Northeastern Mindanao Colleges

Surigao City

Dried Papaya (Carica Papaya) Leaves as Organic Mulch for Tomato Plants (Solanum
lycopersicum)

In Partial Fulfillment for the Undergraduate of Secondary Level

Presented by:
Janmark Kevin V. Espina
Klenn B. Jamahani
Dame Clariss A. Mejong
Researchers

Presented to:
Ms. Carissa Eugenio
Instructor

February 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE... i
RESEARCH PLAN..ii
METHODOLOGY...ii
Chapter I
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Introduction..1
Statement of the problem.1
Objectives.1
Significance of the study..2
Scope and Limitations..2
Definition of Terms.........3

Chapter II
Review of Related Literature......4-6
Chapter III
Methodology.7
a. Materials
b. Procedure
Chapter IV
Results and Discussion8-9
Chapter V
Conclusion and Recommendation10

References..11
ABSTRACT
Organic farming proved to be the safest and most effective method of incrasing and
sustaining yield. Various methods fall under organic farming, such as composting,
legume inoculating, and utilizing animal manure as fertilizers. Mulching is a simple
process that increases soil fertility. In this method, a layer of material; the mulch; is
placed on soil surface around the plant. The mulched leaves of Papaya (Carica Papaya)
is used to prevent the growth of weeds, protect roots and stems from extreme temperature
changes, and prevent soils crust by breaking the impact of raindrops, and keep tomato
plant (Solanum lycopersicum) from being spattered with mud during rainstorms.
There were two set Ups prepared for the test. Set up A was the mulched of Papaya
leaves and Set up B was pure soil. The said result can be achieved after one month.
Results were recorded in table form. Gathering of data was based on the descriptive form
since it can be observed immediately.
Based on the data presented, there were set ups prepared and established in order
to get the comparison of the two set ups. The tests were applied to the tomatoes as it was
planted on the soil. Each set up was applied to the soil. Data were gathered every week
and recorded as it was perceived by the researchers. Remarks were done after one month
duration of the study.
Due to limited resources and time the researchers experienced difficulties as so to
make the research more reliable, series of suggestions and recommendations were added.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Utmost thank to our ALMIGHTY GOD for giving the researchers good health
and sound mind in order to finish the study for the common good of others.
This study would not be possible without the assistance of the following
compassionate and thoughtful individuals.
Ms. Carissa A. Eugenio, the Research adviser, for giving the researcher pieces of
advice for their study;
To the Sprunk and especially to Janred Destajo, for giving the researchers an
unending support and assistance.
To the researchers parents, who understand us when were leaving the house just
to comply our IP or Investigatory Project and for giving us the financial support.
And to those who wasnt mentioned, but in one way or another have helped the
researcher, a never-ending thanks.

The Researchers,

Klenn, Dame Clariss and Jan Mark Kevin

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
Organic farming proved to be the safest and most effective method of incrasing
and sustaining yield. Various methods fall under organic farming, such as
composting, legume inoculating, and utilizing animal manure as fertilizers. Mulching
is a simple process that increases soil fertility. In this method, a layer of material; the
mulch; is placed on soil surface around the plant. The mulched leaves of Papaya
(Carica Papaya) is used to prevent the growth of weeds, protect roots and stems from
extreme temperature changes, and prevent soils crust by breaking the impact of
raindrops, and keep tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) from being spattered with
mud during rainstorms.
Statement of the Problem
The researchers sought to know the answer to the following question:
1. Do the mulched dried leaves of Papaya (Carica Papaya) really enhance the soils
productivity?
2. Did it really kill the stranger plants or wild plants?
Objectives

