A COMPLETE BLOOD MEAL: ENHANCING SOIL HEALTH WITH A NOVEL

ORGANIC FERTILIZER BLEND FOR CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea var, capitataL)

GROWTH

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of

Senior High School Department
of San Francisco Javier College - AR of Narra, Palawan Inc.

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for Practical Research II

CHRISTIAN REY E. ANACLITO

CLAIRE C. ACOSTA
ARDRIAN EBE AGUEL
LEIZEL MAE B. FERIA

DRAFT AS OF
OCTOBER 2024
 Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

The use of inorganic fertilizers has been a part of organic farming in the past

few years. Although inorganic fertilizers have helped plants grow more

effectively, continuous utilization of chemical fertilizers is responsible for the decline of

soil organic matter (SOM) content coupled with a decrease in the quality of agricultural

soil (Halvi et al., 2021). Consequently, the application of fertilizers in an efficient

way is very important to reduce loss and to increase the use of nutrients with

efficiency (Li et al., 2009). That is why organic fertilizers exist as an alternative to

chemical fertilizers to maintain soil fertility, the raw materials for organic

fertilizer preparation are very abundant and the preparation cost is low (Wang et al.,

2018). An organic fertilizer is a fertilizer that is derived from organic sources, including

organic compost, cattle manures, poultry droppings, and domestic sewage (El-Sayid

2020). Bio-fertilizers are markedly environmentally friendly, have no bulk, are cost-

effective, and play a vital role in crop

nutrition and health (Kalsoom et al., 2020; & Aboudrare, 2009).

Several organic fertilizers, such as blood meal, bone meal, bat guano, and

fish emulsion, each of which has effects depending on the raw materials used to

prepare crops, which are different (Fallah et al., 2018). Blood meal is dried,

powdered blood specially collected from cattle slaughterhouses and is considered a rich

source of nitrogen (Ginigiddara 2021). It contains about 13.25% nitrogen content,

1.0% phosphorous, and 0.6% potassium. Apart from its impressive nutrient content for

plants, blood meal is a non-synthetic, high-protein animal feed (Espiritu 2023).

Although chicken blood is

similar in composition to the blood of swine and cattle, it is not processed into blood
meal (Piazza et al., 2016). Blood meal can provide a boost for plants suffering from

nitrogen deficiency (Beaulieu 2024).

There are plants which requires soil which have high nitrogen levels since

nitrogen is really important for plant growth (structure), plant food processing

(metabolism), and the creation of chlorophyll (Shapman et al., 2024). Nitrogen is

vital because it is a major component of chlorophyll, the compound by which

plants use sunlight energy to produce sugars from water and carbon dioxide

photosynthesis (Eckert 2010). One of the plants the benefit from high nitrogen soil

is Cabbages (Brassica oleracea var, capitata L) nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium are

vital for cabbage growth, with nitrogen specifically noted for fostering rapid

growth, high yield, and quality (Gelaye 2024). Cabbage is known for its nutritional

importance and it is rich in mineral and vitamins like A, B1, B2, and C. It is also

knowing an appetizer; it aids digestion thereby help preventing constipation. It also

protects against cancers (Muzmal et al.,

2011).

Cabbage, especially red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitataf. rubra), seems

to raise levels of beta-carotene, lutein, and other heart-protective antioxidants. It

also helps lower something called “oxidized” LDL, which is linked to hardening

of the

arteries. And since it eases inflammation, it can help prevent heart diseas (Frysh 2022).

Another potential cancer-fighting compound found in cabbage is sulforaphane,

research over the past 30 years has consistently shown that consuming cruciferous

vegetables is associated with a lower risk of cancer (Coyle 2019). Cabbage is

beneficial to our diet

especially since one of the leading cause of mortality rates in the Philippines is
cardiovascular diseases According to the World Health Organization (WHO)

mortality database, three major categories account for the top global causes

of death: cardiovascular (ischemic heart disease, stroke), respiratory (chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections) and neonatal conditions,

which include birth asphyxia and trauma, neonatal sepsis and infections and

preterm birth

complications.(Corpuz 2023).

Cabbage is one of the most commonly produced vegetable crops worldwide

due to its ability to adapt to a range of climatic conditions and soil types (Cervenski

et al., 2022). The production value of cabbage in the Philippines amounted to

approximately 3.52 billion Philippine pesos, reflecting a decrease from the

previous year. The Philippines was among the top 15 cabbage producers in Asisa

Pacific Region 2020 (Balita 2023). Apparently there has been a decrease in the

production of cabbages in the Philippines. Production of cabbage during the second

quarter of 2023 was registered at 23.33 thousand metric tons. This represents a

decrease of -4.5 percent from the 24.44

thousand metric tons recorded output in the same quarter of 2022 (PSA 2023).

