The Viability of Coffee grounds mixed with garlic (Allium sativum) as an Organic Fertilizer

and Insect Repellent for Chinese cabbage/Pechay (Brassica rapa)

ABSTRACT

The research study was conducted to determine the insecticidal effect of garlic (Allium
sativum) and the fertilizing ability of coffee grounds (from Coffea liberica) when mixed and
applied to Pechay (Brassica rapa).

Pechay seeds were planted in an area under cool temperature and with rich soil. It is
prepared with three plots of treatment. The amount of the mixtures varies in each of the three
treatments. Treatment 1 with 1kg of coffee grounds and 250g of garlic extract; T2 with 1kg of
coffee grounds and 500g of garlic extract; T3 with 0 amount coffee grounds and 250g of garlic
extract. The garlic was blended with water a quarter of its amount and was mixed with the coffee
grounds respectively. The mixture was applied to the plant the moment after it was being sowed.

A Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used as an experimental design. ANOVA

was computed to determine the significant difference between treatments. Descriptive analysis
was used to show the possible differences in the physical appearance of the plants four weeks
after applying the treatment.

Results showed that treatment 2 (1kg of coffee grounds and 500g of garlic extract)
denoted the faster growth of the plant and having less signs of insect infection since the amount
of coffee grounds is 1kg, enough Nitrogen compounds the plant could sustain, and received also
500g of garlic, which signified that it also has enough thiosulfinate the Pechay could resist
against insects.

Treatment 1 differs from Treatment 2 since the pechay in T1 has lower height and
narrower leaves than those in T2, yet they both have the same amount of coffee grounds. Hence,
the researchers concluded that the reason why the plants in T2 is healthier than those in T1, is
because when the garlic extract become rotten (which also multiplies the amount of
thiosulfinate) its residues becomes part of the soil layer, making it an another fertilizer to the
plant.

The application of this treatment is an effective way of repelling insects and pests against
pechay (Brassica rapa) and also as a fertilizer in such. It can be a good alternative source for
chemical products since it is organic and economical in a way that it is available locally

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 INTRODUCTION
Pechay (Brassica rapa), a fast-growing member of the cabbage family, is susceptible to

all the pests common to other members of the Brassica family. Control of pechay pests, leaf-

feeding caterpillars and insects, can be achieved with organic insecticides.

It is consumed as raw and cooked. Ideally, it is taken in raw to prevent possible loss of its

nutritional value when heated.

Application of organic fertilizers is one of the favored methods of rejuvenating depleted

soils and sustaining fertility levels. In mature soils, crops respond more to the addition of organic

fertilizers than of chemicals. (PCARRD, 2006).

Problems regarding the situation is now massive throughout the country. Growing pechay

is not only for home consumption but also for source of income that help Filipino farmers.

Likewise, this study extends to test a substrate that can possibly increase production of

pechay (Brassica rapa L.). The researchers thought that coffee grounds can be a good organic

fertilizer since it is an excellent free source of nitrogen, an element all plants need.

It has come to their mind that using coffee grounds as an organic fertilizer is a thing

common to farmers who would need the help. The researchers think that adding some substance

or extract can effectively improve the ability of coffee grounds to fertilize the soil.

On the other hand, they think that adding some Allium species can actually help the

experiment. Since it contains much sulphur that can be responsible for insecticidal activities.

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 They (Allium sativum) are a rich source of several phytonutrients, and recognized to have

significant and wide biological activities. These biological activities are related to the

thiosulfinates, volatile sulfur compounds which are responsible for the pungency of the

vegetable. However, depending on the Allium species, and under differing conditions,

thiosulfinates can decompose to form additional sulfur constituents.

Figure 1. Coffee grounds from brewed coffee

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 PROBLEM

Pechay (Brassica rapa) is one of the major table vegetable here in the Philippines, and

also one of the source of income of some farmers. Pechay would need fertilizers and insecticide

for its growth so it could attain high value in the market. Farmers spend money to buy chemical

fertilizers and insecticides for the plant to be rich physically. But effects from the chemical used

can negatively affect not only the plant itself, but also the person who will consume it raw.

