The Growth and Yield Response of Zea mays

to Different Fermented Plant Juice

By:
Alinsud, Almer John
Ballaran, John Fritz
Calamaan, Airah Mae
Cuba, Annie
Ballaran Cuba, Laurence
Delmo, Alex
Doringuez, Carl
Gagante, Kyle
Galapin, Jan Emmanuel
Itucas, Edward
Labuga, Aron
Legarves, Jerald
Sasi, Bryan

May 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter I
Background of the study …………………………….……………. 1
Research Framework ………………………………….………. 2
Statement of the problem ………………………………….………. 3
Research hypothesis ………...………………………….……. 3
Significance of the study ……………………………………….….. 4
Definition of terms ………………………………………….… 5
Scope and Delimitation ………………………………………….… 6
Chapter II
Corn ……………………………………….…… 7
Organic Fertilizer ...………………………………………... 9
Fermented Vegetable Juice ……………………………………………. 10
Fermented Fruit Juice ………………………………………….…. 11
Fermented Moringa Juice …………………………………………….. 12
Chapter III
Experimental design ……………………………………………. 14
Research instrument ……………………………………………... 14
Procedural design ……………………………………………… 15
Materials and Method ..……………………………………………… 16
Collection of data ………………………………………………… 18
Experimental layout …………………………………………………. 19
Statistical tools used …………………………………………………. 19
Chapter IV
Result and Discussion …………………………………………………. 20
Chapter V
Summary …………………………………………………… 24
Findings …………………………………………………… 24
Conclusions …………………………………………………… 25
Recommendation …………………………………………………… 26
References ………………………………………………….... 27
Appendices …………………………………………………….. 29
 CHAPTER 1

Background of the study

Corn, (Zea mays), cereal plant of the grass family (Poaceae) and its edible grain. The
domesticated crop originated in the Americas and is one of the most widely distributed of the
world’s food crops. Corn is used as livestock feed, as human food, as biofuel, and as raw
material in industry. Corn is the third largest plant-based food source in the world. Despite its
importance as a major food in many parts of the world, corn is inferior to other cereals in
nutritional value. Its protein is of poor quality, and it is deficient in niacin. Diets in which it
predominates often result in pellagra (niacin-deficiency disease). Corn is high in dietary fiber
and rich in antioxidants. Unlike many other cereal grains, corn flour is gluten-free and cannot
be used alone to make rising breads. It is widely used, however, in Latin American cuisine to
make masa, a kind of dough used in such staple foods as tortillas, arepas, and tamales. In the
United States and many other places, sweet corn is boiled or roasted on the cob, creamed,
converted into hominy (hulled kernels) or meal, and cooked in corn puddings, mush, polenta,
griddle cakes, cornbread, and scrapple. It is also used for popcorn, confections, and various
manufactured breakfast cereal preparations. (Adam Augustyn, 2024)

One of the common necessities to have a good corn production is fertilizer. Fertilizers
are added to crops to produce enough food to feed the human population. Fertilizers provide
crops with nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which allow crops to grow
bigger, faster, and to produce more food (Sedlacek C. J, et.al 2020). However, fertilizer now a
day is very expensive, especially those chemical fertilizer, prices have exploded over the past
year. Farmers would likewise lessen fertilizer application, or decline their area planted. (Mula M.
and Coronado K., 2022.)

It seems that using chemical fertilizer in corn production can be costly and toxic. Making
an alternative organic fertilizer can be a good help. Organic but profitable is needed in this
business world. This study aims to determine the impact of the alternative organic fertilizer in
corn production (Zea mays). In this study aims to determine the growth and yield response of
Zea mays using Fermented Plant Juice.

1
Research Framework Framework

Theoretic

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Treatment 1
1kl vegetable material
(kangkong, and bamboo shoots)
1l molasses
Growth Responses

Tr and banana)
1l molasses
Yield Responses

Treatment 3
1kl moriga
1l molasses
Figure 1

The figure shows the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
The independent variable composed of ingredients will use of different treatment of Fermented
Plant Juice while the dependent variable was composed of what we must observe, the growth
and yield response.

Statement of the problem

This study aimed to determine and evaluate the growth and yield response of corn using
different fermented plant juice as foliar spray.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the growth of corn (Zea mays) using different Fermented Plant Juice as foliar spray

2. What is the yield response of corn production using the different Fermented Plant Juice?

3. Is there a significant difference in the growth response of corn using different Fermented
Plant Juice as a foliar spray and when it is applied to corn ( Zea mays)?

4. Is there a significant difference in the yield of corn using different Fermented Plant Juice as a
foliar spray when it is applied (Zea mays)?
Research Hypothesis

In the view of the preceding problems, the following hypothesis were advanced:

1. There is no significant difference in the yield response of corn production using different
fertilizer of Fermented Plant Juice as a foliar spray.

2. There is no significant difference in the growth rate of corn using different fertilizers of
Fermented Plant Juice as a foliar spray

Significance of the study

The result of this study is beneficial to the farmers who commonly use corn as their
market grain as well as to government agencies like the Department of Agriculture and other
researchers. The use of Fermented Plant Juice in controlling plant pathogens is better than use
of harmful pesticides.

