizer as it can improve the richness and texture of soil. In this study, the researcher wants to determine how the application of bat guano would affect the growth of an ornamental plant.

B.) STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The researchers objective is to know whether the use of bat guano as organic fertilizer is effective especially in the growing of an ornamental plant.
1. 2.

What is the effect of bat guano in the growth of ornamental plants? Is there any difference in the growth of the ornamental plant with and without the bat guano?

B.) HYPOTHESIS There is a difference in the growth of the ornamental plant with and without the application of bat guano. C.) SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Bat guano is an essential organic fertilizer since it is rich in nitrogen. The application of such fertilizer to the ornamental plant will give it a healthier appearance and an advanced growth. Thus, the following are the beneficiaries of this study:
o

Plant growers or gardeners instead of buying expensive fertilizers, they can save money by utilizing bat guano which is naturally-occurring and gives the same good results as to the use of other commercial fertilizers.

Other concerned researchers- they can claim a deeper and more comprehensive study using other possible kinds of organic fertilizer to be applied on various types of plants.

Environment since bat guano is an organic fertilizer, therefore it doesnt produce harmful effects and is also environment-friendly. Moreover, instead of leaving the animal manures scattered, we could clear them up and turn into something more useful than just being a waste.

D.) SCOPES AND LIMITATIONS

The study only covers the growth mechanism of the ornamental plant with and without the bat guano. It focuses on the weekly effect on the plants growth based on the number of flowers only. Other variables in the set-up such as the amount of sunlight, type of soil and others were not included during the comparison of results anymore. The researchers time frame of experimentation was also limited only up to two weeks. Nevertheless, the ornamental plant used in the study is characterized by a fast, apparent growth so some effects were observed. E.) DEFINITION OF TERMS
oOrnamental Plant a plant grown usually to be displayed indoors and

outdoors as decoration because of its aesthetic features.

oOrganic Fertilizer any naturally-occurring fertilizer mostly in the form of

manure, peat, seaweed and others. It is an essential fertilizer since it is pesticide-free, hence, environment-friendly.
oBat Guano bats wastes; it is made from bats excretion commonly mined

from caves.

oGrowth the process of maturity and development characterized with

changes in size, number, structure, etc.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

BAT GUANO
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guano Guano is the excrement of cave dwelling insectivorous bats, seabirds, and seals. Soil that is deficient in organic matter can be made more productive by addition of this manure. Bat guano is usually mined in caves. Guano consists of ammonia, along with uric, phosphoric, oxalic, and carbonic acids, as well as some earth salts and impurities. Guano also has a high concentration of nitrates. Currently vast volumes of phosphorus are needed to produce fertilizer, as it is an essential plant macronutrient. Guano is rich in phosphorus and is an intensely effective phosphorus fertilizer. http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com/batguano.html Different ways guano can be used are: 1. improves the richness and texture of soil 2. The bioremediation microbes clean up toxic spills on the soil 3. With a NPK of 10-3-1 it is a suitable fertilizer 4.. Foliar feeding kills fungus 5. Controls harmful nematodes in the soil. http://cavemans.co.uk/ Bat Guano is the collection of droppings from the cave floor, including bat manure, animal remains and minerals. Rich in Nitrogen and organic matter, Bat Guano delivers premium fertilization along with fungicidal and nematocidal ingredients which protect your plants from diseases such as root rot. For thousands of years, farmers all over the world have known the power of bat guano as a fertilizer. Containing high levels of Nitrogen and Phosphates, minerals from the caves, organic matter, microbial flora and soil enhancing chelates, bat guano use is documented worldwide and renowned for excellent results in farming.

Ornamental Plants
http://www.ehow.com/list_7329924_description-ornamental-plants.html

Ornamental plants are the ones that have some ornamental value in the landscape and increase the aesthetics in the garden with either their foliage or flowers. Ornamental plants can be of any nature such as flowering trees, herbaceous annuals and perennials or flowering shrubs that are popularly used as specimen and foundation plantings. Ornamental plants are a staple in every landscape and are chosen according to the mature size of plant and the site where they are to be planted. http://www.ask.com/wiki/Ornamental_plant Ornamental plants are plants that are grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscape design projects, as house plants, for cut flowers and specimen display. Most commonly ornamental garden plants are grown for the display of aesthetic features including: flowers, leaves, scent, overall foliage texture, fruit, stem and bark, and aesthetic form. In some cases, unusual features may be considered to be of interest, such as the prominent and rather vicious thorns of Rosa sericea and cacti. In all cases, their purpose is for the enjoyment of gardeners, visitors, and/or the public. Similarly certain trees may be called ornamental trees. This term is used when they are used as part of a garden or landscape setting, for instance for their flowers, their texture, form and shape, and other aesthetic characteristics For plants to be considered as ornamental, they may require specific work and activity by a gardener. For instance, many plants cultivated for topiary and bonsai would only be considered as ornamental by virtue of the regular pruning carried out on them by the gardener, and they may rapidly cease to be ornamental if the work was abandoned.

