SBA (single award)

Agricultural Science
CROP PRODUCTION

Name of Student: Mikaela Porter

Student registration number:
Name of School: Manning’s High School
Title of Project: To investigate the productivity and profitability of Pak choi that were
fertilized using two different types of organic fertilizer over a six week period.

Start date: September 22, 2022

Termination Date:
Table of Contents

Introduction

Background

Problem Statement

Objective of explanation

Methodology

Experimental Design

List of Equipments Used

Activities

Description of Activities

Results

Data Collection (graph representing)

Cost Analysis

Discussion

Conclusion

Limitation

Recommendation

Reference

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Background

Pak Choi is a type of leafy vegetable that originated in China. It is prized for its flexibility
because the entire plant can be eaten and prepared in a variety of ways. Although it
resembles lettuce, Pak Choi is actually a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also
includes vegetables like cabbage, mustard greens, cauliflower, broccoli, watercress, and
radish. The leaf stalks of this biennial have a juicy, crisp texture, and the flowering stems
are delicious. Its large, spoon-shaped green leaves are joined by white stems. Rapid growth
is accompanied by shallow roots. The leaves are initially cut at the stem's center to prepare
the vegetable. Younger, more sensitive stalks are preferable.

Problem Statement
When conditions are just right fertile plants are bound to grow. What happens when
conditions are elevated beyond a basic level of perfection with the use of two types of
natural fertilizers? I, a student of agricultural science, carried out a six week experiment to
decide what type of organic fertilizer is better. Comparing between Goat and Chicken
manure.

Aim/Objective
1. To determine which organic fertilizer ( chicken or Goat) produce a better yield

2. To determine which organic fertilizer is more profitable to use.

Methodology

Experimental Design

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This experiment was conducted in loam soil at the Mannings School in Savanna La Mar,
Westmoreland. Beginning on September 22, 2022.

List of Equipments Used

Pak Choi Seeds

Seedling Tray
Hand Spade
Fertilizer (in this experiment goat and chicken manure)
Plastic Bags
Knapsack Sprayer
Hoe
Rake
Cutlass
Watering can
Pitchfork
Mulching
Sign (to identify each bed)
Colored Rope
Wheelbarrow
Wooden stakes
Shovel
Bags for manure

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Activities/description

1. Select Planting Locations: Two separate planting locations were

chosen, each for a different bed. Both spots received ample sunlight.

2. Soil Preparation: For each bed, the soil was loosened with a shovel or

fork. Weeds, rocks, and debris were removed. In one bed, well-rotted
goat manure was mixed into the soil. In the other bed, well-rotted
chicken manure was mixed in. A balanced mix of soil and manure was
achieved.

3. Seed Sowing: Furrows were created in both beds using a stick. Furrows

were spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart, depending on the pak choi

variety.
4. Planting: Pak choi seeds were dropped into the furrows, spaced about
1 to 2 inches apart. The seeds were covered with soil and gently patted
down.

5. Watering: Seeds in both beds were gently watered using a watering can

or hose. The goal was to maintain consistently moist soil without

waterlogging.

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 6. Sunlight Provision: Both beds were ensured to receive sufficient

sunlight. For indoor growth, grow lights were used to provide the
necessary light spectrum.

7. Moisture Maintenance: Regular watering was performed in both beds

to keep the soil evenly moist. Soil was prevented from drying out
completely between watering.

8. Growth Monitoring: The growth of pak choi in both beds was observed

and compared. Differences in height, leaf size, and overall plant health
were noted.

9. Harvesting: As the plants matured, harvests were conducted from both

beds. The quality and quantity of the harvested pak choi were
compared.

10. Data Collection: Data, including plant height, leaf size, and yield from

both beds, was recorded. Notable differences between the two beds
were documented.

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 11. Analysis: The collected data was analyzed to determine whether the

type of manure used (goat or chicken) had an impact on pak choi

growth and yield.

12. Discussion: Findings were discussed, considering factors like nutrient

content in the manures, potential growth variations, and how each

type of manure affected plant health.

13. Conclusion: Observations were summarized, and conclusions were

drawn regarding the effects of goat and chicken manure on pak choi
growth. The applicability of these findings to agricultural practices was
considered.

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Results

Data Collection Table

Table Which Represents The Quantity and Weights of The Pak Choy
Produced:

Fertilizer Quantity Weight (lbs) Average Weight

(lbs)

Goat 25 15.90 0.636

Chicken 32 31.90 0.997

Cost Analysis:

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Project Budget

PROJECTED

Income Weight Unit Unit Price Total

Pak choi (# 50 pack choi 50 heads $50 $2500

of heads) 75 lb

Total $2500
Income

Expenses

Items Quantity Unit Cost Total

seeds 2 packs $600 $600

Karate A stray $850 $850

(insecticide) Bottle

Packing Two Bags $150 $300

Bags

Organic Two Bags $150 $300

Manure
Goat

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Organic Two Bags $150
Manure $300
Chicken

Seedling 2- 75 cell $175 $350

Tray

Total Expen. $3240

Total Total Expen. $2500-$3240

Income - = $-1340

ACTUAL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE (goat)

ACTUAL

Income Weight(lb) Unit Unit Price Total

Pak choi (#
of heads)