However, chemical fertilizers and insecticides are tested for food effects before it is

released but there will still be a negative one once it is applied.

Chemical products, once misused and mishandled will be a great disgust to farmers. It

will force them to plant another seed and in line with that, it will make them spend money one

more time.

Once chemical products are applied, some of the nutritional value of the plant could be

depleted. The researchers don’t want people to consume Pechay or any other plant with its

phytonutrients being reduced.

This study would like to help people, especially farmers in growing Pechay plant

organically and cost efficient that would improve their product and living.

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Figure 2. Mild infection of insects on Pechay plant

Figure 3. Worse infection of insects on Pechay plant

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Figure 4. Pechay plants growth after 10 days

Figure 5. Pechay plants growth after 15 days

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Figure 6. Pechay plants growth after 4 weeks

Figure 7. Pechay plant from Treatment 1

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 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study is to test the effectiveness of using coffee grounds and

garlic as fertilizer and insecticide to the growth of Pechay.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. give farmers an alternative source of insecticide and fertilizer;

2. give people information about the effectiveness of the study;

3. help farmers find a cost efficient product that will help them grow Pechay effectively;

and

4. recommend the proper amount of coffee grounds and garlic to be used in a Pechay

plant.

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 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Pechay (Brassica rapa)

Pechay (Pak Choi) is a Chinese cabbage. It is one of the most known vegetables in the

Philippines. It is also known as one of the oldest green vegetables in Asia. The Pechay differs in

many aspects from other (for instance European) cabbages. The leaves of the Pechay vary in

length from 10 to 30 cm. The leaves are green and mild flavoured and less crisp than other

cabbages.

It is an erect, biennial herb, cultivated as an annual about 15-30 cm tall in vegetative

stage. Ovate leaves are arranged spirally and spreading. The petioles are enlarged and grow

upright forming a subcylindrical bundle. Inflorescence is a raceme with pale yellow flowers.

Seeds are 1 mm in diameter and are reddish to blackish brown in color.

Pechay is used mainly for its immature, but fully expanded tender leaves. The succulent

petioles are often the preferred part. It is used as main ingredient for soup antir-fried dishes. In

Chinese cuisine, its green petioles and leaves are also used as garnish.

Coffee Grounds (from Coffea liberica)

Coffee grounds are an excellent free source of nitrogen, an element all plants need. A

common misconception about coffee grounds as a fertilizer is that it may cause problems

because of high acidity. But coffee grounds are close to neutral, with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8,

making them a good choice for all plants. (Selvey, 2013)

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Garlic (Allium sativum)

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium.

From a fundamental point of view, the antibacterial activity of Allium thiosulfinate-

extracts has been extensively investigated, however, these investigations focused mainly on

onion and garlic. However, onion is not as potent as garlic since the sulfur compounds in onion

are only about one-quarter the level found in garlic. (Lanzotti, 2007)

Allium sativum, which has thiosulfinate content that can help to repel unwanted insects
and pests that may affect the growth of the subject (pechay).

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 HYPOTHESIS
Null

 Mixing garlic extract with coffee grounds has no significant effect on the growth of

Pechay.

 The amount of garlic extract with coffee grounds has no significant effect on the growth

of Pechay.

 The amount of coffee grounds has no significant effect on the growth of Pechay.

Alternative

 Mixing garlic extract with coffee grounds has a significant effect on the growth of

Pechay.

 The amount of garlic extract with coffee grounds has a significant effect on the growth of

Pechay.

 The amount of coffee grounds has a significant effect on the growth of Pechay.

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 METHODOLOGY

Preparation of the Experimental Area

An area in a coconut farm in Brgy. Nonong San Luis, Aurora was selected since its soil is

rich and the place is aloof. It also has cool temperature that helps the plant to survive.

In the selected area, three rows were prepared 10 inches between each.