Farmers. This will help farmers plant their corn without being attacked by plant pathogens by
just spraying Fermented Plant Juice to the corn. This can also reduce the contamination of the
environment. Also, it seemed as an alternative fertilizer for them with less expenses.

Agencies. Agencies like the Department of Agriculture would likewise welcome positive results
from the study. Department of Agriculture Technicians can be able to integrate this information
for their extension work.

Researchers. Future researchers and Agriculture student doing botanical pesticides can further
investigate this organisms, Fermented Plant Juice as an effective material and establishing an
effective, environment budget friendly and readily available technology against pest like soil-
borne pathogens.

Agriculture Teachers. For the agriculture teachers, this study would assist them in nurturing
their student's knowledge regarding organic gardening. Because of this, they would be able to
guide their students to a proper and healthy way of gardening that would benefit not only them
but also their community.

Community. The researchers hope to contribute to the knowledge in the agricultural field of
our community as well as our country. This might also stand as the bridge of the citizens to join
hand-to-hand to increase their income as well as to achieve a healthy living through the food
they eat and the spirit of cooperation among them.

Definition of terms

For purposes of clarity and understanding, the following terms were specified their
conceptual and operational definitions:

Zea mays- Corn, Zea mays, is a robust, monoecious summer annual of the grass family
(Gramineae) with broad alternate leaves, an erect stalk terminated by a staminate inflorescence
(tassel) composed of a main spike and several branches, and one to several pistillate
inflorescences. (link.springer.com, 2023)
In this study, it refers to the subject where its growth and yield response were observed
and measured.

Fermented Plant Juice- FPJ is the fermented extract of plants sap and chlorophyll. It utilizes
indigenous micro-organisms to carry out the invigoration process. (Ijert, 2021)
In this study there are three types of fermented plant juices analyzed in comparison,
FPJ1 (sourced from vegetables) and FPJ2 (sourced from fruits) FPJ3 (sourced from moringa)

Growth- The growth occurs in mitotically active regions. This is when the stem and root
become longer or new parts of the plant develop. (biologyonline.com,2021)
In this study, it refers to the increase of height of Zea mays per treatment using various
Fermented Plant Juice.

Yield - a standard measurement of the amount of agricultural production harvested—yield of a

crop—per unit of land area. (Adam Hayes, 2022)
In this study, it refers to a measurement of the mass of a Zea mays per treatment using
a various Fermented Plant Juice.

Scope and Delimitation

The study only focused on finding the difference in growth and yield response of corn
(Zea mays) to Fermented Vegetable Juice, Fermented Fruit Juice and Fermented Moringa Juice
in comparison to each other and to positive and positive controlled set-ups. There is only a total
population of 36 plants that was observed within 16 weeks. The kind of fertilizer applied was
the only variable controlled in this study. Extraneous variables such as environmental factors,
biological interference and soil acidity and composition were the limitations of the study. Since it
was only the first harvest that has been gathered, this study does not reflect the results that
can be obtained from the next harvests. In connection with this, the researchers did not involve
the mass of yield to the specific problem two in which, the significant difference among the
treatments were computed.

CHAPTER 2

Review Related Literature

This chapter provides an overview of research regarding Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ)
being used as a fertilizer on Zea mays. Experimental study that contains the main focus that
was discussed in this study and to fully understand the research.
 The study was conducted to evaluate the growth and development of Zea mays applied
with the different Fermented Plant Juices (FPJs) of different sources. Many of the farmers today
use huge amounts of synthetic fertilizers to supply the essential nutrients needed by plants for
growth and reproduction. But because of the increasing price of commercial and synthetic
fertilizers and its residual effect on the soil environment, many studies on organic farming
particularly on the use of plant extracts as fertilizer are pursued. (Alam, 2021)

Corn, or maize, Cereal plant (Zea mays) of the grass family (Poaceae). It originated in
southern Mexico and has been introduced globally; it is one of the most widely distributed of
the world’s food plants. Though it is a major food in many parts of the world, it is inferior to
other cereals in nutritional value. In addition to its use as a fresh and processed food for human
consumption, corn is an important livestock feed and is used as raw material in industry.
American Indians taught colonists to grow corn, including some varieties of yellow corn that are
still popular as food, as well as varieties with red, blue, pink, and black kernels, often banded,
spotted, or striped, that today are typically regarded as ornamental. The tall annual grass has a
stout, erect, solid stem and large narrow leaves with wavy margins. Inedible parts of the plant
are used in industry—stalks for paper and wallboard; husks for filling material; and cobs for
fuel, to make charcoal, and in the preparation of industrial solvents. Corn husks also have a
long history of use in the folk arts for objects such as woven amulets and corn husk dolls. In
the U.S. corn is the most important crop, but slightly more acres of soybeans are planted.
(Britannica.com, 2023)

Corn needs plenty of space for two reasons — it takes up a lot of nutrition from the soil,
and it is primarily pollinated by wind. As grains of pollen are shed by the tassels that grow from
the plants' tops, they must find their way to the delicate strands of silk that emerge from newly
formed ears. To make sure silks are nicely showered with pollen, grow corn in blocks of short
rows rather than in a long, single row. In a small garden, 15 plants set 1 foot apart can be
grown in a 3 x 5-foot bed. Growing corn on this tiny scale is a good way to introduce yourself to
the crop if you've never grown it. After the first year you will probably want to increase the size
of the planting to at least 4 rows 10 feet long. (Bonnieplants.com,2023)
 Corn plants are not like tomatoes or most other vegetables, which bear over a long
period of time. Instead, they form a few ears per stalk and they are finished. Because of this,
gardeners who have the space often make 2 or 3 plantings 2 weeks apart to keep the harvest
coming. (Bonnieplants, 2023)

