Feasibility of Alternative Soil as a Substitute for Loam

Soil in Propagating Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)

A Quantitative Research Proposal Presented to the

Faculty of Senior High School Department
Commonwealth High School

Presented by:
Lillianne Trixie Q. Bantilan
Simon Andrei D. Bellosillo
John Melvin E. Tumolva
Franz Ashley D. Adon
Gillianne C. Andrade
Jhon Jessie Bicaldo
Leah O. Tolentino
Lance F. Abobon

12 STEM - A

Presented to:
RITA A. RABINO, MTII
Research Adviser
February 2024
 CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Background of the Study

The Philippines has always been prominent in the agricultural sector of the country.

As an archipelago, the country possesses abundant natural resources that can be used for our

daily needs. However, the soil quality in the Philippines has deteriorated over the years.

According to the article Lauengco in 2023, he stated that the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR) data paints a concerning picture of the condition of our soil.

Approximately 457 million tons of soil are lost to agriculture each year, making up 75% of

the nation's cropland which is "vulnerable to erosion in various degrees." The loss of roughly

47 hectares of forest cover annually and decades of fast land conversion for habitation are

two factors contributing to soil degradation. A total of roughly 82% of the farmlands in the

country currently have only moderate to low levels of soil fertility, on top of the 2.2 million

hectares that suffer from "insufficient levels of soil fertility" and the 11 to 13 million hectares

that are "considered degraded."

Despite efforts to overcome and provide solutions to this growing problem in our

country, there may still be a lack of understanding and the use of alternative ways to grow

plants for agriculture to thrive. Moreover, localized agencies, particularly in Commonwealth,

Quezon City do not have enough effort in facing this issue. Tuff layers are widely seen in the

soil profile of Quezon City. Soils in areas like Quezon City, which include subsurface rock

formations, offer strong carrying capacity at shallow depths (Galupino, 2019)

1
 Antioxidants that are good for the health, such as beta carotene, are abundant in

Mustard Greens and can protect your skin and reduce your risk of diabetes. In addition, a

serving of greens provides significant levels of many B vitamins, such as thiamine (B1),

niacin (B3), and pyridoxine (WebMD Editorial Contributors, 2020). Mustard Greens

typically grow in about 4-6 weeks which proves to be a cost-effective option compared to

other plant varieties. In this study, the alternative soil will consist of peat moss, vermiculite,

sand, and perlite.

The study aims to test the difference in the propagation of Mustard Greens in the

alternative soil and the loam soil. Furthermore, this study’s goal is to reduce the costs of

growing plants indoors, as loam or natural soil has been neglected. Providing other ways to

grow plants is just as vital to maintaining the stability of our civilization, and alternative soil

can be utilized as a substitute for loam or natural soil due to the current deteriorating quality

of the soil. The use of alternative soil creates new resources that may be customised by the

user, as well as encourages urban gardening, which is crucial to provide our needs. The

Department of Agriculture, farmers, gardeners, students, and future researchers will be the

beneficiaries of this study.

2
Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of alternative soil as a

substitute for loam soil in Mustard Green propagation. Specifically, the study aims to answer

the following questions:

1. What is the quality of the soil before and after the Mustard Greens propagation in

terms of:

1.1 pH level

1.2 Nutrient test

1.3 NPK test

2. What is the growth of the Mustard Greens using the loam and alternative soil in terms

of:

2.1 Height (cm)

2.2 Number of leaves

3. Is there a significant difference between the quality of the soil before and after the

Mustard Greens Propagation in terms of:

3.1 pH level

3.2 Nutrient test

3.3 NPK test

4. Is there a significant difference in the growth of Mustard Greens between the use of

alternative soil and loam soil in terms of:

4.1 Height (cm)

4.2 Number of leaves

3
Hypothesis

H0: There is no significant difference between the growth of the Mustard Greens in the

alternative soil and in loam soil.

Ha: There is a significant difference between the growth of the Mustard Greens in the

alternative soil and in loam soil.

