Rebecca National High School

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

EFFECTS OF ARAGAN SEAWEED (Sargassum muticum) AS ORGANIC FERTILIZER

IN THE YIELD PERFORMANCE OF SELETED VEGETABLE PLANTS

A Scientific Research Presented to the Faculty of the Senior High School,

Rebecca National High School
Gonzaga, Cagayan School Year (2022-2023)
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Subject Research Project

Submitted By:
JERK ZYNDRECK D. CASTILLO
KAEDI LYNETTE J. DOCTOLERO
KINZYL THEA C. JOSE
RUFFA C. LORENZO
ALTHEA NICOLE C. MEDRANO

ELENA C. LACHICA
Research Adviser

VIVERLY U. PERALTA
Research Teacher
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In todays’ time, although commercialized fertilizers can be beneficial for increasing crop

yields and improving the productivity of land, overusing them can lead to a number of negative

effects, including nutrient imbalances, pollution, soil degradation, pesticide resistance, soil

acidification and high costs. Thus, using organic fertilizer is better because organic fertilizers are

a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers. They improve soil health,

promote strong and healthy plants, and are cost-effective in the long run. Using organic

fertilizers is an important step towards sustainable agriculture and protecting our environment.

One effective plant to use in producing organic fertilizer is seaweed. Using seaweed as an

organic fertilizer is a sustainable and eco-friendly option that can help to improve soil health. It

is also cost-effective and can help to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Seaweed is

a valuable resource that can be used to support sustainable agriculture and improve the health of

our environment.

Aragan seaweed Sargassum is known for its large, brown, leaf-like fronds that can grow

up to several meters in length. Sargassum is an important habitat for a variety of marine

organisms and is used in various industrial and culinary applications. It is also known to be a

nuisance in some areas where it can wash up in large quantities on beaches. However,

Sargassum can be used as an organic fertilizer for plants due to its high nutrient content. It

contains a variety of minerals, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace

elements like iron and zinc. The seaweed can be dried and ground into a powder or used in a
liquid form as a foliar spray. It can also be used to enrich soil by adding it as a mulch or mixing

it into the soil. Using Sargassum as a fertilizer can improve soil fertility and increase the growth

and yield of plants.

Sargassum seaweed extract greatly affects plant height, leaf area, and number of leaves,

both dry weight and fresh weight. This is due to sufficient exposure to sun as well as the

presence of plant growth stimulating hormones, gibberellins, cytokinins, and auxins. It also can

be used as a soil conditioner in agriculture as it contains large amounts of organic matter that can

help to improve soil structure and water retention. This is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to

use Sargassum, as it would otherwise be a waste product.

Sargassum is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico

and the Caribbean Sea. This seaweed is rich in nutrients, making it a valuable fertilizer for crops.

Using sargassum fertilizer on tomato plants resulted in an increase in growth and yield compared

to control plants. (Hernandez-Lopez et al., 2019)

In addition, in the European Union, seaweed fertilizers are classified as organic fertilizers

and must meet specific standards for production, labeling, and marketing. These standards are

outlined in the EU Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007 on organic production and labeling of organic

products. Likewise, in the United States, the use of seaweed as a fertilizing agent is regulated by

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and

Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA has established guidelines for the production, labeling, and

distribution of seaweed fertilizers, including requirements for safety and efficacy testing.

In the Philippines, there are several laws that protect the production of seaweed and

promoting the use of organic fertilizer. Republic Act No. 8550, also known as the Philippine

Fisheries Code, which regulates the culture, production, and use of seaweed in the country. The
code stipulates that seaweed farming and production shall be encouraged and supported by the

government, and that the use of seaweed as a fertilizer shall be promoted. As well as to the

Republic Act No. 10068, also known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. This act promotes

the use of organic fertilizers, including seaweed, in order to enhance soil fertility and improve

crop yields. It also provides support to farmers and other stakeholders involved in the production

and use of organic fertilizers.

Aragan seaweed Sargassum is a type of seaweed, washing up on Philippine shores and

the potential for its use as a fertilizing agent in agriculture is being studied. While Sargassum has

been shown to have beneficial effects on plant growth and yield in other parts of the world, there

has been little research on its use in the Philippines.

