BIBLIOGRAPHY KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012. Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia
diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Magdalena D. Pandosen, MSc.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted from October 2010 to Sept 2011 to describe a wild
sunflower ecosystem under La Trinidad soil series; determine some soil chemical
properties; determine the microbial growth and population; and relate some soil chemical
properties to microbial population.
The Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) ecosystem under La Trinidad soil series
is characterized to be flat, hilly to steep slopes (1,113-1,430 m elevation). Tithonia
diversifolia love to grow on vacant lots full of biological wastes, garbage pits near
households, road cuts, levees,, and in suburbs. The only weed observed that grow together
with Tithonia diversifolia is the Pennisetum pupureum (napier or Uganda grass).
The pH of the different La Trinidad soil types is characterized as extremely acid to
slightly acid condition ranging from 4.3 to 6.6 under a Tithonia diversifolia both at
rhizosphere and distance away. The OM content of the soils in a wild sunflower between
the rhizosphere and lateral distance away are described to be low to adequate range.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Tithonia diversifolia has an acidifying effect on the soil and utilizes and contributes
much to the soil OM, thereby, influencing microbial growth in the 15 cm and 30 cm
rhizospere depth.
Possible beneficial bacterial growth is a presumptive evidence of antibiotics under
a wild sunflower ecosystem on the different La Trinidad soil series.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Description of a Wild Sunflower Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad Soil Series
Ambassador silt loam. Soils at a wild sunflower ecosystem were sampled in Shilan at an
elevation of 1,378 meters. The wild sunflower plants at the time of sampling were at their
late vegetative stage but some were on their state of decomposition due to typhoons. The
area is located near an abandoned business establishment and is robustly growing on a
piled-up limestone rocks. Above the area is an excavation for an ongoing development.
Wild sunflower growing in the vicinity are abundant at road cut edges. The soil color is
dark reddish brown (moist consistence) and dull orange (dry consistence).
Bakakeng clay. Soil samples of this type were taken in Beckel, in between houses at the
edge of garbage pits and near fences at an elevation of 1,430 meters. Soil color is orange
both at moist and dry consistence.
Bineng sandy clay. Soil samples were taken in Bineng 1,295 meters high. Wild sunflower
plants were prominently growing at the edge of roads, on rocky and vacant lots. The
growth stage of the wild sunflower was at its active vegetative stage. It was further
observed that wild sunflower growth was better on dumped soils and edge of roads. . The
soil color on site was dark brown (moist consistence) and dull brown (dry consistence).
Buyagan clay loam. The samples were taken at the riverbanks and leeve of the Balili River
1333 m high. The site is usually where weed trims from the oval and other garbage are
dumped. Sun flower plants were robustly growing at its late vegetative stage. Further
observations show that the plant grows well on soils classified as alluvial soils. These
types of soils are usually silt loam or clay loam. Accumulation of plastic bags, and other
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
sort of garbage was a common feature in the site. The soil color observed was pole yellow
both under moist and dry consistence.
Halsema clay loam. Soil samples were taken in Shilan on a hilly portion edge of the road
1,364 m high and above the site are terraces being planted with vegetables. Weed stubbles
seemed to have been dumped at the edges of the gardens but no weed growth observed.
The parent material in the site is limestone. The soil color is dark reddish brown (moist
condition) and dull reddish brown (dry condition).
La Trinidad loam. Soil samples were taken at a vacant lot in Pines Park, Lubas surrounded
by houses 1,331 m high. The soil in the area is described as entisol with a thin brown
colored top soil produced from a limestone parent material. A prominent and evident
observation on exposed limestone rocks is the lone growth of wild sunflower. This suggests
a nutrient sequestering capability of wild sunflower from the rock. Further, wild sunflower
grows vigorously near canals and pits near houses. The brown color is due to the
accumulated organic material decomposed from the wild sunflower stubbles.
Puguis gravelly loam. Soil samples were taken in Pico at a vacant lot, at the base of a pine
forested mountain 1,350 m high. The sunflower plants were robustly growing on a soil
classified as colluvial. The soil color is brown (moist consistence) and dull yellow orange
(dry consistence). More over no other crops grow simultaneously with wild sunflower
except the napier grass or Uganda grass (Pennisetum purpureum).
Rough mountainous land. Soil sample were collected at the mountainous part of Alno, at
the edges of the road 1,113 m high. Sunflower growth as further observed is vigorous on
colluvial soils. The color is grayish yellow (moist consistence) and dull grayish yellow
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
(dry consistence). It was further observed that the only weed growing together with wild
sunflower is the napier grass or Uganda grass (Pennisetum purpureum).
Tacdian clay loam. Samples were collected in Bahong at the edges of a private road cut
1,296 m high. Wild sunflower growth was vigorous at their early vegetative stage and the
soils in the area are loose, thus the roots were observed as deep as one meter. The color is
brown (moist condition) and dull orange (dry condition).
Some Chemical Properties of Wild Sunflower
Ecosystem Under La Trinidad Soil Series
Soil pH
Ambassador silt loam. The soil pH obtained from a wild sunflower rhizosphere (15 cm
depth) is 4.0. This value significantly differs from the soil pH obtained from a lateral
distance away with a mean of 5.1 (Table 1). This soil is classified to be extremely acidic
and moderately acidic respectively (Fitzpatrick, 1999).
The result could be attributed to several factors like plant uptake, root exudates, and
decomposition in the rhizosphere by microorganisms (Fitzpatrick, 1987). Further,
Table 1. pH of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.0b
Lateral distance away
5.1a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
(PCARRD, 1999) reported that one of the major causes of acidity in the rhizosphere is
from microbial activities producing sulfates and weakly dissociated organic acids. The
sulfur and ammonium ions released from the decomposition or mineralization of organic
materials could be oxidized to dilute HNO3 (Nitric acid) and H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid) that
release H+ in the soil solution. Microbial population as scientists claim is much higher in
the rhizosphere than at a distance because of the presence of substrate released by the roots
Bakakeng clay. Table 2 presents the soil pH of 4.4 from the rhizosphere and a pH of 4.2
obtained from a lateral distance. Although the pH differences from both are not significant,
Bakakeng clay is classified to be extremely acidic. The Cordillera belongs to a humid
region with plentiful of rainfall that enhances leaching of base forming cations leaving the
sesquioxides. In more humid areas, leaching depletes the upper horizons of Ca and other
based-forming cations (Brady and Weil, 1996). Based on observation, the color in the field
was orange and orange is nearly like the shade of the color red. Generally, red soils are
very acidic due to the oxidized iron (Fe3+). According Miller and Gardiner (2001), in
nature, acidic soils remain acidic. Therefore plants that live on acidic
Table 2. pH of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.4a
Lateral distance away
4.2a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
soils must tolerate the acidity that is present in the soil. They also mentioned that acidic
soils are leached soils, the more leached they are, usually the more strongly acidic they are.
Bineng sandy clay. The soil pH of Bineng sandy clay at the rhizosphere is greater with a
mean of 5.2 compared to a lateral distance with a lower soil pH of 4.7. The difference
between the two is found to be significant due to the fact that at a distance are pine trees.
Soils under pine are acidic.
La Trinidad, Benguet is subject to heavy rainfall during the months of June to November.
This could be the cause of the soil to become acidic. Johnson (1914) stated that rainfall is
most effective in causing the soil to become acidic if a lot of water moves through the soil
rapidly. Bineng sandy clay has sand content that contribute to the presence of macropores
which acts as avenues for percolating water. According to the above author sandy soils are
often the first to become acidic because water percolates rapidly, and contain only a small
reservoir of bases (buffer capacity) due to low clay and organic matter contents. However,
the above result implies an advantageous effect of the root in protecting the bases from
being leached so that the pH in the rhizosphere is higher than at a lateral distance.
Table 3. pH of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
5.2a
Lateral distance away
4.7b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 4. pH of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Rhizosphere
5.2a
Lateral distance away
5.8a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Buyagan clay loam. The difference between the rhizosphere soil pH of 5.2 and soil pH 5.8
at a lateral distance is not significant as shown in Table 4. However, the soil pH at a lateral
distance is slightly higher than the soil pH of the rhizosphere. Considering the soil type, it
is most likely that it has a contribution to the soil pH. Fine soils like Buyagan clay loam
have higher CEC and higher buffering capacity so that any change in the environment
would have lesser influence on the soil.
Halsema clay loam. A highly significant soil pH difference was obtained from the
rhizosphere compared to a lateral distance. The rhizosphere reveals a more acidic pH (4.3)
than the lateral distance with a pH 5.4
Table 5. pH of Halsema clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.3b
Lateral distance away
5.4a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Being a fine textured soil as Buyagan clay loam, the contributory factor could be attributed
to leaching from the upper terraced garden and the rooting system of the wild sunflower.