Weight of 15.90 25 heads $100 $2200

heads 19 singles
3 bags with
two pack
choi

Total
Income

EXPENSES

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Items Quantity Unit Cost Total

Seeds 2 packs $150 $300

Seedling 2-75 cell $200 $400

Tray

Karate 1 spray $1950 $1950

Insecticides bottle

Packing 2 bags $220 $440

Bags

TOTAL EXP. $2940

Actual Profit Total Total $2200-$3090

Income — Expense = $-890

ACTUAL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE (chicken)

ACTUAL

Income Weight(lb) Unit Unit Price Total

Pak choi (#
of heads)

Weight of 30.90 32 heads $100 $3000

heads 28 singles
2 bags with
two pack
choi

Total
Income

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EXPENSES

Items Quantity Unit Cost Total

Seeds 2 packs $150 $300

Seedling 2-75 cell $200 $400

Tray

Karate 1 spray $1950 $1950

Insecticides bottle

Packing 2 bags $220 $440

Bags

TOTAL EXP. $2940

Actual Profit Total Total $3000-$3090

Income — Expense = $-90

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Discussion

The aim of this experiment was to delve into the intricate relationship between organic fertilizers

and their impact on pak choi production. In particular, we sought to compare the effects of two

widely used organic fertilizers, goat manure and chicken manure, on the growth, yield, and

profitability of pak choi. This extended discussion section will explore the findings in detail,

consider their broader implications, delve into potential reasons for the observed differences in

yield and profitability, and discuss the significance of these results in the context of sustainable

agriculture.

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The data collected revealed significant disparities between the two fertilizers in terms of pak

choi growth and yield. Notably, pak choi plants grown with chicken manure exhibited substantial

advantages over those nurtured with goat manure. The average weight of pak choi harvested

from the chicken manure bed significantly exceeded that from the goat manure bed. This

striking contrast underscores the superior efficacy of chicken manure as a growth enhancer for

pak choi.

The driving force behind this marked discrepancy likely lies in the distinct nutrient compositions

of the two organic fertilizers. Chicken manure boasts a reputation for its richness in nitrogen, a

key nutrient that plays a pivotal role in fostering the robust vegetative growth observed in pak

choi. The higher nitrogen content in chicken manure provides an ample supply of this essential

nutrient to the plants, resulting in lusher foliage, healthier plants, and ultimately, greater yields.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the superior performance of chicken manure extends

beyond yield and growth. It holds profound economic implications as well. Despite chicken

manure's higher initial cost compared to goat manure, the increased yield it facilitated translated

into a significantly higher profit margin. This demonstrates that the investment in chicken

manure pays off handsomely from a financial perspective. It is, therefore, a clear choice for

farmers seeking to maximize both yield and profitability in their pak choi cultivation endeavors.

However, while chicken manure emerges as the clear winner in terms of growth and profitability,

it is imperative to temper this enthusiasm with a consideration of long-term sustainability. The

potential pitfall of over-relying on chicken manure is the risk of soil nutrient imbalances, which

can have far-reaching ecological consequences. Therefore, a balanced and sustainable

approach to fertilization, one that considers the broader ecosystem and soil health, is

recommended for practical agricultural applications.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, this comprehensive experiment offers compelling evidence in favor of chicken

manure as the optimal organic fertilizer for pak choi cultivation. The data unequivocally

demonstrate that pak choi plants nurtured with chicken manure exhibit not only significantly

higher yield but also enhanced growth and profitability. These findings underscore the critical

importance of nutrient composition when selecting organic fertilizers for specific crops.

However, it is essential to maintain a holistic perspective and recognize the significance of

sustainable agriculture. While chicken manure emerges as the frontrunner in terms of growth

and profitability, its long-term ecological and environmental implications should be carefully

considered. A balanced approach to fertilization, one that integrates best practices in soil

management and nutrient cycling, remains pivotal to the future of agriculture.

Limitation

Moreover, this experiment possesses certain inherent limitations that warrant acknowledgment.
The relatively short duration of six weeks may not fully capture the long-term effects of different
fertilizers on plant growth and yield. Seasonal variations, weather conditions, and fluctuations in
pest populations were not controlled for, and these external factors may have exerted influence
over the outcomes.

Recommendations

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To build upon this research and provide more comprehensive recommendations, future studies
should consider:

​ .Longer-term Studies: Conduct experiments over an extended period to assess the

sustainability and long-term effects of different organic fertilizers on pak choi growth,
including their impacts on soil health and the surrounding ecosystem.
​ Controlled Environmental Factors: Implement controlled environments to minimize
external influences on plant growth, allowing for a more precise assessment of fertilizer
effects.
​ .Nutrient Analysis: Perform in-depth nutrient analyses of various organic fertilizers to
gain a better understanding of their specific nutrient profiles and their suitability for
different crops.
​ .Crop Diversity: Extend the study to other crop varieties to determine whether the
observed fertilizer effects are consistent across different plants with varying nutritional
requirements.

In summary, this multifaceted experiment contributes significantly to our understanding of the

nuanced relationship between organic fertilizers and pak choi cultivation. The preference for

chicken manure, based on its superior performance, underscores the importance of meticulous

nutrient management in leafy green vegetable farming, setting a course for more informed and

sustainable agricultural practices.

References

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