Aragan seaweed Sargassum is known for its ability to absorb and retain large amounts of

nutrients from the ocean, making it a potential source of fertilizer for crops providing a potential

solution to the problem of excess Sargassum washing up on the shores. Research is needed to

determine the optimal fertilization rates and frequency of application for different soil types and

climates in the Philippines. The application of Sargassum-based fertilizer significantly increased

the growth and yield of tomato plants compared to those who were not treated with the fertilizer.

(R.J. Cruz and E.J. Mendoza, 2016)

As of now, studies about people using Aragan Sargassum seaweeds as a fertilizer here in

Cagayan is not available. People does not have much knowledge about the benefits of using

seaweeds as an organic fertilizer so they often let the seaweeds float around the shore near their

houses.
 In this situation, we opted to conduct this study to help the farmers, the students, as well

as the school for better yields of vegetables and IGP for the school.

Research Questions:

Generally, this study aims to determine the effects of Aragan seaweed (Sargassum

muticum) as organic fertilizer to the yield performance of the selected vegetable plants.

Specifically, this study will seek answer to the following questions:

1. Does the effect of the Sargassum liquid fertilizer used vary in the selected vegetable plants?

2. What is the effect of Aragan seaweed (Sargassum muticum) to the yield performance of the

selected plants in terms of:

A. number of fruits produced.

B. number of flowers produced.

3. Is there a difference in the yield performance of the selected vegetable plants grown in soil

with Sargassum compared to those grown in the soil without Sargassum?

Research Hypothesis

The researches proposed two hypotheses that the researcher need to prove or reject. They

are the null hypothesis (H0), and the alternative hypothesis (Ha).

H0- There is no significant relationship between the Sargassum organic fertilizer and the yield

performance of the selected plants.

Ha- There is a significant relationship between the Sargassum organic fertilizer and the yield

performance of the selected plants.

Scope and Delimitation

The scope of this study is to determine the effects of Sargassum on the yield performance

of eggplants. This study will only focus on the effects of Sargassum on the selected plants yield

performance. Additionally, this study will only consider the impact of Sargassum on the yield

performance of the selected plants and will not consider any potential effects on the nutritional

content or taste of the plants. The study will also be limited to a specific location and time

period, and the results may not necessarily be generalizable to other locations or time periods.

This was conducted at Rebecca National High School for the school year 2022-2023.

Benefits and Beneficiaries

Farmers and Gardeners

Organic fertilizer can help to improve crop yield and the overall health of plants,

benefiting those who rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Unlike most other fertilizers, they

contain naturally occurring growth stimulants for increasing crop yields that often cannot be

found elsewhere. They not only increase crop yield, but they also improve plant health

through resistance to stress, disease, illness and pests. Fruits and vegetables grown with seaweed

fertilizers benefit from longer life after maturity. Nothing will go to waste and you won’t have to
bin any of your bumper crops. The crops that will be sold will benefit the farmers and gardeners

who planted the crop.

The Environment

The use of organic fertilizers can help to reduce environmental pollution, benefiting

thewide ecosystem. The sargassum fertilizer helps the land and soil around the plant that help

grow them healthy.

Consumers

Organic fertilizers can help plants to produce healthier and more nutritious food,

benefiting those who consume these products. This will be beneficial to the people who will

consume the product.

Wildlife

The use of organic fertilizers can help to create a healthier and more sustainable

ecosystem, benefiting a wide range of animal species. This can help animal species have safe

habitat that will be beneficial to their future generation.

The Future Researchers

This study could help future researchers in improving this product and hopefully give

others an idea to innovate recyclable and sustainable materials which could help improve life.

This study can benefit their research in the future as it will give them better understanding about
the effect of aragan seaweed (Sargassum muticum) as organic fertilizer to the yield performance

of selected vegetable plants namely; beans, squash, tomato and bitter gourd.