4
Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of an alternative soil mixture as a substitute

for loam soil in propagating Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea) plants. With the rise of urban

gardening and the deteriorating soil quality of the Philippines, this study’s goal is to find

innovative ways to grow certain types of plants. As well as finding an alternative option for

those areas that have poor soil quality. Furthermore, the beneficiaries of this study would be

the Department of Agriculture, farmers, gardeners, students, and future researchers

The study limits its population specifically to the Mustard Greens plant. Its period for

experimentation is 30 days. The locale will be at Commonwealth High School Garden. The

type of soil will vary from alternative soil and loam soil. The amount of water for each plant

will be received, and the pots that will be used will remain constant. The study will be

conducted to compare how the growth of the plant will be affected by the type of soil. There

will be two (2) setups — Setup A (experimental) and Setup B (controlled) — to ensure the

accuracy and precision of the results, each setup will consist of ten (10) samples. The results

will determine whether the alternative soil can be a substitute for loam soil.

5
Significance of the Study

The following entities will benefit from this study; the Department of Agriculture,

Farmers, Gardeners, Students, and Future Researchers.

Department of Agriculture

This study will provide innovative ways of approaching gardening and plant propagation that

can be used by the Department of Agriculture to improve or provide alternatives for the

agricultural sector of the country.

Farmers

This study will provide other methods for our local farmers in farming on a larger scale given

the degradation of the country’s soil conditions.

Gardeners

This research informs gardeners, particularly urban gardeners, about the viability of

alternative soil as a substitute for loam soil.

Students

This study will assist the student/s in determining whether or not they can grow

various types of plants utilizing the alternative soil.

Future researchers

The study will also allow future researchers to refine and expand on our results

regarding alternative soil's effectiveness as a substitute for loam soil.

6
Theoretical Framework

In the context of urban gardening and alternative soil compositions, this framework

explores unique variables, guiding the research into uncharted territories of agricultural

science.

At its core, the framework delves into the intricate composition dynamics of

alternative soil. It meticulously considers the synergy between various components like Peat

moss, Vermiculite, Sand, and Perlite. This innovative blend of materials creates a distinctive

environment for plant growth, shaping the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the

soil.

Central to this framework is the exploration of specific interactions between the

Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea) and the alternative soil. It investigates the plant's root

system development, nutrient absorption patterns, and response mechanisms to the unique

soil composition. Notably, the absence of traditional fertilizers becomes a focal point,

influencing the plant's growth and overall health.

Furthermore, the framework incorporates elements related to environmental

sustainability. It assesses the ecological impact of the alternative, examining its potential to

reduce harmful emissions associated with chemical fertilizers. Additionally, it explores the

long-term effects on soil structure and fertility, considering the sustainability of this

innovative approach in the context of urban gardening practices.

7
 Economic viability and accessibility are pivotal dimensions within this framework.

The study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of alternative soil concerning the availability and

affordability of its components. This economic analysis explores how this innovation can

empower urban communities by providing an economical alternative for soil enrichment.

This, in turn, enhances food security and self-sufficiency, making it particularly relevant in

the current socio-economic landscape.

A social dimension is introduced through community engagement and knowledge

sharing. This aspect explores how the introduction of alternative soil encourages community

participation in urban gardening initiatives. It investigates the dissemination of knowledge

regarding soil innovation, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability within the

community. This not only promotes environmental consciousness but also builds a network

of informed urban gardeners, thereby strengthening the resilience of local food systems.

The adaptability and customization potential of alternative soil forms the final

dimension of this framework. It explores how this innovation allows for tailored soil

compositions based on specific plant requirements. This adaptability fosters a culture of

experimentation and continuous improvement in the field of urban gardening, encouraging

innovative approaches to address contemporary challenges.

By integrating these dimensions, this unique theoretical framework provides a holistic

perspective on soil innovation and Mustard Greens propagation. It goes beyond existing

theories, offering a comprehensive understanding of the novel aspects of alternative soil,

plant-soil interactions, environmental sustainability, economic viability, community

engagement, and adaptability. This framework serves as the backbone of the study, guiding

8
the exploration of uncharted territories and encouraging innovative solutions in the realm of

urban gardening practices.

Conceptual Framework

This study titled “Feasibility of Alternative Soil as a Substitute for Loam Soil in

Propagating Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)” is structured around the IV-DV (Independent

variable - Dependent variable) model, serving as a comprehensive framework to investigate

the potential of alternative soil as a substitute to loam soil in Mustard Green's propagation.

In this study, the independent variable focuses on the type of soil used for the samples

of each setup. These soil types are considered predictors because they are believed to have an

impact on the dependent variable, which is the growth and development of Mustard Greens.