The roots of this plant extends deep so that the percolating water due to high rainfall follows
the path of the extending roots.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
La Trinidad loam. The pH of the La Trinidad loam taken in Pines Park, Lubas registered
a slightly acidic pH of 5.6 under a wild sunflower rhizosphere. This value is significantly
higher than the pH 5.4 taken from a lateral distance or no wild sunflower. The pH of La
Trinidad loam is classified to be moderately acidic due to the fact that accumulation of wild
sunflower debris was observed at the base of the sampled area.
Wild sunflower plant is known to absorb more calcium (Pandosen, 1986) and other non-
acid cations thus when decomposed releases these ions into the soil solution. Moreover,
the parent material in the site is limestone and is moderately weathered thereby more non-
acid cations present. As plants absorbnon-acid cations, they exude protons (H+) which
contribute to soil acidity.
Table 6. pH of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
5.6a
Lateral distance away
5.4b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 7. pH of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
5.2b
Lateral distance away
4.6a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Puguis gravelly loam. This soil type registered a higher soil pH of 5.2 in the
rhizosphere compared to a lower mean pH of 4.6 registered by the sample taken from a
lateral distance (no wild sunflower). The mean difference is highly significant indicating
the influence of the type of soil and wild sunflower itself. The area where wild sunflower
was abundant was a colluvial soil eroded from the adjacent mountain. Usually, colluvial
soils show gravelly soils because the topsoil is the first to be detached, hence the first to
land upon deposition at the lower slope. Current crops observed at a lateral distance where
no sunflower growth observed were galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora) and cogon (Imperata
cylindrical). In fact, cogon is one among the indicator plants used by farmers for soil
acidity. Due to acidity, wild sunflower is seldom observed on intensively cropped area.
Rough mountainous land. Rough mountainous land where wild sunflower thrive
was sampled in Alno, La Trinidad, Benguet. The soil pH under wild sunflower
rhizosphere registered a pH of 5.1 (strongly acid) while soil pH at a lateral distance was
5.8 (moderately acid). The difference between the two is found to be highly significant.
The steep slopes and road cuts on the mountains were where wild sunflower growth is
abundant. Usually, these kinds of spots are rocky thus still contain most of their
Table 8. pH of Rough mountainous land wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
5.1b
Lateral distance away
5.8a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
elemental constituents. Wild sunflower has somewhat like a scavenging ability of
extracting directly its nutrients from the rocks. Brady and Weil (1996) mentioned that as
the soluble Ca and Mg are removed from the soil by the growing plant or by leaching, the
percentage base saturation and pH are gradually reduced. Usually, limestone being the
major parent material of soils in the Cordillera is inhabited by wild sunflower in the
presence of water or rainfall. Everytime the roots of plants absorb, they exude protons (H+).
Soil pH under rhizosphere may decrease because of microbiological activities. Gray and
Williams (1971) published that enzymes released by microorganisms can also be absorbed
on the particles and hence be subjected to a lower pH than that in the ambient solution.
Tacdian clay loam. The Tacdian clay loam has a pH of 4.6 in the wild sunflower
rhizosphere which is much lower compared to the pH at a lateral distance (no wild
sunflower) with a mean of 6.6 (Table 9). The difference between the two means is highly
significant.
The root surface can differ from bulk soil in pH and in concentration of anions and
cations (Anderson and Ingram, 1993). Ions which are rapidly absorbed by the root,
Table 9. pH of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.6b
Lateral distance away
6.6a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
may be at very low concentration at the surface. As cations are absorbed they can be
replaced by H+, and in this way there can be a reduction of rhizosphere pH of 5 to 4 with
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
the absorption of NH +
4 from ammonium sulfate. Conversely, rhizosphere pH can rise
following absorption of anions such as nitrate. These pH changes and associated effects on
solubility of other ions can have very marked selection effects on the rhizosphere micro
flora.
General Observation
It is observed in Figure 2 that the pH under La Trinidad soil series in a wild
sunflower rhizosphere is lower compared to the soil pH at a lateral distance away. The
contributory factors to such are the deep rooting system of wild sunflower which allow
leaching of non-acid cations due to high rainfall in the sites; root exudates like protons (H+)
released as plants absorb non-acid cationic nutrient elements; OM decomposition and
microbial population.
Wild sunflower plants acidify the soil due to its sequestering ability. However, when used
as an organic fertilizer, it increases the soil pH (Pandosen, 1986).
7
a
Rhizosphere
b
b
6
a
a
Lateral distance
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
5
a
b
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
b
a
a
b
BC-Bakakeng clay
H 4
p
BSC-Bineng sandy clay
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
oil 3
S
HCL-Halsema clay loam
LTL-La trinidad loam
2
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
RML- Rough mountanous
1
land
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
0
ASL
BC
BSC BCL HCL
LTL
PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 2. Soil pH of the different La Trinidad soil series under wild sunflower ecosystem
between rhizosphere and lateral distance away
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Organic Matter Content of the
Different La Trinidad Soil Series.
Ambassador silt loam. Table 10 shows a highly significant difference between the organic
matter content of the soil obtained from the rhizosphere compared to a lateral distance in a
wild sunflower ecosystem with means of 0.51% and 2.21% respectively. This result could
be attributed to plant uptake. The wild sunflower roots can easily extend to the underground
soils and as it grows, it utilizes nutrients.
Further, microorganisms usually proliferate and are greater in population where plant
residues are. These are their source of energy as they decompose the plant residues like
leaves and twigs that fall from the wild sunflower itself. The nutrients from the soils are
being used quickly by the wild sunflower plant especially within the rhizosphere
(Alexander, 1961).
Table 10. OM content of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
0.51b
Lateral distance away
2.21a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Bakakeng clay. The organic matter content of the wild sunflower rhizosphere is higher with
a mean of 2.49% compared to the OM content of the soil at a lateral distance with a mean
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
of 0.66% as shown in Table 11. The difference between the two is highly significant
implying the vital role of wild sunflower as source of OM.
According to Singer and Munns (2006), clay soils absorb water on their surface or lose
water from their charges, thus more of the organic materials are bound in clay-humus
complexes or sequestered inside soil aggregates. Further (Brady and Weil, 2008)
mentioned that rhizosphere is greatly enriched in organic compounds excreted by the roots.
Table 11. OM content of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
2.49a
Lateral distance away
0.66b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Bineng sandy clay. The higher organic matter content (3.92%) of the wild sunflower
rhizosphere is highly significant over the organic matter content (1.67%) at a lateral
distance as shown in Figure 3. One of the several reasons why organic matter in rhizosphere
is higher than distance away is that microbial activity is higher in the rhizosphere and root
zone. Brady and Weil (2002) claim that the zones are greatly enriched in organic
compounds excreted by the roots. In addition, droppings from the wild sunflower together
with the garbage from households were observed to have been decomposed at the plant
base. The lower soil OM at a lateral distance away may be attributed to decomposed pine
needles.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Parnes (1986) says that dead leaves and drops from a tree will be available upon
decomposition by micro organism from the rhizosphere or root zone. Similarly
(Fitzpatrick, 1987) mentioned that greatest amount of organic matter is derived from plants
both from the above ground parts as well as from roots. Generally, leaves and needles
constitute up to 80% of the litter, while roots make up of the 20%.
Buyagan clay loam. Table 13 shows that 1.91% organic matter content of the soil in wild
sunflower rhizosphere is lower than the lateral distance with a mean of 2.60%.
Table 12. OM content of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
3.92a
Lateral distance away
1.67b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 13. OM content of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
1.91a
Lateral distance away
2.60a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
The difference between the two, however, is not significant. The result could be attributed
to plant uptake due to the rooting system of wild sunflower and leaching due to the weather.
La Trinidad was struck by typhoon three days before sampling. Run off of nutrients through
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
heavy rains occur when the water moves down the slopes to streams and rivers (PCARRD,
1999).
Halsema clay loam. The soil organic matter content of the rhizosphere is higher
with 2.05% than at a lateral distance which is 1.73%. The difference between the two is,
however, not significant. The result could be due to the young vegetative stage of wild
sunflower at the sampling date and the plant stubbles dumped at the base of the plant.
Laegreid et al (1999) mentioned that organic matter content of a soil tends towards an
equilibrium level that depends on the rates of microbial breakdown of recently added
organic matter and soil humus compounds, soil type, climate and others.
Nutrient availability depends on the population of soil microorganism that is involved in
decomposing the organic residue in the soil making it available to plants.