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

History of Seaweed (Sargassum muticum)

For a very long time, seaweeds have been utilized along the European Atlantic Coast to

improve barren agricultural soils or soils close to the water’s edge. The Romans, the Romans

themselves, or the Celtic tribes of Gaul, Brittany and the British Isles are the originators of the

earliest written records in Europe. Through the historical bibliography, we depict Portuguese

regional customs like the Sargaco and Molico, which are very different from one another

because the former is a mixture of seaweeds, while the latter is a mixture of seaweeds and marine

plants, but which were both used for the same purpose: fertilizing less productive land. The

ecosystems of Sargaco and Molico, however, differ because one is located on a maritime coast

while the other is not.

Since 2015, exceptionally large quantities of sargasso have been arriving intermittently

on the Mexican Caribbean coast. Sargasso includes two holopelagic species, Sargassum natans

and S. fluitans, with several varieties. There are no records of sexual reproduction in these

species, and the algae are thought to spread exclusively by clonal reproduction by fragmentation

(José Luis Godínez-Ortega, 2021).

 Seaweed is a highly variable of trace minerals and hormones that promote plant growth,

making it a versatile fertilizer. Because seaweed has a lot of carbohydrates especially seaweed

Sargassum, which are crucial building blocks for developing plants, and little cellulose, it

decomposes quickly.

Sargassum is edible, it’s harvested to feed livestock too, and you can fry, boil, steam or

dry it. It’s played a part in Chinese medicine as far back as the 8th century, treating goiters (high

iodine content) and made into tea to control phlegm. Small gas-filled spheres resembling berries,

which keep the seaweed afloat, evoked memories of a type of grape known as salgazo (later

sargaço).

At first glance, beach-lovers might view it as nothing more than a foul-smelling

annoyance (and sure, you may want to keep your distance once it starts to decompose); however,

do remember that the once floating mats were home to (and source of food for) a huge variety of

sea life. In fact, several creatures, like the Sargassum fish (a type of frogfish), are born,

reproduce, and die solely within this environment.

Potential of Seaweeds

Sargassum is a genus of brown macroalgae (seaweed) that is widely distributed in

coastal areas around the world. It has been traditionally used for food, medicine, and fertilizers.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential uses of Sargassum for various

industrial and biomedical applications.

Sargassum contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as fucoxanthin,

phlorotannins, and sulfated polysaccharides, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-

cancer, and anti-obesity properties. Sargassum also has been shown to have potential as a source

of bioactive compounds for cosmetics, food, and feed additives, and as a natural adsorbent for

environmental remediation.

Additionally, Sargassum has been recognized as a source of valuable natural compounds,

such as phlorotannins, which are used in the production of cosmetics, drugs, and dietary

supplements. Sargassum biomass is also used as a biofuel, as a substrate for cultivation of

microorganisms and as a feed for aquatic animals.

However, large scale harvesting of Sargassum may also have negative impact on coastal

ecosystems and impact on the sustainability of the resources. Therefore, there is a need for a

more balanced approach to the exploitation of Sargassum resources, taking into account both the

potential benefits and the potential ecological risk

Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that is derived from natural sources such as plants,

animals, and minerals. It is a popular alternative to chemical fertilizers and has been the subject

of many studies in recent years.

One of the main benefits of using organic fertilizer is that it improves soil health. R. R.

organic fertilizer helps to increase the soil's organic matter content, which improves its structure

and water-holding capacity (Pernia and A. C. Balisacan, 2016). This results in better water

management and more efficient nutrient uptake by plants.

 Using organic fertilizer is that it can increase crop yields. Organic fertilizer can increase

crop yields by up to 20% compared to chemical fertilizer (J. S. Alviola and R. B. Reyes, 2015).

This is because organic fertilizer provides a steady supply of nutrients to plants, which results in

healthier and more productive crops.

Organic fertilizer also has positive environmental impacts. Organic fertilizer reduces the

risk of soil and water pollution, as it does not contain synthetic chemicals that can leach into the

environment (R. C. L. Briones and C. A. David, 2017). Additionally, organic fertilizer helps to

sequester carbon in the soil, which can help to mitigate the effects of global warming.

Organic fertilizer can also be more cost-effective than chemical fertilizers. Organic

fertilizer can be produced locally and is often cheaper than chemical fertilizers (J. M. Pablico and

G. R. B. Reyes, 2014). Organic fertilizer can help to reduce the costs of pest and disease

management, as it promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Therefore it is a

good option to be considered in agriculture and farming.