Preparation of the Mixture

1kg of garlic was blended and extracted and divided into two 250g and one 500g, water a

quarter of its mass is also added. After blending the garlic with water, the three parts were mixed

and agitated with the coffee grounds (two 1kg) using a spatula.

Planting of the Pechay seeds and Applying of the Mixture

Pechay seeds were gathered and are sowed in the three plots 5 inches between each. After

sowing, the mixtures are applied in each plot.

Test on the Fertilizing and Insect repelling ability

Five weeks after the application of the treatment to each plot, height and size of leaves

are measured. CRD was used as the experimental design and ANOVA was used to determine the

level of significance. Descriptive analysis was also used to differ the treatments from each other.

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Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3
(1kg coffee grounds, 250g (1kg coffee grounds, 500g (0 coffee grounds, 250g garlic
garlic extract) garlic extract) extract)

Table 1. Arrangement of Treatments

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The effects of coffee grounds and garlic extract to the plant

The effect of coffee grounds and garlic extract to the growth of pechay at different
variations observed is shown in the following tables.

Table 2. Frequency of the height of plants on each treatment (in cm)

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3

13 22 5
14 23 6
15 24 7
16 25 8
17 26
27
x = 15 x = 24.5 x = 6.5

Results showed that the mean height of plants in T2 registered the highest effect of coffee
grounds and garlic on the plant. Followed by T1 while T3 showed the lowest effect, which
indicates that the organic fertilizers (coffee grounds and decomposed garlic bits) actually helped
the plant grow immediately.

Table 3. Frequency of the size of the leaves of plant on each treatment (in cm)

Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3

7 14 4
8 15 5
9 16 6
10 17 7
x = 8.5 x = 15.5 x = 5.5

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 Results showed that the mean size of leaves of plants in T2 registered the widest/biggest
size because of the repelling effect of the thiosulfinate from the garlic extract. It showed the
biggest size because it was less infected and bitten by the insects compared to T1 and T3.

Table 4 ANOVA of Height

Source of variation d.f S.S MS F

Treatments 2 795.24 397.62 127.23*
Error 12 37.5 3.125
Total 14 832.74
*Significant at 50 level

Table 5 ANOVA of Size of Leaves

Source of variation d.f S.S MS F

Treatments 2 210.67 105.335 63.07*
Error 9 15 1.67
Total 11 225.67
*Significant at 50 level

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that treatment levels had significant effect on the growth
of pechay. The ANOVA of the height of the plant indicated that there is a high significant effect,
while the ANOVA of the size of leaves indicated that there is average significant effect.

The alternative hypothesis is accepted since it all had effects on the subject. However, the use of
this treatment should be regulated according to the amount and kind of plant.

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 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The researchers concluded that applying a mixture of 1kg coffee grounds and 500g of
garlic extract is enough for the plant (pechay) to grow healthy and with less signs of infection
according to the alternative hypothesis.

It is also concluded that bits of garlic will decompose with the coffee grounds and will
suddenly help the said fertilizer to be more effective. The researchers also observed that the
coffee grounds help prevent the growth of side grasses that abrupt the growth of the subject. It is
because of the chemical components of the coffee grounds that avoid the progression of some
grasses.

Based on the experiment, the researchers suggest that the use of this treatment be
regulated and not too much, since garlic contains much sulphur the plant would not sustain in the
future.

Application of the treatment may not be suitable with other plant since some plants can’t
survive with too much acidity from the coffee grounds and too much thiosulfinate from the
garlic. The researchers recommend the usage of T2 for only 3sq.m of pechay plant.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxchemicallisting.asp?sysid=31

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http://www.rabimusah.com/organosulfur.htm

https://chempics.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/onion-garlic-and-chives-allium-spp/

http://ascot.edu.ph/research/2013/02/15/product-and-process-improvement-of-aurora-blend-
coffee/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/pesticides-used-pechay-101245.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cabbage

http://www.eisrjc.com/documents/EFFECT_OF_ORGANIC_FERTILIZER_ON_THE_GROWT
H_PERFORMANCE_Of_Brassica_rapa_1389759062.pdf

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