Table 14. OM content of Halsema clay laom under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
2.05a
Lateral distance away
1.73b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
La Trinidad loam. Table 15 shows that soil organic matter in a wild sunflower rhizosphere
is 8.23% which is higher at a lateral distance away with 7.58%. This can be confirmed by
the brown color. The vacant lot where wild sunflower was growing had some decomposed
plant litter at the base. Likewise, plant stubbles from weeds were observed to have
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
accumulated at the wild sunflower base. The lower SOM at a distance away is due to the
growth of weeds. Weeds are plants too that compete with soil constituents.
Soil organisms are beneficial to plants through their activities like organic matter
decomposition, nitrogen fixation and others. These soil microorganisms are more likely
present in the rhizosphere and root zone, thus microbial activity is higher in wild sunflower
rhizosphere making the organic matter content higher than in the distance away or no wild
sunflower has grown.
Table 15. OM content of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
8.23a
Lateral distance away
7.58a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Puguis gravelly loam. The soil organic matter obtained is lower in rhizosphere than at a
lateral distance, however, there is no significance between the mean differences. It is
reasonably clear that the nutrients in the decaying organic residue were utilized by wild
sunflower. Parnes (1986) stated that nutrient from the organic matter are being used quickly
by plants which could affect the availability of nutrients in the soil.
Rough mountainous land. The 3.20% organic matter content as shown in Table 17
obtained from rhizosphere is higher as compared to a lateral distance (no wild sunflower)
with a mean of 2.47%. The difference of the two is highly significant.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
The sampling site in Alno La Trinidad is a mountainous area, where wild
sunflowers are abundantly growing. The leaves and twigs of wild sunflower decompose
Table 16. OM content of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
3.14a
Lateral distance away
3.21a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 17. OM content of Rough mountainous land under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
3.20a
Lateral distance away
2.47b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
in the rhizosphere by microbial activity, thus making the organic matter content of the soil
higher compared to a lateral distance.
Tacdian clay loam. (Parnes, 1986) mentioned that many of the active organic substances
are water soluble and can be leached easily, hastening the depletion of soils, especially in
humid climates. Singer and Munns (2006) mentioned that soil microorganisms eventually
utilize all the elements in humus unless it is protected. This could be the attributary factor
to the lower OM content obtained from the rhizosphere (3.19%) compared to the higher
OM at a lateral distance of 4.04%. the mean difference is significant.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
(PCARRD, 1999) added that leaching is the loss of soil nutrients from the root zone of the
plants through the action of water. It occurs especially under frequently flooded soil
condition or whenever soil water moves by diffusion out of the root zone. The wild
sunflower root growth is deep downward and as the root expands and grows, it needs
nutrients for growth. Further the organic matter and other nutrients are being lost through
the movement of water downward following the roots movement. The vigorous growth of
wild sunflower manifests the utilization of OM in the rhizosphere compared to the lateral
distance or no wild sunflower.
Table 18. OM content of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.11a
Lateral distance away
3.79a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
General Observation
The OM content of the different La Trinidad soils series under a wild sunflower
ecosystem between the rhizosphere and at a lateral distance is shown in Figure 3. There
are no definite and distinct differences on the OM content of the soils due maybe to the
types of soil and the growth stage of wild sunflower. Within the sampling sites where
young plants are growing, lower OM was observed meaning the plants are utilizing it.
Whereas in some areas, old plant droppings are decomposing while young ones are
emerging. Further, as mentioned in the previous discussion OM too is easily subject to
leaching process rendering the loss of these materials.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
9
a
Rhizosphere
a
a
8
a
Lateral distance
7
r
e
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
6
att
BC- Bakakeng clay
5
BSC- Bineng sandy clay
M
c
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
4
a a
a
b
HCL-Halsema clay loam
3
a
a
b
LTL- La trinidad loam
a
Organi
a
a
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
2
b
a
RML-Rough mountanous
1
b
b
land
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
0
ASL BC BSC BCL HCL LTL PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 3. OM content of the different La Trinidad soil series under wild sunflower
ecosystem between rhizosphere and lateral distance away
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Some Biological Properties of Wild Sunflower
Ecosystem Under La Trinidad Soil Series
Bacterial Population
Ambassador silt loam. Table 19 shows the bacterial population at 15 cm and 30cm
rhizosphere depth. It shows in the Table that a mean population of 226,725 from the subsoil
is highly significant over the surface (15cm) depth with a mean of 13,603. The result could
be attributed to the rooting system of the wild sunflower which penetrates deep.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 19. Bacterial population of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
13,603b
30 cm (subsoil)
226,725a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Walker (1975) mentioned that as roots move through soil, root cap cells provide
nutrients near the tip and elongating zone, but as plants age, root hairs and cortical cells die
and all this tissue becomes available to feed many microbes. Considering that the
wildsunflower roots reaches 30 cm to one meter depth.
Bakakeng clay. Table 20 presents the number of bacterial population of 2,240 from the 15
cm depth and 1,873 obtained from a 30 cm depth. Although the bacterial population
difference is not significant, it was still observed that a higher number of bacteria were
obtained from a 15 cm depth. One reason which Alexander (1977) mentioned is the
availability of residues of roots or above ground tissue which is more on the surface ground
(15cm) than subsurface ground (30cm).
Table 20. Bacterial population of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
2,240a
30 cm (subsoil)
1,873 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
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Table 21. Bacterial population of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
105,845 a
30 cm (subsoil)
130,856 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Bineng sandy clay. The bacterial population for Bineng sandy clay is higher at 30 cm depth
with a mean of 130,856 compared to a 15 cm depth with a mean of 105,845. However,
there was no observed statistical difference between the microbial counts. Soil sample from
Bineng sandy clay was taken at the road sides. The number of bacteria at soil surface may
have been affected by vehicle exhaust.
Buyagan clay loam. The 115,711 number of bacteria from 30cm depth is higher compared
to a 15 cm depth with a mean of 13,806. The difference between the two is highly
significant based on statistics.
Gray and William, (1971) explains that those microorganisms growing on or near
surface maybe subjected to considerable changes in temperature during the course of the
day, while microbes living in the lower parts of the soil may experience only small scale
changes in temperature throughout the year. That is why some microbes choose to live in
the lower parts of the soil.
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Table 22. Bacterial population of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
13,806 b
30 cm (subsoil)
115,711 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Halsema clay loam. Table 23 shows no significant difference between the count 15
cm depth (131,764) and 30 cm depth (118,022). However abundance of bacteria was
observed to be higher at 15 cm depth than at 30 cm depth. This could be due to plant
stubbles that are dumped and has undergone decomposition at the plant base. As plant
stubbles decompose, OM content of the soil increases which favors the proliferation of
microorganisms.
La Trinidad loam. Abundance of bacteria at 30 cm depth is much greater than at 15cm
depth rhizosphere as observed on this soil series. Alexander (1961) mentioned that the
number of bacteria becomes greater with depth so that they make up a larger segment of
the subsurface community and this could be attributed to the downward
Table 23. Bacterial population of Halsema clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
131,764 a
30 cm (subsoil)
118,022 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
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Table 24. Bacterial population of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
1,368 b
30 cm (subsoil)
164,270 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
movement of conidia with water or a differential effect of oxygen or carbon dioxide on the
bacteria.
Puguis gravelly loam. At this soil type, it is still observed that the greater number
of bacteria at 30cm depth is significantly greater than the number of bacteria at 15 cm
depth. This could still be due to the root density of the wild sunflower which excretes an
organic compound down reaching 30 cm depth rhizosphere which in response
microorganisms get their energy and multiply in number.
Rough mountainous land. The number of bacteria was still observed to be high at 30 cm
depth than at 15 cm depth as shown in Table 26. However, the difference between the two
is not significant. One reason is that other organic compounds may have been
Table 25. Bacterial population of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
184,102 b
30 cm (subsoil)
397,724 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
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Table 26. Bacterial population of Rough mountainous land under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
17,364 b
30 cm (subsoil)
30,635 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
carried by percolating water which moved downward due to heavy rainfull before the date
of sampling.
Tacdian clay loam. The mean of 147,629 bacterial population obtained from the 30
cm depth was highly significant over the mean of 24,410 obtained from the 15cm depth
rhizosphere. The wild sunflower plants growing in this series at the time of sampling were
on their late vegetative growth stage hence, some of the roots may have rotten. Leaching
could also be a factor here.
Table 27. Bacterial population of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
24,410 a
30 cm (subsoil)
147,629 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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General Observation
Figure 4 shows that bacterial population is greater at the subsoil (30 cm deep) than
at the surface (15 cm deep). Alexander (1977) reported that the microbial numbers are
larger in the inner zone where the biochemical interactions between microorganisms and
roots are most pronounced.