Sargassum as Organic fertilizer (Global)

Pelagic Sargassum inundation of North Atlantic coastlines is an ongoing challenge, but it

also presents new opportunities for value-added resource recovery. This study looked at the

techno-economic feasibility and environmental impact of using invasive brown seaweed and

food waste as feedstock for energy production and fertilizer recovery in Barbados. The

biorefinery concept under consideration was built with hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) and

anaerobic digestion (AD) technologies. Financial analyses of four different feedstock and

process scenarios (S1-S4) revealed a linear relationship between profitability and product sales
(electricity and fertilizer). In all cases, simply selling generated power to the national grid

resulted in a negative cash flow, necessitating the addition of fertilizer sales to achieve positive

cash flows. Furthermore, the net loss in the electricity-only scenarios exceeded that of landfill

disposal, the current Sargassum management operation on the island. The addition of solid

digestate to the revenue stream increased the process's profit margin and financial attractiveness.

Maximum income could be generated by supplying 100% of the digestate to international

markets. The recirculation of waste heat generated by a combined heat and power unit for HTP

reduced the input energy demand. It also reduced the potential environmental impact of landfill

disposal by more than tenfold. The recycling of liquid digestate reduced fresh water demand and

associated costs. Despite the encouraging results, process scaling and commercialization remain

major challenges, owing primarily to the seasonality and variability of Sargassum seaweed for

continuous bioprocessing. (Terrell M Thompson et. al., Energy Conversion and

Management 245, 114605, 2021)

Sargassum had a positive effect on the growth and yield of bell pepper plants. The study

found that the bell pepper plants fertilized with sargassum had a higher number of fruits, as well

as larger fruit size compared to plants fertilized with chemical fertilizers. (Nascimento et al.,

2019)

Sargassum as Organic fertilizer (National)

Aragan sargassum can form extensive sub-littoral stands in coastal Eastern Asia and

littoral regions, providing important ecosystem services like nutrient absorption, coastal

protection, nursery (Graham et al. 2009; Suárez-Castillo et al. 2013), and feeding grounds for
commercially important fishes and invertebrates (Coston-Clements et al. 1991; Tsukidate

1992; Hwang et al. 2006). Sargassum is also well known for producing economically valuable

natural products such as alginates, fucoidan, fucoxanthin, and lutein (Santiaez and Trono 2013).

In the Philippines, coastal populations use Sargassum as a cover for fishery products to prevent

desiccation and/or keep them fresh, a source of food, a raw material for fertilizer, an insect

repellant, a flower inducer (Montao et. al., 2006), animal feeds, and as a therapeutic drink

(McHugh, 1987).

During hatchery cultivation and out-planting of Optimal density and site selection

appeared to be required during hatchery cultivation and out-planting of Sargassum aquifolium.

Optimal density and site selection appeared to be required during hatchery cultivation and out-

planting of Sargassum aquifolium. Recruits on clay substrates matured first and were used for

out-planting. Overall, it was discovered that the clay substrate is suitable for cultivation.

(JesrelljaneAaron-Amper et. al., 2020)

Effects of Sargassum in Plants

Sargassum is a type of brown seaweed that is often used as a natural fertilizer. It is rich in

nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, which are essential for plant growth.

When applied to soil, Sargassum can help improve soil structure and drainage, as well as

increase the availability of nutrients to plants.

Eggplants are heavy feeders, meaning they require a lot of nutrients in order to grow and

produce healthy fruit. Sargassum fertilizer can be an effective way to provide the nutrients that
eggplants need in order to thrive. Here are a few ways that Sargassum fertilizer can contribute to

the growth of eggplants:

Sargassum contains high levels of nitrogen, which is an essential element for plant growth.

Nitrogen is involved in the production of chlorophyll, the pigment that allows plants to

photosynthesize and produce energy. Without sufficient levels of nitrogen, plants may have

stunted growth and yellowing leaves.

Sargassum is also a good source of potassium, which helps regulate water balance in plants

and aids in the production of proteins and carbohydrates. Potassium is important for strong root

growth and disease resistance in eggplants.