Quick Guide to Growing Corn

Hold off on planting corn in spring until after the last frost. Space seedlings 8 to 12
inches apart in an area with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Improve native soil conditions by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic
matter. Corn will grow quickly when it is watered well. Check soil moisture often and consider
using a soaker hose if you have a small plot. Corn has a big appetite, so it's important to feed
plants with a water-soluble plant food regularly. Add a 3-inch layer of mulch to keep soil moist
and prevent weeds. Harvest corn when the ear feels plump and the silks are brown and dry.
(Bonnieplants.com, 2023).

Soil, Planting, and Care

Corn needs a spot with that gets full sun and has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of
6.0 to 6.8. It's a good idea to improve the soil to improve nutrition and texture by mixing aged
compost-enriched Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose In-Ground Soil in with the top
few inches of native soil. Seedlings can be set out as soon as the last spring frost has passed.
Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart. In case of a surprise late frost, be prepared to cover
seedlings with a fabric row cover. In cold climates you can plant in a raised bed covered with
black or IRT plastic (infrared transmitting plastic) that will warm the soil. If possible, lay the
plastic a week or so before planting. (Bonnieplants.com, 2023)

Plan to fertilize regularly because corn is a hungry plant. In addition to setting out young
plants in the kind of nutrient-rich soil mentioned above, you'll want to feed corn regularly with a
continuous-release fertilizer like Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Edibles Plant Nutrition
Granules that nourishes both the soil and your plants. (Be sure to follow rates given on the
label of any fertilizer you are using.) Water your corn once or twice weekly, more if the weather
is hot and dry. (Bonnieplants.com, 2023)
 Normal plants should grow fast with dark green healthy leaves. Corn will tell you if it is
hungry by turning very light green. If so, feed again. Corn grows fast and needs lots of water to
grow properly. It also has shallow roots that make it susceptible to drought. Soaker hoses will
insure, that your corn gets the water it needs. However, for a large planting, soaker hoses may
not be practical. (Bonnie plants.com,2023)

Most common fertilizer applied to corn production

Inorganic fertilizer sources were complete fertilizer 14-14-14 and Urea 46-0-0 and
Muriate of Potash. CRF 28-5-10 was applied once as basal through dibbling. (nousbo.com,2018)

Comparative Study of Various Organic Fertilizers Effect on Growth and Yield of

Economically Important Crop. Zea mays.

Agriculture was practiced for thousands of years without using any artificial chemicals.
Soil management practices have recently increased the use of chemical fertilizers to help crop
yields by improving nutrient supply. Use of these agrochemicals not only causes the
degradation of cultivable land but also increases agricultural pollution. In order to overcome this
situation, organic farming is the only solution in which only natural resources such as organic
matter, plant and animal wastes and microbes are implied. Use of organic manures has
improved soil fertility and helps in combating pest and disease problems. (Wazir, A., Gul, Z., &
Hussain, M., 2018)

The Principal Role of Organic Fertilizer on Soil Properties and Agricultural

Productivity

Organic fertilizer has many sources such as minerals, animal source, sewage sludge and
plant. Vegetables, animals and residue materials had a contribution to improve soil organic
matter content in soil. Therefore, it is recommended that, using integrated nutrient
management is a continuous improvement of soil productivity on longer term basis through
appropriate use of organic fertilizers (1.8. animal manure, plants residue and sewage sludge)
and their scientific management for increments of optimum growth, yield and quality of
different crops. (Assefa, 2019)

The Comparison and Effectiveness of different Fermented Plant Juice on The Growth
of Zea mays.

A global population began to show rapidly. Thus, the need for those sustainable farm
practices scared only towards fields but additional pressure of growth. The organic agriculture
method is believed to be more environmentally control that intensive agriculture which is
dependent on the routing use. This study focuses on the determination of the effectiveness of
fermented vegetable juice (FVJ) and fermented fruit juice (FFJ) and fermented Moringa juice
(FMJ) to corn (Zea mays). (Gonzaga, 2019)

Fermented Vegetable Juice.

Fermented Vegetable Juice (FVJ) is a fermented extract of chlorophyll and young shoots
of plants such as axillary buds, leaves, grasses, young fruits and flowers. One important
ingredient in producing FPJ is chlorophyll, a green molecule in plants that absorbs sunlight for
photosynthesis. Consuming crops which are propagated using FPJ may help with blood
detoxification, wound healing, immune system support, and cancer prevention.
This solution is rich in enzymes full of lactic acid and microorganisms like yeast. Through
drenching the soil with the solution or by directly spraying it onto fruits and flowers, this
fertilizer allows plants to improve their health and helps them grow vigorously.