450,000
a
15 cm depth
400,000
30 cm depth
350,000
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
300,000
lation
u
BC-Bakakeng clay
250,000
a
op
BSC-Bineng sandy clay
P
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
b
200,000
a
ial
HCL-Halsema clay loam
r
a
a
a
te 150,000
LTL-La trinidad loam
a
a
a
ac
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
B 100,000
RML- Rough mountanous land
a
50,000
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
b
a
b
b
b
a
b
0
ASL BC BSC BCL HCL LTL PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 4. Bacterial population of the different La Trinided soil series under wild
sunflower ecosystem between 15cm and 30 cm rhizosphere depth
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Streptomyces Population
Ambassador silt loam. Table 28 shows the number of streptomyces which is higher at
15cm depth with a mean of 1,046, which is higher compared to a 30cm depth with a
mean of 723. It can be deduced that soil type influences streptomyces population and
proliferation. Alexander (1977) wrote that the size of the community depends on the soil
type, particularly on certain physical characteristics, organic matter contents, and pH of
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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the environment. Wild sunflower plants at the time of sampling were at their late
Table 28. Streptomyces population of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
1,046a
30 cm (subsoil)
723b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
vegetative stage and some were on their state of decomposition. This can contribute to the
abundance of streptomyces at the first 15cm soil rhizosphere.
Bakakeng clay. There were no observed significant difference between the number of
streptomyces population at 15cm and 30cm depth rhizosphere. Streptomyce population,
however, is higher in the soil than at the surface.
Schaetzl and Anderson (2005) mentioned that about 90 % of the actinomycetes in soils are
streptomycetes. They live in soils and plant litter, and can degrade complex substances
such as lignin, chitin, humin, aromatic compounds, keratin and cellulose. Dr. Cann (2007)
concludes that streptomyces are metabolically diverse and can utilize almost anything,
including, sugars, alcohols, amino acids, and aromatic compounds. This is achieved by
producing extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. On the other hand Volk and Wheeler (1988)
mentioned that actinomycetes produce plant disease, such as potato scab (streptomyces
scabies). Member of the genus streptomyces are only rarely pathogenic but they have
achieved prominence as a result of their ability to produce antibiotics. In fact these natural
antibiotics sometimes protect plant roots from attack by disease organisms.
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Table 29. Streptomyces population of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
948 a
30 cm (subsoil)
1,043 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Bineng sandy clay. This soil series shows a highly significant difference between
streptomyces count a 15cm depth with a lower mean of 487 compared to a 30 cm with a
higher mean of 1,037. Since wild sunflower at the time of sampling was at their active
vegetative stage and that the site is very steep, it is possible that microbes have been carried
downward by pecolating water. Moreover, the sites where wild sunflower is abundant were
observed to have been dumped with partially decomposed plant stubbles and garbage.
Streptomyces consequently play an important role in the degredation of organic matter,
most commonly noted in compost pile (Microwiki, 2010).
Table 30. Streptomyces population of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
487 b
30 cm (subsoil)
1,037 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 31. Streptomyces population of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
457 b
30 cm (subsoil)
1,039 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Buyagan clay loam. Streptomyces count is substabtially greater at the subsoil than at the
surface. Wild sunflower is abundant at the level of the Balili River where the composite
sample was obtained. It is also on this site where wastes are decomposed frim the oval of
BSU and the soil here is classified as alluvium. Moreover, Alexander (1977) mentioned
that actinomycetes are affected directly by the presence of available carbon, and their
number is especially great in land rich in OM. Actinomycetes are numerous and widely
distributed in soil and are next to bacteria in abundance. The common genera of
actinomycetes are streptomyces nearly 70% than other genera of actinomycetes like
nicordia and micromonospora, mentioned by (Agriculture Info. Bank, 2011).
Halsema clay loam. Streptomyces population is still greater at the subsoil compared
to the surface. On one hand, there was no observed statistical significant difference. The
low streptomyces population could be attributed to the acidity within the wild sunflower
ecosystem. Most strains of streptomyces and other related forms fail to proliferate or have
negligible activity below pH 5.0 (Gray and Williams, 1971).
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 32. Streptomyces population of Halsema clay loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
373 a
30 cm (subsoil)
416 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
La Trinidad loam. Streptomyces count is still observed to be high at 30cm depth
rhizosphere in this soil type compared to the 15cm depth rhizosphere. Difference of the
two is highly significant. This could still be due to the root density of wild sunflower and
its root excretion of sugars and other organic compounds which serves as food for the
streptomyces (Schaetzl and Anderson, 2005).
Puguis gravelly loam. At this soil type, numbers of streptomyces are known to be high at
15cm depth than at 30cm depth and the difference between the two is highly significant.
The result could be attributed to the higher pH attained form this soil type at the surface
soil. As was mentioned previously, streptomyces is sensitive to acidity.
Table 33. Streptomyces population of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
157 b
30 cm (subsoil)
697 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
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Table 34. Streptomyces population of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
549 a
30 cm (subsoil)
100 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Walker(1975) mentioned that the filamentous microorganisms are present in A horizon as
well as at considerable depth below the surface, but the cell density estimated by plating
techniques progressively declines with depth in the soil profile.
Rough mountainous land. There is no observed statistical significance on the number of
streptomyces counted on this soil type but the surface soil registered a higher count than
the subsoil. Actinomycetes such as streptomyces produce thin walled conidia which have
hydrophobic properties not unlike those of some fungal conidia. They are generally
supposed to be resistant to disecation and can survive for long periods in dried soils. They
are more resistant to heat than vegetative mycelium and could survive partial heat
sterilization of soil (Gray and Williams, 1971).
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Table 35. Streptomyces population of Rough mountainous land under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
534 a
30 cm (subsoil)
387 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Tacdian clay loam. There is no significant difference between streptomyces count for a
15cm depth with a mean of 127 and at 30cm depth with a mean of 202. Althouhg a very
low number in both depths were obtained, the subsoil has a higher count compared to the
surface soil count. This could be due to sudden changes of temperature, availability of
nutrients and accumulation of some nutrients needed, which have been carried away by
heavy rainfall.
Table 36. Streptomyces population of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
127 a
30 cm (subsoil)
202 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
General Observation
Streptomyces population is greater at 30 cm (subsoil) than at 15 cm (surface soil)
on the different La Trinidad soil series under wild sunflower ecosystem. The population is
observed to be more dependent on soil pH, ecosystem soil type, and weather.
1,200
15 cm depth
a
a
a
a
a
30 cm depth
1,000
s
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
800
b
a
BC-Bakakeng clay
yce
on
i
BSC-Bineng sandy clay
om
at
l
a
600
a
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
b
b
ept
opu
a
HCL-Halsema clay loam
P
a
a
Str
400
LTL-La trinidad loam
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
a
b
RML- Rough mountanous
200
a
b
land
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
0
ASL BC BSC BCL HCL LTL PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 5. Streptomyces population of the different La Trinidad soil series under wild
sunflower ecosystem between 15 cm and 30 cm rhizosphere depth
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Possible Beneficial Bacterial Count
Depth Under Wild Sunflower 15cm Rhizosphere
Table 37 summarizes the number of possible beneficial bacteria observed from
wild sunflower 15 cm rhizosphere depth. Result shows that regardless of soil type and
dilution, possible beneficial bacterial growth was observed under a wild sunflower 15 cm
rhizosphere depth. Beneficial bacteria are those that have the ability to inhibit the growth
of other microorganisms. The ambassador silt loam has the highest number of possible
beneficial bacteria and is statistically different from the counts observed from
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
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the other soil types. Generally, inhibition was observed on areas with naturally growing
wild sunflower which are undisturbed, particularly limestone as the parent material. The
inhibition is observed in Figure 9 which shows the bacterial isolates with clear zone around
the bacterial colony observed after 48 hours of incubation. The halo devoid of growth is
good presumptive evidence that the colony surrounded by the zone of clearing is producing
an antibiotic.
Table 37. Possible beneficial bacterial count under wild sunflower 15cm rhizosphere
depth
Soil Type
10-2
10-3
10-4
10-5
10-6
Ambassador silt loam
12.00a
4.00b
0.00b
0.00c
0.00c
Bakakeng clay
0.67 a
1.00 a
0.00 b
0.00b
0.00 b
Bineng Sandy clay
2.00 a
0.33 b
1.00 b
0.33b
0.00 b
Buyagan clay loam
0.33 a
1.67 a
1.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
Halsema clay loam
1.00 a
0.67 a
1.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
La Trinidad loam
3.00 a
2.00 a
1.67 a b
0.67 bc
0.00c
Puguis gravelly loam
0.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
0.00 a
0.33 a
Rough mountainous land
3.00 a
2.67 a
0.67 b
0.00 b
0.00 b
Tacdian clay loam
0.00a
0.00 a
0.33 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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LTL isolates
PGL isolates
ASL isolates
Figure 6. Isolates with inhibition zone under wild sunflower 15cm rhizosphere depth.