By examining the relationship between these variables, the researcher aims to gain insights

into how different types of soil, specifically loam soil and alternative soil, can affect the

growth of Mustard Greens plants.

9
Conceptual Paradigm

Figure 1: The diagram above shows the relationship between the independent variable which

is the alternative soil that has higher water retention properties compared to the loam soil and

the dependent variables; (1) the growth of the Mustard Greens plant in terms of height (cm)

and number of leaves and; (2) the quality of soil in terms of pH level, nutrient content and

NPK content.

10
Definition of Terms

These are the definitions of terms that are being used in the study.

Alternative soil - Alternative soil is manufactured soil consisting of specified ratios of sand,

silt, clay, and organic amendments such as compost and designed for a specific application.

Loam soil - Loam Soil is a mixture of clay, sand and silt soil which consists of additional

organic matter and is very fertile compared to other types of soil.

Propagation - The breeding of specimens of a plant or animal by natural processes from the

parent stock.

11
 CHAPTER II THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Review of Related Literature

Gozum (2023) highlights a concerning issue of low soil fertility affecting 82% of

Philippine farmlands, as reported by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The decline is

associated with non-sustainable farming practices and the application of synthetic fertilizers,

which are unable to adequately retain essential elements like potassium, phosphorus, and

nitrogen. The government's reaction is to encourage the implementation of a balanced

fertilization strategy (BFS), emphasizing the combination of organic and biofertilizers. The

BFS aims to improve soil structure, ensuring a robust agricultural industry. This is crucial

amid challenges like soaring synthetic fertilizer prices due to the pandemic and the Russia-

Ukraine crisis. The looming El Niño adds complexity, posing threats such as extended dry

spells, reduced rainfall, and water depletion. This amplifies the strain on crop yields in

nutrient-deprived farmlands. House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto points out the vulnerability

of Philippine agriculture, emphasizing the impact of "preexisting comorbidities" exacerbated

by the recent fuel-fertilizer crisis. PAGASA predicts El Niño's emergence in June 2023,

lasting until 2024, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices to

safeguard food security and the well-being of farmers and fisherfolk.

Armstrong (2014) in their study, explained that synthetic soils are the key to a

sustainable future. The article said that soil is the center of all businesses, it is where most

products come from. City soils, however, have fewer bacteria and microorganisms, and the

occurrence of decomposition is slower compared to soils that are in provinces, pollution is

also a factor here, but this research is finding a way to prolong the life span of natural soil,

thus using synthetic soil. Soils provide regeneration for all organisms, this is where plants and

most of our food come from, and it is technology because it performs useful works. Up to this

12
time, creating artificial soil has been an agrarian practice that uses many techniques like the

addition of substances or organisms. Besides agricultural uses, synthetic soil can be used for

structures in buildings. Soil provides economic opportunities, like the production of heat,

filtration systems, recycling, and extending resources. At present we’re using our natural

soils, this has a finite life span, and now researchers and scientists are finding a way how to

prolong the life of this kind of soil, so perhaps substitute it with a synthetic one.

In addition, Grant in 2020 stated that Vermiculite alone can still function to become

an artificial soil. It can be bought for gardening as well. Vermiculite added to the soil can

increase water, and nutrient retention and aerate the soil, thus making the plant healthier and

stronger. It can be added to the mixture of the soil with sand, perlite, and peat moss, or used

alone, it can be independent enough to supply the needs of the plant, it is optional if it will be

with the other ingredients. However, it is more convenient if combined with others, it allows

the germination of plants to be faster and the fertilization to occur more rapidly. Vermiculite

can supply ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium nutrients necessary for the

growth of plants. If planning to grow plants in containers, this is the perfect soil. It is one of

those soilless mixtures however, it still functions as well as natural soil.

Friedland’s article in 2020 featured how artificial soil is becoming the next green

revolution in farming. Researchers have been deployed to work toward another breakthrough.

They are creating artificial soil that could support desert-based agriculture. In non-fertile

environments and countries, if this breakthrough indeed happens, this will greatly impact

those areas suffering from deprivation. The soil is expected to retain more water, thus

reducing the need for irrigation. The study will take effect on a global scale, and for farmers,

it will improve their conditions and add to the produced resources in the agricultural aspect.