10

Ingredients of Fermented Vegetable Juice. Water Spinach or kangkong contains Vitamin,

B and C. It also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous
help to any plants for flowering. Kangkong is best for 15-15-15 fertilizer. It is NPK used as an
active bio fertilizer this is important fertilizer for plant growth. (Singh et al). Bamboo shoots3%
concentration is a dose of liquid organic fertilizer that can increase plant height, number of
leaves, fresh weight, dry weight and number of red chilies. Macro nutrients such as nitrogen,
phosphor, and potassium are found in bamboo shoots POC. These three elements play an
important role in plant growth. (DA Saputri, 2021)
Fermented Fruit Juice

Fermented Fruit Juice, there are plenty of articles detailing the benefits of using
Fermented Fruit Juice as an organic fertilizer for your garden. If you don’t know it yet,
fermented fruit juice is a fertilizer made by soaking fruits and fruit peel in a sugar mixture for a
week or maybe even a month. It is widely used in the flowering and fruiting stages of a plant.
So if you want to have more flowers or more fruits in your garden, then using fermented fruit
juice or FFJ would be a great idea. In my garden, I use it to fertilize my tomato and pepper
plants. I also apply the fermented fruit juice to my ornamental plants and they are now
blooming wonderfully. (gardenislife.com,2023)

Ingredients of Fermented Fruit Juice. Guava, Guava is a fruit that is incredibly rich in
potassium. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 100-gm serving
of guava has 417mg of potassium, which is roughly 9 percent of the daily value of the
recommended dietary allowances as per the US guidelines. (ndtv.com, 2018). Potassium is
important for corn growth because it helps increase disease resistance and water stress
tolerance. Adequate K increases the ability of corn plants to efficiently uptake other nutrients.
Soil test results and determining crop removal rates of P and K help guide fertility management
decisions. (lewishybrids.com, 2021). Papaya fruit contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium. The presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, and
chitinolytic bacteria has been observed in fermented papaya fruit. The levels of nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium in the fruit can be influenced by factors such as nutrient solutions,
salinity, and leaf concentration. (typeset.io, 2023).

11

Squash have been proven by many organic farmers to be effective when sprayed on the
leaves at the rate of 2 to 4 tbsp/gallon of water at the onset of flowering up to fruit setting.
These ripe fruits contain phosphorous and potassium which are necessary during the flowering
and fruit setting stage. (noap. Da. Gov. ph, 2022). Banana, this yellow fruit is rich in numerous
vitamins and nutrients. Bananas are known for their high potassium content, but they also
boast around 37 mg of magnesium each. (Facty.com,2023).

Fermented Moringa Juice

 The moringa tree is one of the most nutrient-rich plants in the world. It has many uses
for plant and soil such as a green manure and natural growth stimulants. Exogenous application
of MLE, whether it is an aqueous or ethanol extract, improves productivity in many crops,
because MLE possesses great antioxidant activity and is rich in plant secondary metabolites
such as ascorbic acid and total phenols, making it a potential natural growth stimulant. Several
studies have focused on the role of MLE in improving plant growth and increasing the
production of numerous crops. Moreover, MLE, such as other bio-stimulants, is used to enhance
plant resistance to abiotic stresses. (agriculture, 2018).

The natural growth stimulant Moringa oleifera leaf extract and its important role in
triggering growth and boosting the economic yield of crops. High performance in the yield of
plants by using bio-stimulant showed healthier results in various plants like capsicum, maize
and etc. Effect of Moringa oleifera was studied and the enhancement of plant height, early
bloom, chlorophyll content, number of vegetables per plant, seedling germination, and nutrient
content of shoot tissues. Application of natural plant growth enhancers in the form of diluted
Moringa oleifera leaf extracts containing effective micronutrients has been reported and found
to be very effective in the growth of various crops. (D Karthiga, 2022)

Molasses
FPJ is an organic concoction made from plant material, preferably young shoots of
vigorously growing plants, which are made to ferment with the aid of molasses or brown sugar.
The molasses or brown sugar serves as a food source for the beneficial microorganism,
sometimes called indigenous microorganisms or IMO, which in turn breaks down the plant
material to extract precious nutrients. The weak alcohol produced during fermentation extracts
chlorophyll and other plant components such as growth hormones. (gardenislife.com, 2023)

12

Benefits of molasses for plant health

Increased Micronutrients: Soil is full of microscopic life, like fungi, protozoa, nematodes,
and bacteria (some good, some bad). These microbes exist naturally in the ground, but the
volume and type of bacteria that exists depends on the environment and soil conditions.
Unsulfured molasses is full of micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium
which helps enzyme function and maintains protein structures in a microorganism. (Fun fact: up
to a billion bacteria can be found living in one teaspoon of soil!) Chemical-Free Insecticide: Not
only does molasses have great benefits for plant health and fertility, but also insect and disease
control. The addition of molasses can help deter soft bodied pests like aphids, ants, and root
knot nematodes, as well as bad fungi.

Organic & Cost-Effective Option. More and more, people are looking for ways to
eliminate chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and contaminate their crops and
produce. Molasses is an organic substance that can replace the need of chemically based
fertilizers and insecticides. Not to mention the cost benefits! Unsulfured molasses is more often
a much cheaper option than man-made chemical solutions. (zookag.com,2023)

Fermented Plant Juice is used in solutions for seed and soil treatments and plant
nutrition. It consists of the young shoots of vigorously growing plants that are allowed to
ferment for approximately 7 days with the aid of brown sugar. The brown sugar draws the
juices out of the plant material via osmosis and also serves as a food source for the microbes
carrying out the fermentation process. The weak alcohol produced during fermentation extracts
chlorophyll (soluble in ethanol) and other plant components. It is non-toxic and edible.