This study aims to find out or to prove how really mulching affect the certain
plant; Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum), using this way of preserving soil. The
researchers advocate sharing this research in order to spread the knowledge, yet it is
2
also eco-friendly because we dont need to use chemicals like pesticides that might
ruin your environment. T h i s s t u d y w i l l b e c o n d u c t e d t o d e t e r m i n e t h e
most effective mulch.
Significance of the Study
In this Era, various processes and methods have been considered in organic
farming. These methods have been proven in giving excellent growth of plants.
Mulching is the new technique in organic farming. It is very effective in
enhancing soil moisture for the plants, prevents growth of weeds, can
lessen the use of chemicals like pesticides, keeps your plant from being
spattered with mud during wet season, keeps the soil cooler during summer
and keeps warmer in rainy weather. Through this, the farmers will have
comprehensive information about the differences between mulching
materials. Th i s s t u d y c a n h e l p t h e f a r m e r s t o l e s s e n t h e u s e o f
c h e m i c a l p r o d u c t s a n d w i l l contribute to the protection of the environment
for not using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides which could harm our nature.

Scope & Limitation of the Study

The scope of this study will merely focus in organic mulching using Dried Papaya
Leaves (Carica Papaya) in order to preserve its healthiness. The researchers will
conduct this study to determine whether this experiment really exist of effective as
well.
3
Definition of Terms
Carica Papaya stands for Papaya Plant.
Era is a period of time made distinctive by a significant development.
Inoculation (also known as variolation) was a historical method for the prevention of
smallpox by deliberate introduction into the skin of material from smallpox pustules.
Legume is a seed, pod, or other part of a plant such as a pea or bean, used as food.
Manure is fertilizers that are made from dung, animal excrement; often mix with the
straw, used as fertilizer for soil.
Merely is no more than as described, or doing no more than what s described.
Mulch is a protective covering of organic material laid over the soil around plants.
Mulching is a way of enhancing soil fertility, as well as productivity by the use of
dried plant as a mulch to prevent erosion, retain its moisture and enrich the soil.
Pesticides are a chemical substance used to kill pests, especially insects.
Preserve is to keep something protected from anything that would cause its current
quality or condition to change or deteriorate or cause to fall out of use.
Ruin is a complete loss or destruction.
Scope is range to cover.
Solanum Lycopersicum is the scientific name of Tomato Plant.

Spattered is to splash something with liquid especially if the liquid leaves a mark or
residue.
Synthetic Fertilizer is an artificial fertilizer made by humans that has chemicals.

4
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Based on the data the researchers have gathered, we can see how the set-ups with
dried papaya leaf mulch had a higher growth rate than those without. After the allotted
time for the experiment, all the plants from the mulch set-up grew at least 7cm higher
with the highest growing 8cm higher. On the other hand the set-ups without mulch only
grew at least 5cm taller with the highest growing only 7cm taller.
Conventional clean cultivation agriculture is highly productive when viewed within
the time frame of a single growing season. But the high yields obtained with clean
cultivation often come at the expense of the deterioration of the soil resource base.
Erosion, loss of organic matter and deterioration of soil structure are all accelerated by
extensive periods clean cultivation. Attempts to develop reduced tillage methods in the
1950's coincided with the development of herbicides to make possible planting of row
Crops into a killed sod. The water and soil conservative benefits of the dead sod were
dramatic (Beale et al. 1955) but lasted only until the sod decomposed. In an attempt to
extend the mulch benefit over time, crops were grown in living sods. But live sods
proved to be excessively competitive for water and nutrients (Kurtz et al., 1952).

Improvement of Soil Physical Properties Long-term productivity of agricultural

soils is generally associated with maintenance of adequate levels of organic matter in
order to provide a loose, well drained physical condition. Living mulches have the
potential to positively alter soil organic matter content by increasing the total biomass
5
produced by a cropping system. Several studies have shown that extensive living mulch
biomass can be produced without a significant cash crop yield reduction when the mulch
is temporarily suppressed by mowing, selective cultivation, herbicides or a combination
of these techniques (Vrabel et al.; Harper et al., 1980; Mayer and Hartwig, 1986;
Grubinger and Minotti, 1990; Mangan et al. Beste and Teasdale.