13
 According to Andersen (2015), mustard greens are rapidly growing vegetables that

can be grown easily. Anytime soil reaches 45°F/7.22°C or above and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0,

mustard greens can grow. This means that mustard greens grow better in acidic soil or neutral

soil and in moderately cold to hot environments. As an addition, cultivars have varying

maturation times, spanning from 35 to 75 days. The only common issues with this plant are

pests. Aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles are examples of this. In summary, mustard

greens are vegetables that are very easy to grow, spanning only a short amount of time

required and very minimal factors to consider for it to grow.

According to the article provided by Bonnie Plants, Mustard Greens offer a nutritious

addition to both spring and fall gardens. The adaptability of mustard greens to different

environmental conditions makes them a versatile option for home gardens and commercial

farms. Loamy, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 6.8 is recommended to provide a

favourable growing medium. Incorporating organic matter such as compost or premium

potting mix enhances soil texture, fertility, and moisture retention, supporting vigorous plant

growth and development. Harvesting mustard greens commences within 4 weeks when the

leaves reach 6-8 inches in length.

14
Review of Related Studies

The Moscow State University Soil Station 2019 conducted an experiment to look into

the peculiarities of self-organization and the properties of man-made soils or artificial soils in

Moscow City. Their study aimed to investigate the thermal diffusivity of different layers of

the soil. Thermal diffusivity refers to the increase of the soil’s temperature when heated and

the decrease when there is a loss in energy. It depends on the soil moisture and affects the

chemical and physical processes of the plant.

The study compared the thermal diffusivity among peat, sand, and topsoil. The results

showed that the water content - thermal diffusivity of the peat’s thermal diffusivity did not

change with the decrease in moisture, next came topsoil, and the results for the mixture (man-

made soil) and sand had close results. We assume that the absence of organic matter in sandy

samples had an effect, being the reason for the diminishment of the heat capacity and

providing good contacts without any heat-insulating films. In conclusion, man-made soils and

basic soils differ greatly in terms of bulk density, sand content, and organic carbon content.

The same institution then conducted a separate study to test these soils in urban

gardening. This was conducted in an arid zone where precipitation and vegetation are scarce.

The study used the peat-sand-polymers-soil substrates mixture, native soils, and a layered

construction that consisted of a sand-peat mixture under the arable land. Three setups with 5

containers for each setup, the grass was planted in each of the containers.

15
 CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Methodology

In this section, the researcher presents the materials used for the experiment and the

methodologies and steps that were conducted to execute the study — Pre-experimentation,

During Experimentation, and Post-experimentation procedures.

Materials

Name Quantity Cost

6000 ml Plastic Water 20 pcs 200

Containers
Mustard Green seeds 4 packs 50

Loam Soil 4 kg 50

Peat moss 6 Liters 297

Vermiculite 2 Liters 180

Perlite 2 Liters 109

Dried River Sand 1 kg 68

Total: Php 954

16
Research Design

Phase 2 Experimentatio

Mustard Green

Alternative Soil Loam Soil

Sample Sample
Pot 1 Pot 1
Sample Sample

Sample Sample
Pot 2 Pot 2
Sample Sample

Sample Sample
Pot 3 Pot 3
Sample Sample

Sample Sample
Pot 4 Pot 4
Sample Sample

Sample Sample
Pot 5 Pot 5
Sample Sample

Compare

Plant Height Number of

Phase 1 Phase 3
Soil Creation Post-Testing

Alternative Loam Soil Alternative Loam Soil

NPK pH Nutrie NPK pH Nutrie NPK pH Nutrie NPK pH Nutrie

Compare

Figure 1. Research Process Flowchart

The figure above shows the process of the whole experiment which will be divided

into three (3) phases. Phase1: Soil Creation will focus on creating the alternative soil and

testing both — Alternative soil and loam soil — for their pH level, NPK test, and nutrient test

before the experiment. Phase 2: Experimentation will be the experiment itself wherein there

will be two (2) setups; Setup A (experimental) and Setup B (controlled). Two (2) samples of

Mustard Green seeds will be planted in each pot and will undergo observation. The data will

be the plant height (cm) and the number of leaves. Lastly, Phase 3: Post-testing will be the re-

testing of the soil after the experiment as well as data analysis and comparison.

17
Pre-Experimentation

In this segment, the procedures before the experimentation will be discussed. Methods

such as protocols, tests, acquisition of equipment and tools, and material gathering will be

included before the experiment.