An antibiotic is a substance formed by one organism that, in low concentrations,
inhibits the growth of another organism. Many soil inhabitants produce inhibitory
substances in laboratory media, and it is not difficult to isolate strains that, when tested in
pure culture, suppress numerous microorganisms. A variety of actinomycetes, bacteria and
fungi are able to synthesize antibiotics (Alexander, 1977). Actinomycetes are particularly
active in this regard, and streptomycin, chloramphenicol, cycloheximide, and
chlortetracycline are but the few of the important chemotherapeutic substances synthesized
by them. The most frequently encountered bacteria synthesizing antibiotics are species of
Bacillus and strains of Pseudomonas that liberate pyocyanin and related compounds.
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Possible Beneficial Bacterial Count
Under Wild Sunflower 30 cm
Rhizosphere Depth
Actual count of possible beneficial bacteria from soil samples collected from wild
sunflower rhizosphere at 30 cm soil depth is presented in Table 38. The ambassador silt
loam has the highest number of possible beneficial bacteria. The result could be explained
by the accumulation of the wild sunflower that fall on the base of the plant. As the original
material and the initial products undergo further decomposition, they are converted to
brown or black organic complexes. These complexes favor the proliferation of organisms
that produce antibiotics. Alexander (1977) mentioned that the community of the
rhizosphere is composed mainly of nonpathogenic microorganisms.
Isolates from Bineng sandy clay
Isolates from Buyagan clay loam
Figure 7. Isolates with inhibition zone under wild sunflower 30 cm rhizosphere depth
The possible beneficial bacterial count was observed to have decreased with depth. The
downward movement of water removes from the zone of microbial accessibility substances
essential for proliferation (Alexander, 1977). Figure 7 is an example of the isolates
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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suppressing the growth of other microorganisms. These were observed after 48 hours of
incubation.
Table 38. Possible beneficial bacterial count under wild sunflower 30cm rhizosphere
depth
Soil Type
10-2
10-3
10-4
10-5
10-6
Ambassador silt loam
12.67 a
6.67 a
1.00b
0.00 b
0.00 b
Bakakeng clay
8.00 a
4.00 a
2.33 b
0.33c
0.33c
Bineng Sandy clay
2.33a
2.00 a
2.67 a
0.67 a
0.67 a
Buyagan clay loam
0.33 a
7.00 a
4.67 a
0.33 b
0.00 b
Halsema clay loam
0.00 a
1.33 a
0.33 b
0.00 b
0.00 b
La Trinidad loam
0.67 a
3.00 a
1.00 b
0.33 b
0.00 b
Puguis gravelly loam
0.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
Rough mountainous land
0.00 a
0.67 a
0.33 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
Tacdian clay loam
0.00 a
0.67 a
0.00 b
0.00 b
0.00 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by DMRT
Fungal Population of the Different
La Trinidad Soil Types
Ambassador silt loam. Table 39 shows no significant differences between the fungal
populations from a 15cm depth compared to a 30cm depth rhiosphere. However,
abundance of fungi was still observed to be higher at at this soil type on this soil type as
compared to other soil series of La Trinidad.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 39. Fungal population of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
15,196a
30 cm (subsoil)
9,971 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Most of the factors in the environment vary with climate changes through out the
year. This is especially true of temperature, moisture content and nutrient supply. In less
extreme climate, one of the most regularly fluctuating factors is that of nutrient supply
flushes of nutrient occurring after leaf fall (Walker, 1975).
Bakakeng clay. This soil type shows highly significant differences between 15cm depth
(51,344) and 30cm depth (22,761). Abundance of fungi at 15cm than in 30cm depth could
be due to the fact that the sampling site where wild sunflower is abundant is gargabe pits
between households. Alexander (1977) mentioned that the frequency of bacteria, fungi,
algae declines with depth, then the influence of depth may result from the availability of
organic matter. Moreover, (Coyne and Thompson, 2006) mentioned that
Table 40. Fungal population of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
51,344 a
30 cm (subsoil)
22,761 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
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the biologically active layer shrinks even further to approximately 30cm (12inches), or the
approximate plant rooting depth. As the soil depth increases, the number of bacteria
significantly decreases, and this is true for most soil.
Soil organisms can be found at great depths in soil but this does not mean that they are
active. Their presence could simply reflect their transport through soil channels from the
soil surface to deeper depths. Sometimes greater numbers of fungi are observed in 30cm
soil depth than in 15cm soil depth. This could be attributed to the wild sunflower root
system which expands and grows downward. Because plant roots represent an abundant
food source for saprophytes and parasites and the organisms that prey on them, the
population of the soil organisms immediately adjacent to the plant roots in the rhizosphere
is greater.
Bineng sandy clay. Table 41 shows the number of fungi at 15cm depth (62,465) and at
30cm depth (26,129). The difference of the two is highly significant. Jones (1982)
mentioned that soil temperature strongly influences the activity of all soil microorganisms,
and it is especially important in the transformation of ammonia to nitrate. In addition (Gray
and Williams,1971) mentined that those growing on or near the surface maybe subjected
to considerable changes in temperature during the course of the day, while microbes living
in the lower parts of the soil may experience only small scale changes in temperature
thoughout the year. In this case low temperature may affect microbial activity.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 41. Fungal population of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
62,465 a
30 cm (subsoil)
26,129 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Buyagan clay loam. The number of fungi at 15cm depth is lower with a mean of 46,030
compared to a 30cm depth with a higher mean of 57,712. The differences of the two are
highly significant. Walker (1975) mentined that the abundance and physiological activity
of the fungus flora at different habitats vary considerably, and the community and its
biochemical activities undergo appreciable fluctuation with the time at any single site. Soil
type Buyagan clay loam was obtained from riverbank of Balili usually where weed trims
from oval and other garbage are dumped. This could influence the abundance of fungus at
this soil type.
Table 42. Fungal population of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
46,030 b
30 cm (subsoil)
57,712 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Table 43. Fungal population of Halsema clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
25,279 a
30 cm (subsoil)
20,923 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Halsema clay loam. There was no observed statistical significance between the number of
fungi at 15cm and 30cm depth rhizosphere. At this soil type which was sampled at Shilan
in a hilly portion at the edge or the roads, there maybe an influence of the vehicle exhaust
on the abundance of fungus.
La Trinidad loam. The La Trinidad loam has a higher number of fungi at 15cm depth with
a mean of 52,785 compared to a 30cm depth with a mean of 22,568. The difference between
the two is highly significant.
Result could be due to the organic matter content of the soil which is classified to have
adequate organic matter in the rhizosphere which served as food for the microorganisms.
Table 44. Fungal population of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
52,785 a
30 cm (subsoil)
22,568 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 45. Fungal population of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
79,558 a
30 cm (subsoil)
31,143 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Puguis garvelly loam. The Puguis garvelly loam has a higher number of fungi at 15cm
depth with a mean of 79,588 compared to a 30cm depth with a mean of 31,143. The
difference between the two is highly significant.
Alexander (1977) mentioned that the major external influence imposed on the fungus
community include the organic matter status, hydrogen ion concentration, organic and
inorganic fertilizers, the moisture regime aeration, temperature, position in the profile,
season of year and composition of the vegetation.
Rough mountainous land. Table 46 shows the number of fungi at 15cm depth with a mean
of 25,263 and 30cm depth with a mean of 65,268. The difference of the two is highly
significant.
Position in the profile which is a colluvial soil from the above mountain, utilizable organic
matter at this soil type, temperature and adequate moisture, have something to do with the
number of fungi. This was confirmed by Coyne and Thompson (2006) who mentioned that
all living things demand adequate moisture, and it is surprising, therefore that soil water
has a direct effect upon the abundance and functions of fungi. Their capacity for catalyzing
chemical changes in poor or lacking entirely when the water supply is low.
Table 46. Fungal population of Rough mountainous land under wild sunflower
ecosystem
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
25,263 b
30 cm (subsoil)
65,268 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Tacdian clay loam. Tacdian clay loam shows a higher number of fungi at 30cm depth than
at 15cm depth. This could due to rooting system of wild sunflower plants. This could also
due to the accumulation of materials, carried down from the upper layer 15 cm depth to the
lower parts of the profile that affects the abundance of microorganicmc in 30cm depth.