The residue is usually not harvested but left to decompose in place. When
managed in this manner, the living mulch is a green manure. Extensive research in the
first half of this century on the long-term effects of regular green manuring showed that,
although soil organic matter losses were lessened by the addition of plant residues rarely
was there an absolute increase. Organic matter conservation under living mulch may
result from a combination of increased residue inputs and reduced stimulation of
decomposition from tillage. Microbial decomposition decreases as the soil temperature
decreases within the range normally found under field conditions. Living mulches, like
sods in general, lower mean growing season soil temperatures (Bennet et al., 1976;
Newhouse and Dana, 1989). Living mulch studies that have measured soil organic matter
changes generally confirm earlier green manure research. Organic matter losses may be
minimized and, in rare cases where initial levels are very low, there may be an increase.

A legume mulch of Psophocarpus Palustris dramatically reduced organic matter

losses after two years of corn production in Nigeria. Initial levels were reduced 32% and
8% under conventional tillage and living mulch, respectively.
6
A marginally significant correlation between aggregate stability and total organic
matter. The correlation with soil gums was highly significant. Because these cementing
agents are subject to rapid further decomposition, continual additions of residue are
required to maintain aggregate stability.

A large increase in aggregate stability and lower bulk density under grass living
mulch compared to clean cultivation in orchard production. Water infiltration was also
increased under the mulch. Soil Conservation in Living Mulches Living mulches may
prove to be an even more effective tool for reducing runoff and erosion than presently
popular reduced-tillage systems. Hartwig suggested that because living mulches can be
more soil conservative than no-till, they may substitute for expensive terraces, contour
strips and sod rotations. Living mulches can reduce wind erosion by increasing residue
coverage of the soil, by anchoring both soil and plant material with the living mulch
roots, by increasing soil aggregate size and stability, and by providing a windbreak
(Welker and Glenn, 1988)

7
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
Materials:
Knife
Papaya Leaves
Disposable Gloves
Plant Pot (any type; Plastic, etc.)

The following were the procedure followed in organic mulching.

1. Dry the Papaya leaves (Carica Papaya) under the sun for (5) Five Days.
2. When the Papaya leaves (Carica Papaya) was dried, you have to scratch it
and spread through the soil or put in the top of the soil.
3. Now, plant the tomato seeds and wait for the result.

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Based on the research conducted entitled Dried Papaya (Carica Papaya) Leaves as
Organic Mulch for Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum), the table below shows the
result after one month of experimenting.
Results:

SET UP

FIRST

SECOND

THIRD

FOURTH

WEEK

WEEK

WEEK

WEEK

Germination

leaves

took place

appear

More

big The

REMARKS

plant Mulching

in leaves were grew bigger helped

the

Using
good

coming and and

condition

it measures height

its fertility

of

mulching
10 cm. in reached
height.
B

the soil.
15

cm.

Germination

Leaves

More leaves The

plant Normal

took place

appear small were coming grew big and growth

Natural soil
sizes

but

its the

because

height

is appendages

pure soil.

used

of

only 7 cm.

of the leaves
were

smaller.
Table 1. Shows the result of the Mulching using the leaves and its height.
9
SET UP
A

FIRST

SECOND

THIRD

FOURTH

REMARKS

WEEK
No weeds

WEEK
Minimal

WEEK
Weeds star

WEEK
Tomato

Mulching

yet

weeds

competing

outgrew the

helped

appear

with the

weeds

controlling

tomato

the growth of

Minimal

Weeds

More weeds

Weeds

weeds
Soil

weeds

compete

grew.

where

accommodat

appear

with the

everywhere

e the growth

tomatoes
Table 2. Shows the result in relation to weeds.

of the weeds

Discussions:
Based on the data presented above in table 1, it is very clear that set up number 1 had
the best result. By putting organic mulch on a plant, it can help by retaining moisture in
the soil, suppress weeds, keep the soil cool and make the garden bed look more attractive.
Organic mulches also help improve the soils fertility, as they decompose. The
researchers were using descriptive method since it is perceivable by the eyes.

