---
# 🌿 **A Comparative Study of Beans Grown Using Organic Manure and
Artificial Fertiliser**
---
1.0 Introduction of the Project Log Sheet:
This project investigates the effects of two different fertilisation methods—
organic manure and artificial fertiliser—on the growth and performance of
bean plants. With increasing concern over soil degradation and the high cost
of synthetic fertilisers, this comparative study aims to guide learners,
educators, and farmers toward practical, sustainable agricultural solutions.
The log sheet records every stage, from land preparation to data
interpretation, highlighting observable differences in growth patterns and
productivity.
---
#1.1 Purpose of the Study:
The study aims to determine which fertiliser—organic or artificial—yields
better results in bean cultivation, based on factors such as germination rate,
plant height, pod development, and soil condition. It contributes to
environmental awareness and provides an evidence-based guide to
sustainable farming choices.
---
1.2 Objectives of the Study:
- To compare the germination rates of bean seeds under each treatment
- To measure the average plant height and observe signs of plant vigor
- To evaluate yield and overall plant health based on pod development
- To assess which method offers better soil enhancement and cost efficiency
- To make sustainable and practical recommendations for future use
---
1.3 Justification:
The project holds value for environmental, educational, and economic
reasons:
-Affordability: Organic manure is locally accessible and more affordable for
smallholder farmers
-Soil Quality: It improves texture, structure, and fertility with fewer chemical
residues
- Environmental Care: Excessive artificial fertiliser use can lead to pollution
and long-term soil damage
- Community Empowerment: The study equips learners and local growers
with knowledge to make informed planting decisions
- Scientific Inquiry: It nurtures investigative thinking and agricultural
awareness in young people
---
✏️1.4 Alteration of Study:
Some changes were made during the project’s execution:
- The planned control group (no fertiliser) was removed due to limited space
- The study focused on bean crops only, not other legumes
- Fertiliser effects were evaluated through direct observation rather than soil
lab testing
- All data was collected manually without use of electronic measuring tools
---
⚠️1.5 Limitations of the Study:
- Short time period may not reflect long-term effects
- Environmental changes (e.g., drought or wind) could have affected
outcomes
- Limited access to resources such as lab-grade soil analysis kits and
chemical pest control
- Interference from animals and inconsistencies in watering impacted
uniformity
- Subjective measurements and manual recording may introduce slight error
---
1.6 Hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H₀): There is no significant difference in the growth and
productivity of bean crops fertilised with organic manure compared to those
fertilised with artificial fertiliser
- Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): Organic manure leads to higher germination,
stronger growth, and better yield than artificial fertiliser
---
Chapter 3: Research Methodology:
---
3.1 Study Site:
The project was conducted in [insert location], a controlled outdoor garden
with access to consistent sunlight, soil moisture, and minimal human
disruption. The site was ideal due to its manageable size and resemblance to
real-life smallholder plots.
---
3.2 Experimental Design:
🌱 3.2.1 :Crop Selection
A uniform variety of ean seeds was used to ensure consistency in genetic
potential.
---
🌾 3.2.2: Land Preparation
Proper land preparation was crucial for uniform growth across test plots.
a) Clearing and Cleaning:
All previous vegetation, including weeds and debris, was cleared from the
site.
b) Removal of Stones and Stumps
Large stones, sticks, and roots were removed to create a smooth working
surface.
c) Primary Tillage:
The soil was tilled to a depth of 15–20 cm to aerate the ground, improve
drainage, and allow root penetration.
d) Secondary Tillage:
Soil was further broken down into finer particles, creating a level seedbed
ideal for sowing.
e) Organic Incorporation:
Organic manure was mixed into Plot A’s soil during tillage to distribute
nutrients evenly before planting.
f) Plot Layout and Levelling:
Two raised plots were marked out and levelled. Equal dimensions ensured
fairness in fertiliser performance comparison.
---
🧱 3.3 :Plot Setup and Planting-
| Plot | Fertiliser Type | Number of Seeds | Description |
|------|---------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| A | Organic Manure | 60 | Animal dung or compost integrated
into soil |
| B | Artificial Fertiliser (NPK) | 60 | Granular NPK applied in planting
furrows |
- Beans were planted 2–3 cm deep, spaced 20–30 cm apart
- Planting was done early in the morning to avoid heat stress
- Watering was done daily depending on weather conditions
---
3.4 Fertiliser Application Rate:
| Fertiliser Type | Application Rate | Application Time | Notes
|
|------------------------|----------------------|------------------------|----------------------------------
-------------|
| Organic Manure | 0.5–1 kg per m² | One week before planting |
Mixed directly into topsoil |
| Artificial Fertiliser | 10–20 g per m² (NPK) | At time of planting | Applied
beside seed rows and watered in |
Safety measures such as glove use and proper storage were practiced
throughout the process.
---
🌿 3.5 Crop Management Practices:
- Weeding: Weekly hand weeding was performed to reduce competition
- Watering: Adjusted daily based on soil moisture and rainfall
- Pest Management: No chemical pesticides were used; only clean water
sprays and manual removal of affected leaves
- Monitoring: Daily visual checks for signs of stunting, discoloration, or pest
damage
- Record Keeping: A notebook log was kept to document height, watering,
pod formation, and plant health
---
📋 3.6 Data Collection Methods:
- Quantitative:
- Number of seeds germinated
- Weekly plant height measurements (in cm)
- Final harvest counts for yield analysis
- Qualitative:
- Leaf colour and density
- Pod formation and visual plant health
- Changes in soil structure post-harvest
---
📈 Chapter 4: Results and Data Interpretation:
---
🌱 4.1 Germination Rate:
| Fertiliser Type | Seeds Planted | Seeds Germinated | Germination Rate |
|-------------------------|----------------|-------------------|------------------|
| Organic Manure | 60 | 56 | 93.3% |
| Artificial Fertiliser | 60 | 49 | 81.7% |
> Organic manure supported faster and more successful germination
compared to artificial fertiliser.
---
4.2 Plant Height (After 6 Weeks):
| Fertiliser Type | Average Height (cm) |
|-------------------------|---------------------|
| Organic Manure | 11 |
| Artificial Fertiliser | 9 |
> Organic treatment resulted in taller plants, suggesting better nutrient
uptake and steady growth.
---
🍃 4.3 General Observations:
| Trait | Organic Manure | Artificial Fertiliser |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------|
| Leaf Colour | Deep green | Pale/light green |
| Disease Resistance | Strong | Mild signs of yellowing |
| Pod Formation | Early and robust | Slight delay in
development |
| Soil Condition (Post-Harvest) | Moist, friable | Slightly hardened, drier
|
---
## 🧠 **4.4 Interpretation of Results**
- Organic manure contributed to stronger plant health, more pods, and
higher resilience
- Artificial fertiliser triggered quick early growth but lost effectiveness over
time
- Soil structure remained intact in the organic plot, while chemical plots
showed signs of compaction
---
✅ Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations:
---
5.1 Conclusion:
The comparative study demonstrated that **organic manure outperformed
artificial fertiliser** in almost all performance indicators. It boosted
germination, plant height, pod development, and soil texture more
effectively, making it a better long-term option for sustainable agriculture.
---
5.2 Recommendations:
- Farmers and educators should **promote organic manure** as a cost-
effective, eco-friendly fertiliser
- Composting and manure production can be integrated into school garden
programs
- Further research may investigate combining organic and artificial fertilisers
or applying them in sequence
- Investment in **awareness campaigns** on soil health could improve
productivity and protect ecosystems
---