The main problem in cabbage production in the Philippines is low soil fertility. In

addition, is the improper allocation of limited resources such as fertilizers due to a lack

of knowledge on the nutrient status of the soil (Reeder et al., 2017). If we can fully

utilize the specific type of blood meal which helps the growth of cabbage in a faster rate

we can further produce more cabbage in a minimal amount of time, since blood meal

which is a

high nitrogen content fertilizer and is responsible for rapid growth (Gelaye 2024).
Statement of the Problem

This study will be conducted because the continuous use of inorganic fertilizers in

farming even though there are a lot of options for organic based fertilizers which have

no effect in soil fertility. This study is also conducted because although cabbages are

high in demand in the market there have been a decline in cabbage production in

Palawan, particularly due to several factors such as changing climate patterns

and other environmental reasons between 2022 and 2023, some regions in the

Philippines, including Palawan, reported a reduction in cabbage production (PSA

2024). In Narra, Palawan cabbage is considered one of the high-value crops.

However, production of vegetables, including cabbage, has faced challenges,

especially after Typhoon Odette in 2021, which caused significant agricultural

damage. Cabbage benefits well from soils which contains high nitrogen levels but

blood meal fertilizer famous for its high nitrogen

content is not the ideal fertilizer for it (Miller 2021).

1. What is the demographic profile of respondents terms in the following?

A. Name (Optional)

B. Age

C. Gender

D. Educational Attainment

E. Years of farming experience

F. Farm size

2. How often do cabbage farmers in Narra use inorganic fertilizers?

 3. How does using organic fertilizers affect soil health compared to inorganic

fertilizers in cabbage farming?

4. How does using blood meal, a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer, impact cabbage

growth compared to other fertilizers?

5. How effective is the new blood meal formula in maintaining soil health and in

growing cabbages?

Hypothesis
Based on the given problems the hypothesis was drawn

Ho: The new blood meal formula is not effective in maintaining soil health and

has no significant contributions in cabbage growth.

Operational Definition of Terms

The following are the term used operationally in this study:

Animal - Pertaining to Animals in the study that are usual source of blood and bone

meal like cattle and hogs/pigs.

Banana Peel- Refers to the dried and powdered banana peels which will be the main

source of Potassium and Manganese in the new blood meal mixture

Blood - Ingredients in preparing blood meal in the study; mainly animal blood such as

cattle and pig which will be dried and then refined into a powder.
Blood Meal- A type of organic fertilizer that is rich in Nitrogen that the researchers will

produce by drying animal blood then refining it to powder

Bones- refers to the organic materials used in the study that the researchers will prepare

and is the main source of Zinc in the blood meal mixture

Cabbage - A plant which will be used in our study that benefits from high nitrogen level

soil which the blood meal provides.

Complete blood meal-refers to the new blood meal formula which suffice the needed

nutrients to nurture cabbages

Effects - This refers to the outcomes or impacts of using blood meal fertilizer in growing

cabbage.

Egg Shells-Refers to the egg shells used in the study that will be crushed and turned into

powder to become the main source of Calcium in the mixture.

Farmers-Refers to the farmers specifically who are living in the municipality of Narra,

province of Palawan year 2024-2025.

Iron Sulfate-An organic material that will be used in study for the mixture to become the

main source of Iron

Mixture-Refers to the solution of blood, egg shells, wood ash, banana peel, borax, bone

meal, and rock dust.

Organic Fertilizer - Refers to the blood meal fertilizer that we will be using in the study.
Plant Growth - Pertaining to the growth of the specific plant included in the study

which is cabbage (Brassica oleracea var, capitataL).

Scope and limitation of the study

This research is an experimental study that focuses on the effects of the

complete blood meal fertilizer and how it will contribute in farming cabbages

at Narra, Palawan. The main purpose of this study is to identify if the Cabbage

benefits from high Nitrogen level soil that the blood meal provides. This study

focuses on making a complete blood meal fertilizer from organic sources and to

identify if the cabbage will benefit from it. This study is conducted from September

to October 2024 at Narra, Palawan. This study will be conducted in the 1st

semester of the 20242025-school

year and hopefully it will be finished in the 1st semester of the 20242025 school year

Significance of the study

The findings of this study are beneficial to the following:

For the students: The findings of this study will be beneficial for students who

are interested in gardening and will help them understand that there are a lot of options

for

organic based fertilizers.

For the parents: The findings of this study will help the parents teach their children the

value of sustaining soil fertility through the use of organic fertilizers.