13

CHAPTER 3

Methodology
This chapter presents the research method. It focused in the method used in
conducting the research which covers the research design, population and sample, research
instrument, data collecting method and data analysis.
Experimental Design
Experimental design is the process of carrying out research in an objective and
controlled fashion so that precision is maximized and specific conclusions can be drawn
regarding a hypothesis statement. (Bell, 2009)

Research Instrument
The research instrument used was a combination of field measurement and yield trials.

Field measurement is instrument used to measure and collecting quantitative data

directly from the crop production site. This includes measuring crop height, leaf area, plants
density, and soil characteristics. This will help the researcher determine the growth of Zea
mays.
Yield trials are experiments conducted to evaluate the performance of different
treatments (Fermented Vegetable Juice, Fermented Fruit Juice and Fermented Moringa Juice) in
terms of yield potential. These trials involve planting multiple plots with different treatments
and measuring the resulting crop yield.

14

Procedural Design

PLANNING
 GATHERING OF MATERIALS

PREPARATION OF MATERIALS

PREPARATION OF SOIL FORMULATION OF

FERTILIZER (FPJ)

APPLICATION OF FERTILIZER

GATHERING OF DATA
Figure 2

15

Materials and Method

The following materials were used throughout the research; 36 corn seeds, 1 kilo of
vegetable materials (bamboo shoots, squash and kangkong), 1 kilo of fruit materials (papaya,
banana and guava), 1 kilo of malunggay leaves and 3 kilos of brown sugar.
The following equipment were used throughout the research; 1 sprayer, a pair working gloves,
strainer, weighing scale, measuring cup and 3 containers (to be used for fermentation).
Soil preparation
The garden plot is measured 15 cm interval (between each plot) and 10 cm (between
each row) was prepared by tilling the soil and weeding out. After this, it was watered regularly
to maintain its moisture.

Planting
One seed in every hole. A one inch, deep hole dug into the ground, the plant was set
one inch below the surface and was covered with soil and watered. Plants were planted 15 cm
interval (between each plot) and 10 cm interval (between each row). Each plot or treatment will
contain nine (9) pieces of planted corn.

Fertilizer formulation

Fermented Vegetable Juice. The plants used for the Fermented Vegetable Juice were
bamboo shoots, squash and kangkong weighing 1 kilo as a whole. It was then chopped and
smashed using the mortar and pestle. Then the smashed plants were put together in a
container, added with One kilo of brown sugar and mixed it thoroughly. Once the slimy texture
has been obtained, it was then covered with a piece of cloth enough to enclose it. Place the
container in a quiet, cool and shaded location, make sure the container won’t be disturbed.
Leave the mixture for 7 days. After a week, open the container and mix the liquid thoroughly
with a stick. Strain the mixture into a large plastic bottle using a strainer. Put the bottle cap
loosely on to allow the air to enter and place the bottle in a dark, protected area. Store it for
another 7 days.

16

Fermented Fruit juice. The fruits used in the Fermented Fruit Juice were guava,
papaya and banana weighing 1 kilo as a whole. It was then chopped and smashed using the
mortar and pestle. Ten the smashed fruits were put together in a container, added with 1 kilo
of brown sugar and mixed it thoroughly. Cover the container with a piece of cloth and secure
with a rubber band. Place the container in a quiet, cool and shaded location, make sure the
container won’t be disturbed. Leave the container for 7 days. After a week, open the container
and mix the liquid thoroughly with a stick. Strain the mixture into a large plastic bottle, using a
strainer. Put the bottle cap loosely on to allow the air to enter and place the bottle in a dark,
protected area such as a garage. Store it for another 7 days.

Fermented Moringa Juice. A kilo of Moringa leaves were prepared, added with a kilo
of brown sugar and mixed it thoroughly. Once the slimy texture has been obtained, it was then
covered with a piece of cloth enough to enclose it. Place the container in a quiet, cool and
shaded location, make sure the container won’t be disturbed. Leave the container for 7 days.
After a week, open the container and mix the liquid thoroughly with a stick. Strain the mixture
into a large plastic bottle, using a strainer. Put the bottle cap loosely on to allow air to enter
and place the bottle in a dark, protected area. Store it for another 7 days.

Application of Concoction
After two weeks since the corn was planted and the fertilizer is now ready for the
application. To use FPJ as fertilizer, it must first be diluted with water. Once it is diluted, it can
be used as foliar spray or as a soil drench. The proper ratio is 10 ml per liter of water. When
using as a foliar spray, make sure to spray in the late afternoon as the plants’ stomata are
open. In this way, the liquid fertilizer is readily absorbed by the plant. You can also prevent
plant damage such as leaf burn when spraying in the late afternoon. (gardenislife.com, 2023).
The researchers labelled the plots (treatment 1) plots containing fermented plant juice,
(treatment 2) plots containing fermented fruit juice, (treatment3) plots containing fermented
moringa juice and the (treatment 4) which is the controlled variable. The measurement of FPJ,
FFJ and FMJ when added to 1 liter of water is one (1) cup. The mixture of the said plant juices
we’re applied on the 14th day, 20th day and on the 45th day of the plant.