Table 47. Fungal population of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
25,263 b
30 cm (subsoil)
65,268 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
90,000
a
15 cm depth
80,000
30 cm depth
70,000
a
a
on
a
i
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
60,000
at
a
a
l
BC-Bakakeng clay
b
50,000
BSC-Bineng sandy clay
opu
b
P
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
40,000
al
b
HCL-Halsema clay loam
b
30,000
a
b
LTL-La trinidad loam
ung
b
a
b
F
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
20,000
a
a
RML- Rough mountanous
a
10,000
land
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
0
ASL BC BSC BCL HCL LTL PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 8. Fungal population of the different soil series under wild sunflower
ecosystem 15 cm and 30 cm rhizosphere depth
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Isolates from Ambassador silt loam
Isolates from Bakakeng clay
Isolates from Bineng sandy clay
Isolates from Buyagan clay loam
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Isolates from Halsema clay loam
Isolates from La Trinidad loam
Isolates from Puguis gravelly loam
Isolates from Rough mountainous land
Isolates from Tacdian clay loam
Figure 9. Fungi isolates from the different La Trinidad soil series under wilds sunflower
ecosystem 15 cm depth rhizosphere
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Isolates from Ambassador silt loam
Isolates from Bakakeng clay
Isolates from Bineng sandy clay
Isolates from Buyagan clay loam
Isolates from Halsema clay loam
Isolates from La Trinidad loam
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Isolates from Puguis gravelly loam
Isolates from rough mountainous land
Isolates from Tacdian clay loam
Figure 10. Fungi isolates from the different La Trinidad soil series under wilds sunflower
ecosystem 30 cm depth rhizosphere
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between Soil pH and
Bacterial population at 15 cm
Rhizosphere Depth
Table 48 shows the relationship between soil pH and bacterial population at 15
cm depth rhizosphere. In all of the La Trinidad soil series, no significant relationship is
observed between soil pH and 15 cm rhizosphere bacterial count under a wild sunflower
ecosystem. This means that the bacterial population under a wild sunflower ecosystem is
not affected by the soil pH but maybe on the kind of bacteria.
Table 48. Relationship between soil pH and bacterial population at 15 cm rhizosphere
depth
SOIL TYPE
SOIL PH
BACTERIAL
CORRELATION
POPULATION
15 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
4.4b
13,603b
-0.79ns
Bakakeng clay
4.4a
6,722 a
-0.87 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
5.2 a
105,845 a
0.80 ns
Buyagan clay loam
5.2 a
13,806 b
0.95 ns
Halsema clay loam
4.3 b
131,764 a
0.78 ns
La Trinidad loam
5.6 a
1,368 b
-0.34 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
5.2 a
184,102 b
0.49 ns
Rough mountainous land
5.1 b
17,364 b
-0.99 ns
Tacdian clay loam
4.6 b
24,410 a
0.40 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between Soil pH and
Fungal population at 15cm Rhizosphere Depth
Table 49 shows that the soil pH has no relationship with fungal population at 15cm
rhizosphere depth regardless of the soil type in a wild sunflower ecosystem.
Table 49. Relationship between soil pH and fungal population at 15 cm rhizosphere
depth
FUNGAL
SOIL TYPE
SOIL PH
CORRELATION
POPULATION
15 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
4.4b
15,196a
-0.36ns
Bakakeng clay
4.4a
51,344 a
0.98ns
Bineng Sandy clay
5.2 a
62,465 a
-0.97 ns
Buyagan clay loam
5.2 a
46,030 b
-0.98ns
Halsema clay loam
4.3 b
25,279 a
0.70 ns
La Trinidad loam
5.6 a
52,785 a
-0.97 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
5.2 a
79,558 a
-0.94 ns
Rough mountainous land
5.1 b
25,263 b
-0.18 ns
Tacdian clay loam
4.6 b
14,828 b
0.20 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
OM and Bacterial Count
at 15 cm Rhizosphere Depth
The bacterial population is not affected so far by OM on La Trinidad, Benguet soil series
under a wild sunflower ecosystem as 15 cm rhizosphere depth. It could be due to the
weather, slope of the sampling sites, and growth stage of wild sunflower.
Table 50. Relationship between OM and bacterial population at 15 cm rhizosphere depth
SOIL TYPE
ORGANIC
BACTERIAL COUNT CORRELATION
MATTER
15 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
0.51b
13,603b
0.20 ns
Bakakeng clay
2.49a
6,722 a
0.48 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
1.91 a
105,845 a
-0.16 ns
Buyagan clay loam
7.48 a
13,806 b
0.90 ns
Halsema clay loam
2.05 a
131,764 a
0.55 ns
La Trinidad loam
8.23 a
1,368 b
0.99 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
3.14 a
184,102 b
0.54 ns
Rough mountainous land
3.20 a
17,364 b
-0.06 ns
Tacdian clay loam
3.08 b
24,410 a
-0.69 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
OM and Fungal Count
at 15 cm Rhizosphere Depth
Table 51 shows that fungal count at 15 cm rhizosphere depth is not affected by OM content
of the soil under a wild sunflower ecosystem. This is due to all La Trinidad soil series.
Table 51. Relationship between OM and fungal population at 15 cm rhizosphere depth
FUNGAL
ORGANIC
SOIL TYPE
POPULATION
CORRELATION
MATTER
15 cm depth
Ambassador silt loam
0.51b
15,196a
-0.32 ns
Bakakeng clay
2.49a
51,344 a
0.15 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
1.91 a
62,465 a
-0.17 ns
Buyagan clay loam
7.48 a
46,030 b
-0.72 ns
Halsema clay loam
2.05 a
25,279 a
-0.80 ns
La Trinidad loam
8.23 a
52,785 a
0.27 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
3.14 a
79,558 a
-0.94 ns
Rough mountainous land
3.20 a
25,263 b
-0.99 ns
Tacdian clay loam
3.08 b
14,828 b
-0.97 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
Soil pH and Bacterial population
at 30 cm Rhizosphere Depth
Table 52 presents no relationship so far between soil pH and bacterial population
under 30 cm rhizosphere depth.
Table 52. Relationship between soil pH and bacterial populationt at 30 cm rhizosphere
depth
BACTERIAL
SOIL TYPE
SOIL PH
POPULATION
CORRELATION
30 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
4.4b
226,725a
0.22 ns
Bakakeng clay
4.4a
1,873 a
-0.48 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
5.2 a
130,856 a
-0.99*
Buyagan clay loam
5.2 a
115,711 a
-0.94 ns
Halsema clay loam
4.3 b
118,022 a
0.05 ns
La Trinidad loam
5.6 a
164,270 a
0.86 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
5.2 a
397,724 a
1.00**
Rough mountainous land
5.1 b
30,635 a
0.26 ns
Tacdian clay loam
4.6 b
147,629 a
-0.12 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
Soil pH and Fungal Population
at 30 cm RhizosphereDepth
The relationship between soil pH and fungal count is shown in Table 53. There is
no observed significance of soil type on fungal population in all soil types under a wild
sunflower ecosystem at 30 cm rhizosphere depth.
Table 53. Relationship between soil pH and fungal population at 30 cm rhizosphere
depth
FUNGAL
SOIL TYPE
SOIL PH
CORRELATION
POPULATION
30 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
4.4b
9,971 a
-0.60 ns
Bakakeng clay
4.4a
22,761 b
0.97 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
5.2 a
26,129 b
-0.87 ns
Buyagan clay loam
5.2 a
57,712 a
0.90 ns
Halsema clay loam
4.3 b
20,923 a
0.77 ns
La Trinidad loam
5.6 a
22,568 b
-0.24 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
5.2 a
31,143 b
-0.96 ns
Rough mountainous land
5.1 b
65,268 a
0.72 ns
Tacdian clay loam
4.6 b
39,309 a
-0.29 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
OM and Bacterial Count
at 30 cm Rhizosphere Depth
The OM content of the soil at 30 cm rhizosphere depth has no relationship to the bacterial
count under a wild sunflower ecosystem in any of the La Trinidad soil types.
Table 54. Relationship between OM and bacterial population at 30 cm rhizosphere depth
BACTERIAL
ORGANIC
SOIL TYPE
POPULATION
CORRELATION
MATTER
30 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
0.51b
226,725a
0.48 ns
Bakakeng clay
2.49a
1,873 a
0.86 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
1.91 a
130,856 a
-0.41 ns
Buyagan clay loam
7.48 a
115,711 a
-0.44 ns
Halsema clay loam
2.05 a
118,022 a
0.36 ns
La Trinidad loam
8.23 a
164,270 a
0.03 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
3.14 a
397,724 a
0.99 *
Rough mountainous land
3.20 a
30,635 a
-0.90 ns
Tacdian clay loam
3.08 b
147,629 a
0.87 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
OM and Fungal Count
at 30 cm Rhizosphere Depth
Table 55 shows the relationship between organic matter and fungal population at
30cm rhizosphere depth. Fungal population is not affected by the OM content of the soil
in all the La Trinidad soil series.