Protocols

Initially, the researchers will assess the chosen location to determine its suitability for

experimentation. This evaluation will consider factors such as accessibility and

environmental conditions to ensure that it meets the necessary criteria for the research. Before

making any purchases, all equipment and materials will undergo thorough inspection and

identification to ensure they meet the required classifications and specifications. The safety of

the researchers is of utmost importance; the researchers will ensure that all necessary

personal protective equipment is worn to prevent contamination and ensure the accuracy and

reliability of the experiments. Waste disposal bins will be set up before the experimentation

begins to ensure that proper disposal of any waste generated during the process can be

facilitated. Before starting the experimentation, the researchers will carefully select and

arrange the equipment and materials based on their functionalities to ensure they are well-

suited to the experiment. In addition, researchers should avoid touching their faces while

working and should first wash their hands with hot water and soap. Besides that, they ought

to wear a gardening hat, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to guarantee that they are

shielded from ultraviolet radiation. Furthermore, hazardous chemicals should be avoided by

the researchers.

18
Preparation

During the pre-experimentation phase, several procedures will be carried out to

prepare for the study. This involves setting up different experimental conditions, preparing

the soil mixture, acquiring Plant ID, conducting soil tests, and initiating the experiment.

Before all the procedures, the researchers must acquire a Plant ID first. In this study, the

researchers will be requesting the ID at Jose Vera Santos Memorial Herbarium, Institute of

Biology, UP Diliman. Following this, a soil test will be conducted at the Bureau of Soils and

Water Management to check the state of both the alternative soil and loam soil. This will

include a nutrient test, pH level indication, and NPK. Once the documents have been

acquired, the main experiment setup will commence. Firstly, pots will be labelled as either A

or B, with pots designated for the experimental setup marked as A, while those for the

controlled setup will be labelled as B. Next, in a container, combine peat moss, perlite,

vermiculite, and dried river sand. The mixture will consist of 6 liters of peat moss, 2 liters of

vermiculite, 2 liters of perlite, and 1 kg of sand. This mixture is now what we call the

alternative soil. Each setup will consist of 10 samples to increase the reliability and validity

of the data. Setup A will be filled with alternative soil, while Setup B will be filled with the

loam soil mixture. Each pot will be prepared by creating two holes spaced 6 inches apart and

2 inches deep, into which 1 Mustard Green seed will be placed. Afterwards, the pots will be

positioned at the experiment site, at the Commonwealth High School Garden and will be

watered immediately. The seeds' progress will be monitored over 30 days to observe their

growth and development.

19
During Experimentation

The experimentation phase focuses on monitoring the progress of the Mustard Greens

during their propagation period. There are two (2) setups — Setup A (experimental) and

Setup B (controlled). With each pot having two (2) sample Mustard Greens seeds, the

researchers will observe the growth of the plant; from seed to seedling, up until its final

condition at the end of the experimentation period. The daily routine involves watering the

plants with equal amounts of water to ensure consistent hydration. Regular monitoring of the

plant's growth and development is conducted to track the progress of propagation. Detailed

documentation of the plants' progress is maintained throughout the 30 days. This includes

measuring the length (cm) of the main stem and the number of leaves, if there are any, in the

Mustard Greens plants. A measuring tape or ruler is needed to measure the length of the main

stem of Mustard Greens in each setup, and careful observation is required to count the

measurements. Gathering of data will also be done during this phase which will be analysed

at the end of the experiment.

20
Post-Experimentation

In the post-experimentation phase, we begin analyzing the collected data. This

involves comparing the number of leaves and the length (cm) of the main stem of the

Mustard Greens plants between Setup A and Setup B. We aim to determine if there is a

difference in the average size of the plants in these two setups. To do this, we will use a

formula to calculate the arithmetic mean, which shows the average growth of Mustard Greens

plants in each setup, and the standard deviation formula to measure how closely the collected

data cluster around the mean. Moreover, we will get the pH level of the soil, a nutrient test,

and an NPK test to compare the condition of the soil prior to and after the experiment.