Sargassum contains phosphorous, which helps plants develop strong roots and grow

healthy fruit. Phosphorous is especially important for the early growth and development of

vegetable plants.

Overall, Sargassum fertilizer can be a beneficial addition to the soil for vegetable plants,

helping to provide the nutrients that they need in order to grow and produce healthy fruit. (R

Yusuf et. al., 2021)

Other Uses of Sargassum

Sargassum has potential in other areas such as aquaculture and bio medication. In

aquaculture, Sargassum has been used as a feed for several species of marine animals such as sea
urchins, abalones, and sea cucumbers. Studies have shown that these animals can grow well on a

diet of Sargassum and that the seaweed can improve the nutritional value of their flesh.

In terms of bioremediation, Sargassum has been studied for its potential to remove

pollutants from the environment, such as heavy metals and organic compounds. Sargassum's

ability to absorb and accumulate these pollutants makes it a potential candidate for use in

phytoremediation, the use of plants for the removal of contaminants from soil and water.

Sargassum has also been studied for its potential to be used as a substrate for the

cultivation of microorganisms, such as bacteria and algae, which can be used for the production

of biofuels, bioplastics, and other bioproducts.

Moreover, Sargassum has been also used in construction materials, as a source of iodine,

a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner, and as a source of carrageenan.

It's important to note that although there are many potential uses of Sargassum, further

research is needed to fully understand its properties and potential applications, as well as to

evaluate the ecological and economic feasibility of these uses.

Conceptual Framework

Sargassum can be applied to the soil as a liquid fertilizer. The appropriate application rate

will depend on the nutrient content of the Sargassum and the specific needs of the eggplants.

The effects of Sargassum fertilizer on the growth performance of eggplants may vary

depending on the growth stage of the plants, the application method and rate of the fertilizer, and

other environmental and management factors. Potential outcomes could include increased plant
 growth and fruit production, improved nutrient uptake and utilization, and increased resistance to

pests and diseases.

Research Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS Output

1. Sargassum 1. Data collection about 1. Yield of the selected
sargassum fertilizer. vegetable plants
2. Molasses
2. Making molasses.
3. Water
 Extract sugar cane
4. Baking Soda
juice
 Put it in a
casserole
 Boil the extract
until it is thick
3. Processing the organic
fertilizer.
 Washing the
seaweeds with
tap water
 Soak the
seaweeds to a
bucket with
water,
molasses, and
baking soda
Figure 1. Showing the flow of the Input, Process, and Output of the study.

Synthesis of the study

The collection of both global and national studies provides information to the researchers

that their study has similarities to other systems which are widely used. As stated, Sargassum as

organic fertilizer has brought a new option that will help us improve. The fertilizer will keep the

soil healthy while maintaining the quality of beans, bitter gourd, squash, and tomato.

The gathered information above is all related to the effects of Sargassum as an organic

fertilizer to the yield performance of the selected vegetable plants. It will give assurance that

Sargassum really help improve the yield performance of plants, especially beans, bitter gourd,

squash, and tomato. It also guarantees that the soil around will not be damaged by the used

fertilizer as it is made with organic ingredients.

Definition of Terms

Seaweed- A marine plant that contains trace minerals and plant nutrients like nitrogen,

phosphorus, and potassium.

Sargassum-A kind of seaweed used to produce fertilizer.

Beans- A plant vegetable.

Squash- A vegetable plant that crawls on the ground.

Bitter gourd- A bitter vegetable plant.

Tomato- A vegetable plant that is often used in Filipino household dishes.

Organic- Used only natural materials. Did not use any man-made chemicals.

Fertilizer- Help plants grow and decrease insect around the plant.

Organic Fertilizer-A fertilizer made up of ingredients from natural environment.

Baking -An additive added to the fertilizer to make it less acidic and prevents fungal growth.

Nitrogen- A component of seaweeds that enables the plant capture sunlight through

photosynthesis.

Water- A substance that help plants grow.

Phosphorus- A nutrient needed by plants to develop healthy and strong roots.

Sugar Cane- A sweet grass that is used to produce molasses.

Molasses- A thick sweet syrup made from sugar cane juice.

Sugar cane- A plant that has carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates- A component of sugar cane that is the energy source of plants.

 Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter of the research discusses the research methods and procedures used in the

study. It focuses the method used in conducting this research which covers research design,

research environment, materials and method, equipment, and data gathering procedures.

A. Research Design

The researchers made use of experimental design to explore effects of Aragan seaweed

(Sargassum muticum) as organic fertilizer to yield performance of the selected plants.

Experimental research design is a scientific approach where one or more independent variables

are manipulated and applied to one or more dependent variables to measure their effect. The

effects of independent variables to the dependent variables are observed and recorded over a

period of time to help researchers draw a reasonable conclusion about their relationship.

The experimental research design is widely used in physical and social sciences, psychology, and

education. It is based on the comparison between two or more groups with simple logic.

(Fleischer et. at., 2002)

 This experimental design uses plates with one common stain as the subject of the study

which undergo several studies subsequent treatments applied and replication to determine the

cause of change. There is control in this section in the subject that undergo randomized process.

The experiment is comprised of a treatment group (plants containing Sargassum fertilizer) and a

control group (no treatment at all).

Samples Selected How often do Allotted Time Allotted Time Number of Number of

Vegetable you spray the to Produce to Produce Flowers Fruits

Plants plants Flower Fruit Produced Produced

Beans 1 0 - - - -

Control Bitter Gourd 1 0 - - - -

Group Squash 1 0 - - - -

Tomato 1 0 - - - -

Beans 2 4 times a month - - - -

T1 Bitter Gourd 2 4 times a month - - - -

Squash 2 4 times a month - - - -

Tomato 2 4 times a month - - - -

Beans 3 2 times a month - - - -

T2 Squash 3 2 times a month - - - -

Bitter Gourd 3 2 times a month - - - -

Tomato 3 2 times a month - - - -

Experimental Treatment

Table 1. The treatments used in the study

 B. Locale of the Study

The Aragan seaweed (Sargassum muticum) were collected at Casitan seashore, Gonzaga

Cagayan. The entire experiment will be conducted at Rebecca National High School Gonzaga,

Cagayan in the school year of 2022-2023.

C. Materials and Methods

C1. Materials and Equipment

The materials used in producing Aragan (Sargassum muticum) fertilizer were Sargassum

seaweed, 2000 g; water, 2000 ml; molasses 20 ml; baking soda, 10 ml.

The different equipment and utensils used in producing Aragan seaweed (Sargassum

muticum) as organic fertilizer in the yield performance of eggplant were the following:

 Measuring cups- used to measure the amount of fertilizer to be put on the plant.

 Ladle– used to mix the seaweed extract.

 Bucket– used to contain the organic fertilizer.

 Gloves- used to protect our hands and avoid irritating our skin.

 Spray Bottle- used to spray the fertilizer to the plant.

 Stove- used to boil the molasses.

 Casserole- it is where you put the sugar cane juice before boiling it.

 Spoon- used to stir the sugar cane juice.

C2. Preparation and Process of Producing Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer

 The seaweed extract used in this study is obtained from Aragan seaweed (Sargassum) a

brown alga belonging to the family Sargassaceae. The algae were handpicked from the coastal

area of Casitan, Gonzaga Cagayan. It was transported to Rebecca Gonzaga, Cagayan. Here

samples were washed with tap water to remove excess saltwater then, use a weighing scale to set

aside 2000g of Sargassum seaweed. After that, fresh seaweed samples were soaked in a bucket

with 2000 ml of water, 20 ml of molasses, and 10ml of baking soda, stored in a room

temperature, and covered for 4 weeks. Then, the seaweed particles that is not diluted into the

extract was strained.

C3. Variables of the Study

Variables are the conditions or characteristics that the researcher manipulates, controls,

and observes (Best and Khan, 1993 p. 137). There are two kinds of variables in the study: the

independent ad dependent variables. The independent variable is the variable that influences or

affects the outcome of a dependent variable (Creswell, 2012, p. 116). The independent variable

in the study is the Sargassum seaweed fertilizer. The dependent variable is a variable that is

influenced or affected by the independent variable (Creswell, 2012, p. 115). The dependent

variable in this study is the yield performance of the selected vegetable plants.