For the teachers (Specifically Agri-Teachers): To further introduce new ways and

methods of using organic based fertilizers.

For the Administrator: To further implement the use of different variety of organic

based fertilizers in farming

For the farmers: The findings of this study will give the farmers options that there are

other viable sources of organic fertilizers.

Future Researchers: This study can serve as a reference for future researchers who

are interested in studying the effects of blood meal fertilizers from various animal

sources as

a fertilizer for Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var, capitataL) growth.

Conceptual Framework
Dependent Variable
Nutrients received of
Independent Variable the soil and the plant
Effects of the
complete blood meal
mixture

Mediating Variable
Ratio and Composition
of materials used in the
mixture

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework “A COMPLETE BLOOD

MEAL: ENHANCING SOIL HEALTH WITH A NOVEL ORGANIC FERTILIZER
BLEND FOR CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea var, capitataL) GROWTH

Figure 1. shows that this study revolves around two variables, one is the effects

of complete blood meal fertilizer, and two is the nutrients that the soil will receive

that is

beneficial for cabbage growth. The relationship between the effect of blood meal
fertilizer and the nutrients that the soil will receive are directly proportional. Meaning

to say that the nutrients that the soil will receive will depend on the application of

blood meal fertilizer, and its effects will also differ by the type of materials used and its

ratio to

produce the blood meal.

Review of Related Literature

Previous studies reveal that organic fertilizers are generally thought to be

slow releasing fertilizers and they contain many trace elements. They are safer

alternatives to chemical fertilizers. However, the improper use of organic

fertilizers leads to overfertilization or nutrient deficiency in the soil. Hence,

controlled release of organic fertilizers is an effective and advanced way to

overcome these impacts and maintain

sustainable agriculture yield. (Hitha Shaji et. al 2021)

It has been shown that slaughterhouses carry the burden of waste such

as excessive blood volume causes waste process with sewage treatment pond cannot

work optimally. She said that Blood should be separated and processed into other

products such as blood meal. Her study proved that addition of blood meal

produces good quality

organic fertilizer. (Nurzainah Ginting (2020)

The research highlights at the end of the incubation period of the blood meal

that they prepared, the pH value, total C and N, inorganic N, and availability of macro-

and micronutrient minerals (P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn) were measured. Soil

basal respiration, substrate-induced respiration, the abundance of culturable bacteria,

fungi, and

azotobacter, and dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphomonoesterase, cellulose

invertase, protease, and urease enzymes activities were also determined as biochemical

indicators of soil fertility. (Mehran Gholami et. al 2023)

Previous study shows that effects of bloodmeal on onion (Allium cepa L.

CV. BARI peaj- 1) cultivation have increased yield and related attributes have been

tested. The effect of blood meal as fertilizers has been compared with growth hormone

treatment and other conventional fertilizer. In the field, the different amount of growth

elements treated were at the rate of 2550, 241.90 and 0.17 kg/ha for blood meal,urea

and gibberellic acid

(GA3), respectively. (N Momtaz et. al 2021)

Findings indicate that blood meal application to spinach at a rate of 5 t/ha

had evident higher productivity and better N-utilization efficiency although application

rate above 5 t/ha declined crop performance. The outcome of this study suggests that

blood meal can be used as an organic source of nitrogen and the application of blood

meal has manifold benefits if applied at a judicious rate preferably less than or equal to 5

t/ha. (Md

Sanual Islam 2023)

According to the findings of (Dinish Panday et. al 2024) nutrient variability

and the slow-release nature of organic fertilizer often do not meet crop demands and

can substantially reduce yield. Some organic fertilizers, like manure and biosolids,

can provide a higher yield benefit, but there are environmental and health risks

associated

with them. Weed and pest management in organic farming can be labor-intensive and
increase costs. Inefficient planning of organic farming and rapid transition can also create

food insecurity.

According to a study conducted by Ghazala M. Erwiha (2020) Liquid

fertilizers had lower NH3 emissions than solid fertilizers due to their timing and

placement. In 2014, blood meal at 56 kg N ha-1 and feather meal at both rates had the

highest NH3 fluxes. In 2015, surface-banded blood and feather meal had the highest

NH3 fluxes. Fertilizer decisions for organic systems should consider NH3 emission

losses and practices for their

reduction.

In a previous study conducted by Ambar Pratiwi (2023) compost of banana

stalks and cow blood meal contains C by 41,77%, Total N by 6,92%, Total P by

0,09% and Total K by 0,12%. Banana pith compost and cow blood flour had a

significant effect on all parameters of green lettuce plant growth except leaf

chlorophyll content at the most

optimal dose was treatment A (dose of 60 g)

Previous studies showed the effects of organic fertilizer produced at

different proportions by mass using same substrate made up of Neem seeds, rice husk,

blood meal, bone meal, calcium carbonate in five different formulations on the

growth and development of maize crop (zea mays). The constituents were prepared

by mixing and blending using mixer and hammer mill respectively.

Physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine the nutritive value of the

formulated organic fertilizer for the

presence of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N. P. K). (Yusuf Haruna et. al 2020)
 In a previous study conducted by JiYoung An (2021) lower dosage of WA

(Wood Ash) without N can be applied as a soil amender to counteract forest soil

acidity and improve plant growth and foliar nutrient concentration, whereas N fertilizer

without WA can be added to correct nutrient soil deficiencies in landfill and infertile

soils. This study should enhance our understanding of WA as a sustainable and

reasonable approach to

counteract acidification and correct nutrient deficiency in forest soils.

It has been shown that in order to evaluate the usability of ash from the

combustion of natural as well as waste wood for application as fertilizer, wood fuel and

corresponding ash fraction samples (n = 86) of four industrial wood-fired heat and power

plants (>20 MW) were investigated. In different ash fractions, the concentrations of

heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Tl, Zn) and plant nutrients (N, P, K, Ca) were

assessed with regard to relevant legislation from the European Union and from selected

European

countries (Germany, Austria and Finland). (JL Johansen et. al 2021)

According to Sayed Majid Lohmousavi (2020) Water retention study in

loamy sand soil showed that the nanocomposite hydrogel significantly improved

the water retention of the soil for a longer period of time, compared to neat BPC-gPAA.

This result indicated that incorporation of LDH nanosheets in hydrogel matrix

improved its water retention property. The obtained results revealed that the

nanocomposite of BPC-g- PAA/PVA hydrogel and LDH nanosheets can be a

promising controlled release fertilizer

formulation with enhanced water retention properties for agricultural applications.

 Previous studies show that banana peel is an organic waste, which has

nutrients that are useful for plants. This study was aimed to determine the effectiveness

of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) made by banana peel(BP) as a potassium source for

eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) growth and determine the right balance between the

use of BP- LOF and anorganic KCl fertilizer, the results showed that the comparison

of BP-LOF application gave similar results to the growth and yield of eggplant.

Hariyono et. al

(2021)

According to a study conducted by Robert Devi Anugra (2020) The

alternative fertilizer comes from household waste, namely egg shells. This study aims

to determine the effect of eggshell organic fertilizer on vegetative growth of

cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.). The percentage of root length and wet

weight of P4 treatment plants to control were 130.52% and 269.67%, respectively,

while the percentage of plant height and dry weight of P5 treatment plants to control

were 139.79% and 282.49%, respectively. The application of eggshell organic

fertilizer can increase the vegetative

growth of cayenne pepper.

 CHAPTER II
METHODOLOGY

This chapter explains how the necessary data and information to address

the research question will be collected. Reason and justification for the research

design, respondents of the study, sampling procedure, research method, research

instruments,

experimental procedure, data gathering procedure, and statistical procedure.

Research Design

This study is a quantitative study type of research. The researchers

will employ a true experimental research design in which experimentation and a

survey

will be used to collect the data required for this study.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of this study are the cabbage farmers in Narra, Palawan in

2024- 2025 which uses inorganic or organic based fertilizers in growing their

cabbages 95%

will betaken to represent the total population.

Sampling Procedure

Stratified random sampling will be used to gather data from the selected

cabbage farmers in Narra, Palawan. The researchers will utilize the equal stratified
sampling to

ensure that the number of respondents is the same for each stratum. The researchers
 will use a random number generator that represents each farmer to pick the

respondents randomly.

Research Method

In this study experimentation and a tally sheet will be used to gather and collect

the data. The researchers have hypothesized the factors affecting the usage of

inorganic fertilizers and potential of the new blood meal mixture and its effects, the

researchers will then prepare the data for analysis and interpretation.

Research Instrument

The following instruments that will be used in this study are Survey

questionnaire and tally sheet that will be used to gather the necessary data from the

respondents and the experiment. The following instruments needed for the

experimentation are cabbage seedlings, blood, egg shell, bones, wood ash, iron

sulfate, borax, and banana peels. Soil testing kits, Measurement tools, and Data

recording and Analysis tools. The researchers will then apply the newly produced

blood meal fertilizers to the

cabbage seedling and will observe its growth for 2-4 weeks.