Next, we will conduct an independent t-test to determine if there is a significant

difference between the means of the two independent groups, using a two-tailed t-test with a

significance level (α) of 0.05. Based on the results of the t-test, we will decide whether to

reject or accept the null hypothesis. If there is a significant difference between the means of

the two groups, we will reject the null hypothesis, indicating that the alternative soil is a

viable substitute for loam soil. However, if there is no significant difference, we will accept

the null hypothesis, suggesting that the alternative soil is not a suitable replacement for loam

soil. Finally, we will summarise the experiment's findings about the stated problems and the

results of our data analysis, drawing conclusions based on the observed outcomes.

21
Research Locale

The study will be conducted in Commonwealth High School’s school garden. This

was chosen for its accessibility for the researcher, and it is an exclusive area where

disturbances cannot intervene with the experiment, such as rats, dogs, cats, etc. The

temperature of the allotted area is compatible with growing plants for there were already

other species of plants germinating in the space. With the permission of the school teachers

and staff, the researchers will commence experimentation in the said facility.

Samples and Sampling Technique

The study utilized a probability sampling method — Stratified sampling. The sample

that will be used in this experiment is Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea). Among the

population of plants, Mustard Greens was used in this study due to its prominent leaves and

stem growth. The experiment will be divided into two (2) setups — Setup A (experimental)

and Setup B (controlled). Each group consisted of ten (10) samples. These groups differ in

terms of the type of soil used. Setup A will use the alternative soil that the researcher created,

while Group B will utilize loam soil.

22
Instrumentation

In this research study, a multifaceted approach was taken using a variety of

instruments to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of alternative soil as a substitute for

loam soil in propagating Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea) plants. Standard measuring

instruments such as rulers and measuring tapes were employed to quantitatively measure

stem length, while counting instruments facilitated the enumeration of leaves on each

Mustard Greens plant, providing valuable data on foliage development. Photography

equipment, including cameras and smartphones, played a pivotal role in visually

documenting the growth of the plants. Regular photographs allowed for dynamic and visual

tracking of plant development, capturing changes in root systems, foliage color, and overall

appearance. Human judgment played a crucial role in qualitatively assessing factors such as

overall plant vigor, health indicators, and qualitative aspects like root development and

foliage color. This subjective evaluation added depth to the analysis. Statistical tools,

specifically statistical analysis software like SPSS, were employed for rigorous data analysis.

This facilitated the identification of any significant differences in plant growth between the

two soil conditions, providing a robust quantitative foundation for the study. Standard

botanical equipment, including pots, planting tools, and watering cans or irrigation systems,

ensured the uniform setup and maintenance of experimental conditions. This combined

instrumentation approach, spanning standard, photographic, human judgment, statistical, and

botanical tools, ensured a comprehensive and reliable evaluation of the Mustard Greens’

growth in distinct soil conditions.

23
Data Analysis

In this section, the definition of the formula and of each statistical treatment will be

presented.

For problems 1-2 arithmetic mean and standard deviation will be applied to find the average

for the pH level, nutrient test, and NPK test (Problem 1) before and after the experiment and

for the height (cm) of the plant and number of leaves (Problem 2). Moreover, the standard

deviation will be used for these problems to check the precision of the data gathered.

a. Arithmetic Mean

Where:

A = arithmetic mean

n = number of values

ai = data set values

24
b. Standard Deviation

Where:

σ = population standard deviation

N = the size of the population

xi = each value from the population

μ = the population mean

25
For problems 3-4, an Independent t-test of values generated from problems 1 and 2 will be

used to test if there is a significant difference between the data calculated from the respective

data sets. Furthermore, this will also test whether the null hypothesis is rejected or not

rejected.

a. Independent t-test

Where:

t = t-statistic

N = number of samples

x̄ = sample mean

s = standard deviation

26
Data Gathering Method

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining experimental and

observational methods to assess the viability of alternative soil as a substitute for loam soil in

propagating Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea) plants. In the experimental phase, pots

labelled for Setup A (utilizing alternative soil) and Setup B (utilizing loam soil) were

prepared, each containing two (2) Mustard Greens seeds. Daily equal watering and systematic

monitoring of propagation, stem length, and leaf count transpired for 30 days. After the

experiment, statistical analysis was conducted to identify any noteworthy differences in plant

growth between the two soil conditions. Concurrently, an observational method was applied

throughout the propagation, focusing on emergence time, initial growth patterns, overall plant

vigor, health indicators, and qualitative aspects like root development and foliage color. This

integrated methodology ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the growth of Mustard Greens

in both soil types, enhancing the depth of the study's findings.

27
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