Table 55. Relationship between OM and fungal population at 30 cm soil depth
FUNGAL
SOIL TYPE
ORGANIC
CORRELATION
POPULATION
MATTER
30 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
0.51b
9,971 a
-0.07ns
2.49a
22,761 b
0.26 ns
Bakakeng clay
1.91 a
26,129 b
-0.84 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
7.48 a
57,712 a
0.95ns
Buyagan clay loam
2.05 a
20,923 a
0.94 ns
Halsema clay loam
8.23 a
22,568 b
0.97 ns
La Trinidad loam
3.14 a
31,143 b
-0.97 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
3.20 a
65,268 a
0.81 ns
Rough mountainous land
3.08 b
39,309 a
0.77 ns
Tacdian clay loam
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study aimed to evaluate a Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) ecosystem by;
describing a wild sunflower ecosystem; determining some soil chemical properties;
determining the microbial growth and population; and, relating some soil chemical
properties to microbial population.
Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) grows well on La Trinidad, Benguet soil series in
any vacant area, garbage pits, levees, road cuts, and in suburbs whether flat, hilly, and steep
slopes (1,113-1,430 cm). Further observations show that wild sunflower ca thrive alone on
limestone parent material provided that there is light and water indicative of the plant’s
sequestering or scavenging ability for nutrient elements. Moreover, the only weed growing
together with Tithonia diversifolia is Pennisetum pupureum (Napier of Uganda grass)
implying a weedical effect. Tithonia diversifolia, however, does not thrive well on
extensively cultivated or acidic soils.
Wild sunflower has an acidifying effect on the soil as proven by the extremely acidic
rhizosphere compared to the slightly acidic lateral distance away (no wild sunflower).
Likewise, the soil OM depends on the growth stage, weather, and soil type.
Population of microorganisms was found to be greater on the subsoil than on the soil
surface. Wild sunflower has an influence on the number of microorganisms because of its
root density and distribution. The plant droppings like the leaves that are easily
decomposed serve as source of energy for microorganisms. Streptomyces which has the
ability to produce antibiotics was also observed and is abundant at wild sunflower
rhizosphere. In addition, there are possible beneficial bacterial growths observed in the
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
samples taken from a wild sunflower ecosystem as shown in the assay test which inhibit
the growth of other microorganisms.
Soil pH and OM content of the soil showed no relationship at all on the bacterial and fungal
population both at 15 cm and 30 cm rhizosphere depth under a wild sunflower ecosystem
on La Trinidad, Benguet soil series.
Conclusions
Wild sunflower growing under the La Trinidad, Benguet soil series is abundant in
any vacant area, garbage pits, road cuts, levees, and in suburbs whether flat hilly and steep
slopes (1,113-1430m) that are rich in OM. Further, Tithonia diversifolia can thrive alone
on limestone parent material provided that there is light and water. The only weed growing
simultaneously with Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) is Pennisetum pupureum
(Napier or Uganda grass).
Regardless of soil type, wild sunflower has an acidifying effect on the soil due to its
sequestering and scavenging ability.
Growth and abundance of microorganisms like fungi and bacteria was on the subsoil
compared to the surface soil on a wild sunflower ecosystem and is influenced more by the
plant’s growth stage, root density and distribution, and root depth.
Growth of streptomyces and possible beneficial bacteria was also observed. The organisms
mentioned have the ability to produce antibiotics and can inhibit the growth of other
microorganism, respectively.
Soil pH and SOM showed no relationship on the microbial growth under wild
sunflower ecosystem.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Recommendation
Further study should be conducted especially on the observed growth of
streptomyces and possible beneficial bacteria that has inhibitionon the microorganisms.
This is indicative of the production of antibiotics and as a Biological Control Agent (BCA).
Researchable areas deduced from the study are:
1. The sequestering or scavenging ability of wild sunflower based on
soil and plant tissue analysis to confirm the results;
2. The weedical effect of Tithonia diversifolia; and
3. The possible production of a Biologocal Control Agent (BCA) to
confirm the growth of streptomyces and possible beneficial bacteria that
showed inhibition with other bacteria in assay test.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
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PANDOSEN, M. D. 1986. Potential of wild sunflower (Tithoniadiversifolia) as an organic
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Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
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Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012. Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia
diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Magdalena D. Pandosen, MSc.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted from October 2010 to Sept 2011 to describe a wild
sunflower ecosystem under La Trinidad soil series; determine some soil chemical
properties; determine the microbial growth and population; and relate some soil chemical
properties to microbial population.
The Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) ecosystem under La Trinidad soil series
is characterized to be flat, hilly to steep slopes (1,113-1,430 m elevation). Tithonia
diversifolia love to grow on vacant lots full of biological wastes, garbage pits near
households, road cuts, levees,, and in suburbs. The only weed observed that grow together
with Tithonia diversifolia is the Pennisetum pupureum (napier or Uganda grass).
The pH of the different La Trinidad soil types is characterized as extremely acid to
slightly acid condition ranging from 4.3 to 6.6 under a Tithonia diversifolia both at
rhizosphere and distance away. The OM content of the soils in a wild sunflower between
the rhizosphere and lateral distance away are described to be low to adequate range.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Tithonia diversifolia has an acidifying effect on the soil and utilizes and contributes
much to the soil OM, thereby, influencing microbial growth in the 15 cm and 30 cm
rhizospere depth.
Possible beneficial bacterial growth is a presumptive evidence of antibiotics under
a wild sunflower ecosystem on the different La Trinidad soil series.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Description of a Wild Sunflower Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad Soil Series
Ambassador silt loam. Soils at a wild sunflower ecosystem were sampled in Shilan at an
elevation of 1,378 meters. The wild sunflower plants at the time of sampling were at their
late vegetative stage but some were on their state of decomposition due to typhoons. The
area is located near an abandoned business establishment and is robustly growing on a
piled-up limestone rocks. Above the area is an excavation for an ongoing development.
Wild sunflower growing in the vicinity are abundant at road cut edges. The soil color is
dark reddish brown (moist consistence) and dull orange (dry consistence).
Bakakeng clay. Soil samples of this type were taken in Beckel, in between houses at the
edge of garbage pits and near fences at an elevation of 1,430 meters. Soil color is orange
both at moist and dry consistence.
Bineng sandy clay. Soil samples were taken in Bineng 1,295 meters high. Wild sunflower
plants were prominently growing at the edge of roads, on rocky and vacant lots. The
growth stage of the wild sunflower was at its active vegetative stage. It was further
observed that wild sunflower growth was better on dumped soils and edge of roads. . The
soil color on site was dark brown (moist consistence) and dull brown (dry consistence).
Buyagan clay loam. The samples were taken at the riverbanks and leeve of the Balili River
1333 m high. The site is usually where weed trims from the oval and other garbage are
dumped. Sun flower plants were robustly growing at its late vegetative stage. Further
observations show that the plant grows well on soils classified as alluvial soils. These
types of soils are usually silt loam or clay loam. Accumulation of plastic bags, and other
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
sort of garbage was a common feature in the site. The soil color observed was pole yellow
both under moist and dry consistence.
Halsema clay loam. Soil samples were taken in Shilan on a hilly portion edge of the road
1,364 m high and above the site are terraces being planted with vegetables. Weed stubbles
seemed to have been dumped at the edges of the gardens but no weed growth observed.
The parent material in the site is limestone. The soil color is dark reddish brown (moist
condition) and dull reddish brown (dry condition).
La Trinidad loam. Soil samples were taken at a vacant lot in Pines Park, Lubas surrounded
by houses 1,331 m high. The soil in the area is described as entisol with a thin brown
colored top soil produced from a limestone parent material. A prominent and evident
observation on exposed limestone rocks is the lone growth of wild sunflower. This suggests
a nutrient sequestering capability of wild sunflower from the rock. Further, wild sunflower
grows vigorously near canals and pits near houses. The brown color is due to the
accumulated organic material decomposed from the wild sunflower stubbles.
Puguis gravelly loam. Soil samples were taken in Pico at a vacant lot, at the base of a pine
forested mountain 1,350 m high. The sunflower plants were robustly growing on a soil
classified as colluvial. The soil color is brown (moist consistence) and dull yellow orange
(dry consistence). More over no other crops grow simultaneously with wild sunflower
except the napier grass or Uganda grass (Pennisetum purpureum).