While in table 2, very clear also that the weeds never grew that much because
mulching helped controlled their growth whereas on set B, the weeds almost outgrew the
tomato.

10
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND RECCOMMENDATION

Conclusion:
Thus, the dried Papaya Leaves (Carica Papaya) really enhance the soils productivity
and fertility and kills the unwanted plant that surrounds the primary plant. The erosion
had been prevented because of the scratched pieces of Papaya. Then, the stem of Tomato
Plant (Solanum Lycopersicum) had been healthier than the unmulched one.

Recommendation:
Furthermore, the researchers would like to recommend the following;
1. Study more about mulching as direct fertilizer.
2. Give emphasis to the papaya and its benefits to the community.

11
References
Akobundu, I.O. 1980. Live mulch: a new approach to weed control and crop production
in the tropics. Proceedings 1980 British Crop
Protection Conference pp. 377-382. 1982. Live mulch crop production in the tropics.
World Crops 34:125-126 and 144-145. 1984. Advances in live mulch crop production in
the tropics. Proc. West. Soc. Weed Sci. pp. 51-57. https://www.google.com.ph/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDAQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F
%2Fwww.caribgrowth.gov.kn%2Fsites%2Fagriculture.gov.kn%2Ffiles%2Fcourses
%2FReading%2520Session%25204%2520-%2520Soil%2520Water%2520Erosion
%2520measures.pdf&ei=y0nDVMWkE8728QWtpoCQCw&usg=AFQjCNExP8f3gnK_t
Q5rkpRRwiKX2cRUZA&sig2=5YOQyZ8emfRLL2nrWf46Bw
Allison, L. E. 1960. Wet-combustion apparatus and procedure for organic and inorganic
carbon in soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. https://www.google.com.ph/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F
%2Fepa.gov%2Fesd%2Fcmb%2Fresearch%2Fpapers%2Fbs116.pdf&ei=bEzDVJWiCsm8AWjpIHACw&usg=AFQjCNHMQgXjPecp30tGhj1TgEbeiMqCsQ&sig2=JBEv9o5p
yB-zwFJsL6-m5Q
Anonymous. 1981. The concept of living mulch. Am. Veg. Grower.

29(9):38.

12
Barnes, J.P. and A.R. Putnam. 1986. Evidence for allelopathy by residues and aqueous
extracts of rye. Weed Sci. 34:384-390. https://www.google.com.ph/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F
%2Fhortsci.ashspublications.org%2Fcontent
%2F31%2F3%2F410.full.pdf&ei=w0zDVO6XB4q78gW6yICADA&usg=AFQjCNGM
Db0-P9n0ZYcD7G0kp_X3JheANQ&sig2=diSUtWWTrSIRPvuX3Z_tpQ

Hartwig, N.L. 1985. Crownvetch and no-tillage crop production

for soil erosion control. Proc. Northeast Weed Sci. Soc. 39:75.
https://books.google.com.ph/books?
id=ylFbOKD5p5MC&pg=PA285&lpg=PA285&dq=Hartwig,+N.L.++
+1985&source=bl&ots=Wgr7UiasK0&sig=7qrdxG2ZRGngNv8AcTu2Aaw9nIc&hl=en
&sa=X&ei=aE3DVIvUA87c8AX2uoHQCw&ved=0CDYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Ha
rtwig%2C%20N.L.%20%20%201985&f=false

Hartwig, N.L. 1989. Influence of a crownvetch living mulch on

dandelion invasion in corn. Proc. Northeast Weed Sci. Soc. 43:25.
https://books.google.com.ph/books?
id=ylFbOKD5p5MC&pg=PA285&lpg=PA285&dq=Hartwig,+N.L.++
+1985&source=bl&ots=Wgr7UiasK0&sig=7qrdxG2ZRGngNv8AcTu2Aaw9nIc&hl=en

&sa=X&ei=aE3DVIvUA87c8AX2uoHQCw&ved=0CDYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Ha
rtwig%2C%20N.L.%20%20%201985&f=false

APPENDICES

13