Organic fertilizer
http://www.ask.com/wiki/Organic_fertilizer Organic fertilizers are naturally-occurring fertilizers. Naturally-occurring organic fertilizers include manure, slurry, worm castings, peat, seaweed, humic acid, and guano. Organic simply dealt with the use of fertilizer types. Organic fertilizers are believed to play several important roles:

Mobilizing existing soil nutrients, so that good growth is achieved with lower nutrient densities while wasting less Releasing nutrients at a slower, more consistent rate, helping to avoid a boom-and-bust pattern Helping to retain soil moisture, reducing the stress due to temporary moisture stress Improving the soil structure Helping to prevent topsoil erosion (responsible for desertification and the Dust bowl

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-organic-fertilizer.htm

Organic fertilizers are fertilizer compounds that contain one or more kinds of organic matter. The ingredients may be animal or vegetable matter or a combination of the two. When describing fertilizer, it is important to remember that the working definition of organic is the same as that applied to organic foods. That is, the fertilizer is composed of elements that are produced in a completely natural manner, without the aid of any synthetically manufactured components or additives.

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY
A.) Preparation of the Planting Medium Six (6) rubber pots were accumulated by the researcher as the planting medium. The first three (3) pots served as the control set-up while the other three were for the experimental set-up where the treatment would be applied. Then, the same amount and type of soil was placed in each pot. B.) Transplanting Six cuttings of an ornamental plant were planted in the rubber pots with the ratio of one cutting per pot. After all the pots had been planted, it was then watered and situated under the sun. C.) Application of Treatment The three (3) pots for the experimental set-up were gathered. Then, 100 grams of bat guano was measured using the weighing scale and was poured into the soil on one of the pots. After which, the bat guano was covered with adequate amount of soil and was watered again. This process was repeated for the other two pots.

The pots for the control set-up were left untouched and without treatment.

D.)

OBSERVATIONS The plants were watered with the same volume everyday but the observations were done weekly. The researcher observed that the growth progress based on the number of flowers of the ornamental plant with treatment was faster. E.) DATA ANALYSIS
This chapter presents the result obtained of the study conducted.

Table 1: Growth of the Ornamental (no. of flowers) without bat manure CONTROL SET-UP No. of Flowers INITIAL POT A POT B POT C AVERAGE WEEK 1 WEEK 2 DIFFERENCE

Table 2: Growth of the Ornamental Plant (no. of flowers) with bat manure EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP No. of Flowers INITIAL POT A POT B POT C AVERAGE WEEK 1 WEEK 2 DIFFERENCE

Table 3: Comparison of the growth of the ornamental plant (no. of flowers) with and without bat manure COMPARISON WITH AND WITHOUT TREATMENT No. of Flowers (Based on average) INITIAL Without Treatment With Treatment WEEK 1 WEEK 2 DIFFERENCE

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter presents the results of the study conducted. PROBLEM 1: What is the effect of bat guano on the growth the ornamental plant? CONTROL SET-UP (No Treatment) No. of Flowers INITIAL POT A POT B POT C AVERAGE 12 2 1 5 WEEK 1 13 2 1 5 WEEK 2 13 3 1 6 DIFFERENCE 1 1 0 1

DISCUSSIONS: The Table for the Control Set-up shows the growth of the ornamental plant without bat guano within 2 weeks. The initial number of lowers of the 3 plants has an average of 5. After the first week, the average number of flowers remained 5 and on the second week, 6. The average increase in the number of flowers for two weeks is 1. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP (With Treatment) No. of Flowers INITIAL POT A POT B POT C 11 12 0 WEEK 1 13 13 0 WEEK 2 14 14 1 DIFFERENCE 3 2 1

AVERAGE

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DISCUSSIONS: The Table for the Experimental Set-up shows the growth of the ornamental plant with bat guano within two weeks. The initial number of lowers of the 3 plants has an average of 8. After the first week, the average number of flowers remained 9 and on the second week, 10. The average increase in the number of flowers for two weeks is 2. PROBLEM 2: Is there any difference in the growth of the ornamental plant with and without the bat guano? COMPARISON WITH AND WITHOUT TREATMENT No. of Flowers (Based on average) INITIAL Without Treatment With Treatment 5 8 WEEK 1 5 9 WEEK 2 6 10 DIFFERENCE 1 2

DISCUSSIONS: The Table 3 shows the comparison of results between the ornamental plant with treatment and without treatment. Without the bat guano, the plant got an average increase in the no. of flowers of 1 within two weeks, while the plant with bat guano got an average increase of 2. This manifests that the ornamental plant with bat guano triggers better growth and yields more flowers compared to those without bat guano.

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study the following conclusions are drawn:
1.) The use of bat guano as organic fertilizer to the ornamental plant improved growth

within two weeks as more flowers bloomed.

2.) The ornamental plant treated with bat guano grew better ad bore more flowers

than without the treatment.

RECOMMENDATION: The future researchers will have a comprehensive study on the comparison of different animal manure and ornamental plants.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com/organicfertilizers.html http://cavemans.co.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guano

http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertilizers.com/batguano.html http://www.bat-bat.com/default.asp http://www.ask.com/wiki/Organic_fertilizer http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-organic-fertilizer.htm http://www.ehow.com/list_7329924_description-ornamental-plants.html

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE RESEARCHER

NAME: Melody Kimberly D. Pitoc SECTION: Einstein BIRTHDAY: December 28, 1994 ADDRESS: #77 Corrales Extension, Cagayan de Oro City E-MAIL ADDRESS: melody_kp28@yahoo.com SCHOOL: MOGCHS ALMA MATER: City Central School ^. ^ FAVORITES ^. ^

COLOR: SKY BLUE SUBJECT: Science PET: puppy