CLSU International Journal of Science & Technology (2017)

Design and Fabrication of a Pyramid-Type Plant Bed Hydoponics of Romaine Lettuce Production under Lowland Condition

2017-12-20T06:52:59+00:00

This study aims to design and fabricate a pyramid- type plant bed hydroponics under lowland, open-field condition. The hydroponics system recirculates a total volume of 150 liters of nutrient solution with an average flow rate of 33.33 milliliter per second and was designed to hold a capacity of 100 plants with 20 cm spacing.

The fabricated pyramid-type plant bed hydroponics has an area utilization efficiency of. 169.49 percent. The prototype was tested on romaine lettuce. A commercial liquid bio-fertilizer was used as a liquid solution in the study with a concentration of 1:100. However, the plants only lasted for 15 days and had no significant yield.

The newly designed hydroponic grow bed system is recommended for further evaluation considering the nutrient requirement of the test plants.

Farmers' Resilience towards Climate Change Related Disasters (CCRDs): The Case of Barangay Mabalbalino, San Carlos City, Pangasinan

2017-12-20T06:53:39+00:00

The effects of climate change is imminent in the future, especially without building resilience of communities across the globe. The alteration in the climate variables often causes extreme events, which often leads to Climate Change Related Disasters (CCRD). This study explored through the resilience of farmers in Barangay Mabalbalino, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines. Specifically, it described the demographic profile of the respondents; determined the knowledge on climate change and its related disasters, readiness and initiatives towards climate change related disasters, and programs and services towards climate change related disasters. The study utilized qualitative design, specifically using phenomenological method. Farmers were interviewed using an interview schedule.

Based from the findings, it was determined that, the farmers were not familiar about the meaning and characteristics of climate change and its related disasters. With regard to farmers’ readiness towards CCRD, it was found that they were not resilient towards the phenomenon, this is clearly pictured in the demographic profile of the farmers (i.e. low income and low level education). However, it was known that there were initiatives in the community to adapt to CCRD which makes the farmers resilient at certain degree. These initiatives included elevation of houses, construction of two-storey house for floods and irrigation practices for drought conditions. Without programs and services to combat the effects of CCRD, the farmers were found vulnerable and at risk. Based from the findings, it was therefore recommended to conceptualize programs and services in improving and building the resilience of farmers. In addition, reiteration and adoption of mitigation and adaptation strategies of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change should further be stipulated to combat CCRD.

Fitting Binomial, Quasi – Binomial, Poisson and Quasi - Poisson Models in Analyzing In Vivo Micronucleus Assay Data

2017-12-20T06:54:14+00:00

Micronucleus assay is an important analysis for testing the genotoxicity of a compound thus, a careful analysis should be done. The main focus of this study was to perform the recommendations of Hothorn and Gerhard (2009) on analyzing the number and proportion of micronucleus polychromatic erythrocytes for a given number of polychromatic erythrocytes. The compound TO1 was evaluated using the Binomial, Poisson, quasi-Binomial and quasi-Poisson models. Results showed that most doses of TO1 had no significant effect on the proportion of micronucleus. The result of quasi- Binomial and quasi-Poisson model revealed that most of the inferences agree with the results of the traditional models. However, some inferences can lead to a false positive decision if over-dispersion was not taken into account. The analysis also showed that TO1 was found to be a negative compound.

Nutritive Value and Anthelmintic Properties of Selected Leguminous Shrubs and Trees for Goats

2017-12-20T06:54:50+00:00

Two related studies were conducted to determine the nutritive value and anthelmintic properties of eight tree legumes used as goat feeds. The degradation characteristics, total extractable phenol (TPEH) and condensed tannin (CT) of Acacia (Samanea saman), Desmanthus (Desmanthus virgatus), Rensonii (Desmodium cineria), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla), Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium), Grandiflora (Sesbania grandiflora), and Sesban (Sesbania sesban) were determined.

Except for Flemingia, the different legumes contained highly soluble and degradable components that can provide immediate supply of nitrogen and fermentable matter to meet nutritional needs. Flemingia and Leucaena had more than 65% extractable tannins and contain high condensed tannin (CT) that could potentially reduce gastro-intestinal parasites in goats. Other species had minimal or no CT content. Feeding the tree-legumes provided cheap source of digestible organic matter, while feeding Flemingia and Leucaena was expected to reduce internal parasites in goats because they contained anthelmintics.

Sustainability of PALAYAMANAN Project in the Rainfed Lowland and Upland Areas of Bulacan, Philippines

2017-12-20T06:55:31+00:00

Diversified farming system called Palayamanan using rice as base crop integrating vegetables, livestock and other farming activities was undertaken by farmer-cooperators in a synergistic approach. With funds coming from DA-RFO III, location-specific rice-based farming system technologies in the rainfed lowland and upland areas of Bulacan were developed, promoted and extended to the farmers. The active participation of farmers, the energetic monitoring of agricultural extension workers from local government units and the collaborative efforts of research and extension institutions of the government were the key ingredients of sustaining the livelihoods of the farmers even during dry seasons. The process consisted of farmers’ organization, project orientation with LGUs and farmers, site selection and validation, establishment of model farms, capacity enhancement for farmers that covered field school, skills training, field days, Lakbay-aral and cross visits. Participatory technology demonstration, cropping system and variety adaptations appropriate in every location were also done. The capital roll-over of PhP 5,000 helped the fund sourcing for each of 120 farmer-cooperators in the form of loans. The six (6) model farms established were also aided with material inputs. Increased crop yields and crop diversity were achieved as well as profitability and upgraded level of living. Sustainability of the environment, increased knowledge and upgraded skills of the farmers and students involved were the ecological and technical changes attained. The project’s strategies were effective that even after the project implementation, the model farms were still maintained by the farmercooperators.