17

Collection of Data

Data regarding the plant height was collected one week after every application of the
fertilizer for 100 days. This was done for every plant under every treatment. The data gathering
of the mass of yield was obtained exactly during the end of the 100 day’s observation period.
The data altered was then tabulated and interpreted.
 Kind of fertilizer Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Treatment 4
(Fermented (Fermented Fruit (Fermented (Commercial
Vegetable Juice) Juice) Moringa Juice) Fertilizer-UREA)
Number of
samples 9 9 9 9
Table 1

Number of Replications: 4 treatments x 9 replications each= 36 replications

Dependent Variable: growth and yield response of Zea mays
Extraneous Variables: environmental factors

18

Experimental Layout
Treatment 1 Treatment 2

T1R1 T1R6 T1R7 T2R1 T2R6 T2R7

T1R2 T1R5 T1R8 T2R2 T2R5 T2R8

 T1R3 T1R4 T1R9 T2R3 T2R4 T2R9

Treatment 3 Treatment 4

T3R1 T3R6 T3R7 T4R1 T4R4 T4R7

T3R2 T3R5 T3R8 T4R2 T4R5 T4R8

T3R3 T3R4 T3R9 T4R3 T4R6 T4R9

Figure 3

This shows the actual set-up of treatments wherein different types of fertilizer were
applied to the plants and each treatment was replicated 9 times.

Statistical Tools Used

The following statistical tool were used to obtain the data gathered.
1. Mean. is the typical method for comparing three or more group means. The usual goal is to
determine if at least one group mean (or median) is different from the others. Often follow-up
multiple comparison tests are used to determine where the differences occur. It was used to
know if there is significance difference among the treatment in terms of field and yield
response. (ncss.com, 2024)

2. One way Analysis of variance (AnoVa). is the typical method for comparing three or more
group means. The usual goal is to determine if at least one group mean (or median) is different
from the others. Often follow-up multiple comparison tests are used to determine where the
differences occur. It was used to know if there is significance difference among the treatment in
terms of field and yield response. (ncss.com, 2024).

19

Chapter IV
Results and Discussions

Chapter four consist the analysis and interpretation of data revealed in this study. This
study was conducted to determine the growth and yield response of Zea mays to different
fermented juice, specifically it sought answers to the following problem
Problem 1: What is the growth of corn (Zea mays) using different Fermented Plant
Juice as foliar spray?
Average Height of each treatment
Growth (inches)
Kinds of fertilizer 14th day 20th day 45th day Mean
Treatment 1
(fermented vegetable juice) 17.4 24.9 45.7 29.3
Treatment 2
(fermented fruit juice) 16.4 25.2 51.9 31.2
Treatment 3
(fermented moringa juice) 17.9 27.8 51 32.2
Treatment 4
(commercial fertilizer- urea) 19.7 28.9 44.8 31.1
Table 2

This table shows that the average number of heights of each treatment. As seen,
Treatment 4 got the best result among the treatments with a mean 32.2 Fermented Moringa
Juice. This may be due to the fact that treatment 3 received the organic fertilizer which is
Fermented Moringa Juice. As what agriculture explained, effect of Moringa oleifera was studied
and the enhancement of plant height, early bloom, chlorophyll content, number of vegetables
per plant, seedling germination, and nutrient content of shoot tissues.

Between the three experimental treatments, Treatment 1, Treatment 2 and Treatment 3.

Treatment 1 with a mean of 29.3 shows better effect on growing the corn plant in terms of
height that Treatment 2's mean of 31.2 mean and Treatment 4 with the mean of 31.1, this may
due to the fact that urea sold as a 46-0-0 dry fertilizer in which, a high nitrogen content is best
in growing plant.
20

Graphical representation of growth response in each treatment

 32.25

31.75

31.25

30.75

30.25
INCHES

29.75

29.25

28.75

28.25

27.75
Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 Treatment 4
Series 1 29.3 31.2 32.2 31.1

Figure 4

In this figure, it shows that Treatment 3 has the highest measure of height obtained
than that other Treatments. This shows that FMJ is better than fermented plant juice in terms
of height measure.

21

Problem 2: What is the yield response of corn production using the different
Fermented Plant Juice?
 Mass of Yield Obtained and Mean
T1 1,000 g. 23.53%
T2 1,000 g. 23.53%
T3 750 g. Mean 1,062 g. 17.65%
T4 1,500 g. 35.29%
Table 3
This table shows the individual mass of yield of each treatment and the mean among all
treatments. From this table, it can be seen that treatment 4 obtained 35.29% of the total mass
of yield obtained which is the highest among the treatments. This may be due to urea fertilizer
has been found to be effective in increasing the growth and yield of corn plants. In one study,
the application of liquid NPK fertilizer using a 4-ml-per-liter water rate combined with urea and
SP-36 resulted in a significant increase in corn production by 9.10 t/ha dry grains.
(typeset.io, 2023)

Graphical presentation of mass yield in each treatment

T1 T2 T3 T4

24%

35%

24%

18%

Figure 5
This figure shows that Treatment 2 produced heavier yield than Treatment 1 and 3 but
Treatment 4 which is commercial fertilizer is heavier among all treatments. The results can be
caused of the proven effect of chemicals used in commercial fertilizer that is why is showed the
best result.