Statistical Tool

The researchers study the growth of cabbage from 3 groups: Cabbage with

the mixture, cabbage with a standard organic fertilizer, and cabbage with no

fertilizer. These 3 groups include 3-4 replications, the researchers utilized A-one-

way ANOVA

test (Analysis of Variance) statistical tool to test the hypothesis that allowed the
 researchers to analyze whether there are statistically significant differences between

the means of three or more independent groups. The formula for ANOVA test is F

MST/MSE, where MST = SST/ p- 1 and MSE = SSE/N-p.

Ethical Consideration

The researchers do not intend to harm or kill animals specifically in

compliance for this study, it is crucial to ensure that the animal blood is ethically

sourced. The Blood that the researchers will be used for the study should only be

collected from already-slaughtered livestock, such as those processed for meat in

regulated facilities, where the animals are treated humanely and slaughtered in

compliance with ethical and legal standards. This ensures that no animals are

killed solely for research purposes, which aligns with the principles of

animal welfare and the 3Rs

(Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research ethics.

Similarly, the ash used in the study should come from pre-existing

burned materials, such as agricultural or industrial waste, to avoid promoting

additional burning activities that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The

researchers should clearly document that no new burning was conducted for the

purpose of generating ash for the study, thereby minimizing the environmental

impact and aligning with

sustainability principles.

As a researcher we place a high priority on the health and safety of

farmers, and we follow stringent procedures to protect their physical,

psychological, and emotional integrity during the study process. All information

gathered is kept private

and confidential, and strict efforts are taken to prevent unauthorized access or
 disclosure. Additionally, informed permission is acquired in a transparent

manner, guaranteeing that participants are aware of the goals, methods, and

possible risks or advantages of the study prior to their participation. Maintaining

ethical norms protects participants' rights, upholds autonomy, and builds trust—all of

which contribute to the

integrity and legitimacy of our study project.

Experimental Procedure

There are a wide variety of procedure in making blood meal fertilizer

but blood and ash mixture is the easiest since both materials are accessible and

easy to

prepare.

Complete Blood Meal Production

Step 1: The researchers will obtain the necessary materials such as fresh

blood, bones, banana peels, borax, iron sulfate, wood ash, egg shells.

The researchers will need to ensure the blood is fresh and hasn't

coagulated, while the Banana Peels, Bones, Eggshells will be dried, crushed,

and

ground

Step 2: Combine the fresh blood with ash. Ash can be obtained

from burned wood or other plant material. The ash helps to prevent the blood

from

becoming putrid.

Step 3: Mix the blood and ash together thoroughly until achieving a

uniform consistency.
 Step 4: Spread the mixture out on a flat surface to dry. This can be done

outdoors in a sunny location.

 Step 5: Mix all the remaining materials thoroughly with the dried blood

and ash mixture.

Step 6: After mixing put the final product in an air tight sealed container

for storage.

Ratio of mixture of materials

This ratio is meant to be used for a blood meal mixture equivalent to 10 lbs/4.5 kg

Ash Blood Banana Bones Borax Egg Iron Concentration

Peels Shell Sulfate percentage
Treatment A 450g 900g 450g 225g 15g 450g 225g 60.0034%
Treatment B 550g 900g 450g 225g 15g 400g 175g 60.031%
Treatment C 450g 800g 500g 250g 20g 470g 225g 60.31%
Treatment D 500g 900g 500g 225g 15g 500g 275g 64.77%

Suggested Mixture:
. Ash- lb (450 g)
. Blood-2 lbs (900 g)
. Banana peels- 1 lb (450 g)
. Bones- ½ lb (225 g)
. Borax- 1 tablespoon (15 g)
. Egg Shell- 1 lb (450 g)
. Iron Sulfate- ½ lb (225 g)

Complete Blood Meal Evaluation

After preparing the mixture the researchers will then proceed to apply the

complete blood meal in cabbage planting

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage seedlings and the plots where the cabbage will grow

Step 2: Check the nutrients present in the soil using the soil testing kits and its pH

level before applying the mixture

 Step 3: Adjust the ratio of the mixture depending on the soil’srequirements.

Step 4: Apply 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture per plant, or 1 cupper 10 square feet

of soil. Mix it well into the soil, especially in the root zone

Note: Reduce the application rate to avoid over-fertilizing

Step 5: Analyze the nutrients received by the soil using the soil testing kits after

2hrs of application of the blood meal mixture

Step 6: Test the pH level of the soil using the pH meter after 3hrs of application of

the blood meal mixture.

Step 7: Check if the plant is suffering from any nutrient deficiencies and adjust the

ratio of the mixture regarding the plant’s needs before application

Step 8: Monitor the growth of the cabbage every 1-3 days by measuring it with a

ruler, counting the amount of leaves, it’s color, and the rate of its growth.