22

Problem 3: Is there a significant difference among the four treatments in terms of

plant height?
 Analysis of Variance Table for Height
Source of SS df MS F-Value F-Value
Variations Computed tabular
Between Accept
treatments 31.1 3 10.36 0.04 4.07
Within
treatments 1,970.5 8 246.3125
Total 2,001.6 11
Table 4

This table shows the Analysis of Variance table which contains the sum of squares,
degree of freedom, mean squares and the computed F-value: 0.04 which is lesser than the
tabulated F-value at a degree of freedom of 11 which is 4.07. Since the computed F is lesser
than the tabulated F, the null hypothesis is therefore accepted and it is proven that there is no
significant difference between the treatments in terms of height.

23

Chapter 5
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
Summary
This study aimed to determine and evaluate the growth and yield response of corn using
different fermented plant juice as foliar spray. The following questions were answered after
analyzing the data gathered. (1) What is the growth response of corn production using the
different Fermented Plant Juice? (2) What is the yield of corn ( Zea mays) using different
Fermented Plant Juice as foliar spray? (3) Is there a significant difference in the growth
response of corn using different Fermented Plant Juice as a foliar spray and when it is applied
to corn (Zea mays)? (4) Is there a significant difference in the yield of corn using different
Fermented Plant Juice as a foliar spray when it is applied ( Zea mays)?

This study used Experimental Research Design (ERD) with three (3) treatments and five
(9) replicates and has a control. The time frame of this study was covered for 16 weeks, from
Noember 26 to March 13 2024. The data gathered were measured and recorded carefully in a
data sheet.

Findings
Base on the data gathered, the following findings were formulated:

The height of the Zea mays plant was measured depending on the treatment applied
and the results were tabulated. Treatment C with an average of 32.2 showed the highest
measure compared to the two remaining treatments. for the reason of both organic and
inorganic do share some same qualities of helping a plant to grow. In Treatment 1 and
Treatment 2 results with an average of 29.3 and 31.2 that has a little difference with each
other. And 31.1 for the controlled variable.
Since the F-tabulated at 0.05 level of significance, 4.07, is greater than F-computed
values, 0.04 for height, then there is no significant difference among the treatments.

24

Conclusions
Based on the findings, the researchers concluded the following conclusions;

1. What is the growth response of corn production using the different Fermented Plant Juice?
The height of the Zea mays depends on the fertilizer applied but as time goes by the
fermented moringa juice and UREA fertilizer has a huge difference of growth compare to the
two remaining treatments applied. It is a fact that after the application, the moringa fertilizers,
brought nutrients to contribute to the height of the Zea mays. Additionally, it is also mentioned
that the moringa tree is one of the most nutrient-rich plants in the world. It has many uses for
plant and soil such as a green manure and natural growth stimulants. Lastly, the effect of
Moringa oleifera was studied and the enhancement of plant height, early bloom, chlorophyll
content, number of vegetables per plant, seedling germination, and nutrient content of shoot
tissues. Application of natural plant growth enhancers in the form of diluted Moringa oleifera
leaf extracts containing effective micronutrients has been reported and found to be very
effective in the growth of various crops. (D Karthiga, 2022)

2. What is the growth response of corn production using the different Fermented Plant Juice?
Lastly, the yield of Zea mays depends on the fertilizer applied but the UREA fertilizer
has a huge difference among those three remaining treatments. After the application, the Zea
mays with the Urea fertilizer grows with a highest crop yield, leaving the three treatments with
lower yields. Moreover, this may be due to urea fertilizer has been found to be effective in
increasing the growth and yield of corn plants. In one study, the application of liquid NPK
fertilizer using a 4-ml-per-liter water rate combined with urea and SP-36 resulted in a significant
increase in corn production by 9.10 t/ha dry grains. (typeset.io, 2023)

3. Is there a significant difference in the growth response of corn using different Fermented
Plant Juice as a foliar spray and when it is applied to corn ( Zea mays)?
There is no significant difference in the growth of Zea mays among the three
treatments.

25

Recommendation

For future researchers:

The researchers highly recommend the use of more experimental units to validate or negate
claims by this study.

The researchers also recommend the use of other varieties of Zea mays especially those
which are commonly sold in markets throughout the country, for the study to be of greater
economic value.

The researchers also recommend that future researchers use different varieties of banana,
squash and papaya in the fermented fruit juice fertilizer.

The researchers also recommend further researches done regarding the topic for the
improvement of the study.

The researchers also recommend future researchers to validate or negate claims in this
study.

26

REFERENCES
Britannica. (2024). Corn | History, Cultivation, Uses, & Description .
https://www.britannica.com/plant/corn-plant

Christopher, J.S., Andrew, T.G., Petra, P. (2020). Is Too Much Fertilizer a Problem?.
https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2020.00063

Jhomai C. (2022). Analysts expect global fertilizer price to remain high in 2022 | Special Area
for Agricultural Development. https://saad.da.gov.ph/2021/12/analysts-expect-global-fertilizer-
price-to-remain-high-in-2022

Neuffer, M.G., Coe, E.H. (2024). Corn (Maize). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2994-7_1

Plant Growth ( 2024 ) | Biology. (2021). Plant Growth ( Read ) | Biology.

https://www.ck12.org/biology/plant-growth/lesson/Plant-Growth-BIO/

Britannica. (2024). corn summary | Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/summary/corn-plant

Corn Gardening. (2024). How to Grow & Plant Corn | Corn Gardening.
https://bonnieplants.com/blogs/how-to-grow/growing-corn

Aisha W., Zishan G., Manzoor H. (2018). Comparative Study of Various Organic Fertilizers Effect
on Growth and Yield of Two Economically Important Crops, Potato and Pea.
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=85495

Sisay Assefa. (2019). The Principal Role of Organic Fertilizer on Soil Properties and Agricultural
Productivity -A Review. https://juniperpublishers.com/artoaj/ARTOAJ.MS.ID.556192.php

NDTV. (2018). Guava For Hypertension: Why Eating The Tropical Fruit May Help Regulate Blood
Pressure. https://www.ndtv.com/food/guava-for-hypertension-why-eating-the-tropical-fruit-
may-help-regulate-blood-pressure-1957632

Importance of Phosphorus and Potassium in Corn Development (2021) Introduction

https://www.lewishybrids.com/en-us/agronomy-library/phosphorus-potassium-fertility-corn-
soybean.html

(Does Papaya Fruit Have the Presence of Nitrogen, Phosphorus ,and Potassium ? | 3 Answers
from Research Papers, n.d.) https://typeset.io/questions/does-papaya-fruit-have-the-presence-
of-nitrogen-phosphorus-xqsjhiuog1

27
Increasing Magnesium with Diet. (2022). Increasing Magnesium with Diet.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/increasing-magnesium-diet-heather-clelland
Mohamed E., Mahmoud A., Ahmed S.E., El-Sayed M.D., Hala M.N.T., Ahmed S.M.E., Shaaban
S.E., Ayman A.S. (2018). Effect of Forage Moringa oleifera L. (moringa) on Animal Health and
Nutrition and Its Beneficial Applications in Soil, Plants and Water Purification.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/8/9/145

Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences. (2022). Influence of foliar application
with Moringa oleifera residue fertilizer on growth, and yield quality of leafy vegetables.
https://jebas.org/ojs/index.php/jebas/article/view/827

The Benefits of Using Fermented Plant Juice (How To Make it) (2023)
https://www.gardenislife.com/articles/plant-care/the-benefits-of-using-fermented-plant-juice-
and-how-to-make-it

3 Benefits of Molasses for Plant Health (Feed Guide). (2024). 3 Benefits of Molasses for Plant
Health (Feed Guide). https://www.zookag.com/blog/agricultural-molasses/molasses-for-plants

Effectiveness of UREA fertilizer in Corn? | 5 Answers from Research papers. (n.d.). Effectiveness
of UREA fertilizer in Corn? | 5 Answers from Research papers.
https://typeset.io/questions/effectiveness-of-urea-fertilizer-in-corn-3jyfw8xxj7

The effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as an organic bio-stimulant for the growth of various
plants: Review. (2022). The effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as an organic bio-stimulant
for the growth of various plants: Review.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878818122001736

The effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as an organic bio-stimulant for the growth of various
plants: Review. (n.d.). The effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as an organic bio-stimulant
for the growth of various plants: Review. https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/growth

Crop Yield Definition, Formula, Statistics. (2022). Crop Yield Definition, Formula, Statistics.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/crop-yield.asp

28

APPENDICES
 Appendix A
Gantt Chart
Duration (weeks)
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27
Activities - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
Planning the
experiment and
gathering of
preliminary data.
Procurement of
supplies and
preparation of
fertilizer
Planting of seeds

Application of
treatments
Care and
Management
Data gathering and
recording
Writing of result and
creating the final
write-up
Editing and
submission of the
final write-up

This graph shows the time frame of the study from the beginning until the end. Planting
and germination of seeds takes almost two weeks before the application of treatment as well as
gathering data that takes 16 weeks after. Editing and finalization of write-up was done before
submission.
29

Appendix B
 Tables

Measure of Height for each Treatment

T1 T2 T3 T4
14 th
17.4 16.4 17.9 19.7
20 th
24.9 25.2 27.8 28.9
45 th
45.7 51.9 51 44.8

❑
Σx 88 93.5 96.7 93.4
Σx2 2,986.7 3,597.6 3,694.2 31.1
Ave. 29.3 31.2 32.2 3,230.3
Ss. 387.4 683.5 577.2 322.4

30

Appendix C
 Plates of Procedures

Plate 1. Preparing all the materials needed

making of fermented plant juice

Plate 3. Slicing all the plant materials to obtain 1000 grams each treatments

Plate 4. Mixing the materials for the mixture

31
 Plate 5. Mashing the mix plants

Plate 6. Adding one liter of molasses to the one kilo mixture of plants

Plate 7. Pouring two table spoon of each treatment and put into a one gallon of water

Plate 8. Diluted treatments

32
 Plate 7. Application of treatment

Plate 8. Getting the mass of yield of each treatment

33