Rough mountainous land. Soil sample were collected at the mountainous part of Alno, at
the edges of the road 1,113 m high. Sunflower growth as further observed is vigorous on
colluvial soils. The color is grayish yellow (moist consistence) and dull grayish yellow
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
(dry consistence). It was further observed that the only weed growing together with wild
sunflower is the napier grass or Uganda grass (Pennisetum purpureum).
Tacdian clay loam. Samples were collected in Bahong at the edges of a private road cut
1,296 m high. Wild sunflower growth was vigorous at their early vegetative stage and the
soils in the area are loose, thus the roots were observed as deep as one meter. The color is
brown (moist condition) and dull orange (dry condition).
Some Chemical Properties of Wild Sunflower
Ecosystem Under La Trinidad Soil Series
Soil pH
Ambassador silt loam. The soil pH obtained from a wild sunflower rhizosphere (15 cm
depth) is 4.0. This value significantly differs from the soil pH obtained from a lateral
distance away with a mean of 5.1 (Table 1). This soil is classified to be extremely acidic
and moderately acidic respectively (Fitzpatrick, 1999).
The result could be attributed to several factors like plant uptake, root exudates, and
decomposition in the rhizosphere by microorganisms (Fitzpatrick, 1987). Further,
Table 1. pH of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.0b
Lateral distance away
5.1a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
(PCARRD, 1999) reported that one of the major causes of acidity in the rhizosphere is
from microbial activities producing sulfates and weakly dissociated organic acids. The
sulfur and ammonium ions released from the decomposition or mineralization of organic
materials could be oxidized to dilute HNO3 (Nitric acid) and H2SO4 (Sulfuric acid) that
release H+ in the soil solution. Microbial population as scientists claim is much higher in
the rhizosphere than at a distance because of the presence of substrate released by the roots
Bakakeng clay. Table 2 presents the soil pH of 4.4 from the rhizosphere and a pH of 4.2
obtained from a lateral distance. Although the pH differences from both are not significant,
Bakakeng clay is classified to be extremely acidic. The Cordillera belongs to a humid
region with plentiful of rainfall that enhances leaching of base forming cations leaving the
sesquioxides. In more humid areas, leaching depletes the upper horizons of Ca and other
based-forming cations (Brady and Weil, 1996). Based on observation, the color in the field
was orange and orange is nearly like the shade of the color red. Generally, red soils are
very acidic due to the oxidized iron (Fe3+). According Miller and Gardiner (2001), in
nature, acidic soils remain acidic. Therefore plants that live on acidic
Table 2. pH of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.4a
Lateral distance away
4.2a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
soils must tolerate the acidity that is present in the soil. They also mentioned that acidic
soils are leached soils, the more leached they are, usually the more strongly acidic they are.
Bineng sandy clay. The soil pH of Bineng sandy clay at the rhizosphere is greater with a
mean of 5.2 compared to a lateral distance with a lower soil pH of 4.7. The difference
between the two is found to be significant due to the fact that at a distance are pine trees.
Soils under pine are acidic.
La Trinidad, Benguet is subject to heavy rainfall during the months of June to November.
This could be the cause of the soil to become acidic. Johnson (1914) stated that rainfall is
most effective in causing the soil to become acidic if a lot of water moves through the soil
rapidly. Bineng sandy clay has sand content that contribute to the presence of macropores
which acts as avenues for percolating water. According to the above author sandy soils are
often the first to become acidic because water percolates rapidly, and contain only a small
reservoir of bases (buffer capacity) due to low clay and organic matter contents. However,
the above result implies an advantageous effect of the root in protecting the bases from
being leached so that the pH in the rhizosphere is higher than at a lateral distance.
Table 3. pH of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
5.2a
Lateral distance away
4.7b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 4. pH of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Rhizosphere
5.2a
Lateral distance away
5.8a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Buyagan clay loam. The difference between the rhizosphere soil pH of 5.2 and soil pH 5.8
at a lateral distance is not significant as shown in Table 4. However, the soil pH at a lateral
distance is slightly higher than the soil pH of the rhizosphere. Considering the soil type, it
is most likely that it has a contribution to the soil pH. Fine soils like Buyagan clay loam
have higher CEC and higher buffering capacity so that any change in the environment
would have lesser influence on the soil.
Halsema clay loam. A highly significant soil pH difference was obtained from the
rhizosphere compared to a lateral distance. The rhizosphere reveals a more acidic pH (4.3)
than the lateral distance with a pH 5.4
Table 5. pH of Halsema clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.3b
Lateral distance away
5.4a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Being a fine textured soil as Buyagan clay loam, the contributory factor could be attributed
to leaching from the upper terraced garden and the rooting system of the wild sunflower.
The roots of this plant extends deep so that the percolating water due to high rainfall follows
the path of the extending roots.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
La Trinidad loam. The pH of the La Trinidad loam taken in Pines Park, Lubas registered
a slightly acidic pH of 5.6 under a wild sunflower rhizosphere. This value is significantly
higher than the pH 5.4 taken from a lateral distance or no wild sunflower. The pH of La
Trinidad loam is classified to be moderately acidic due to the fact that accumulation of wild
sunflower debris was observed at the base of the sampled area.
Wild sunflower plant is known to absorb more calcium (Pandosen, 1986) and other non-
acid cations thus when decomposed releases these ions into the soil solution. Moreover,
the parent material in the site is limestone and is moderately weathered thereby more non-
acid cations present. As plants absorbnon-acid cations, they exude protons (H+) which
contribute to soil acidity.
Table 6. pH of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
5.6a
Lateral distance away
5.4b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 7. pH of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
5.2b
Lateral distance away
4.6a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Puguis gravelly loam. This soil type registered a higher soil pH of 5.2 in the
rhizosphere compared to a lower mean pH of 4.6 registered by the sample taken from a
lateral distance (no wild sunflower). The mean difference is highly significant indicating
the influence of the type of soil and wild sunflower itself. The area where wild sunflower
was abundant was a colluvial soil eroded from the adjacent mountain. Usually, colluvial
soils show gravelly soils because the topsoil is the first to be detached, hence the first to
land upon deposition at the lower slope. Current crops observed at a lateral distance where
no sunflower growth observed were galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora) and cogon (Imperata
cylindrical). In fact, cogon is one among the indicator plants used by farmers for soil
acidity. Due to acidity, wild sunflower is seldom observed on intensively cropped area.
Rough mountainous land. Rough mountainous land where wild sunflower thrive
was sampled in Alno, La Trinidad, Benguet. The soil pH under wild sunflower
rhizosphere registered a pH of 5.1 (strongly acid) while soil pH at a lateral distance was
5.8 (moderately acid). The difference between the two is found to be highly significant.
The steep slopes and road cuts on the mountains were where wild sunflower growth is
abundant. Usually, these kinds of spots are rocky thus still contain most of their
Table 8. pH of Rough mountainous land wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
5.1b
Lateral distance away
5.8a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
elemental constituents. Wild sunflower has somewhat like a scavenging ability of
extracting directly its nutrients from the rocks. Brady and Weil (1996) mentioned that as
the soluble Ca and Mg are removed from the soil by the growing plant or by leaching, the
percentage base saturation and pH are gradually reduced. Usually, limestone being the
major parent material of soils in the Cordillera is inhabited by wild sunflower in the
presence of water or rainfall. Everytime the roots of plants absorb, they exude protons (H+).
Soil pH under rhizosphere may decrease because of microbiological activities. Gray and
Williams (1971) published that enzymes released by microorganisms can also be absorbed
on the particles and hence be subjected to a lower pH than that in the ambient solution.
Tacdian clay loam. The Tacdian clay loam has a pH of 4.6 in the wild sunflower
rhizosphere which is much lower compared to the pH at a lateral distance (no wild
sunflower) with a mean of 6.6 (Table 9). The difference between the two means is highly
significant.
The root surface can differ from bulk soil in pH and in concentration of anions and
cations (Anderson and Ingram, 1993). Ions which are rapidly absorbed by the root,
Table 9. pH of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.6b
Lateral distance away
6.6a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
may be at very low concentration at the surface. As cations are absorbed they can be
replaced by H+, and in this way there can be a reduction of rhizosphere pH of 5 to 4 with
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
the absorption of NH +
4 from ammonium sulfate. Conversely, rhizosphere pH can rise
following absorption of anions such as nitrate. These pH changes and associated effects on
solubility of other ions can have very marked selection effects on the rhizosphere micro
flora.
General Observation
It is observed in Figure 2 that the pH under La Trinidad soil series in a wild
sunflower rhizosphere is lower compared to the soil pH at a lateral distance away. The
contributory factors to such are the deep rooting system of wild sunflower which allow
leaching of non-acid cations due to high rainfall in the sites; root exudates like protons (H+)
released as plants absorb non-acid cationic nutrient elements; OM decomposition and
microbial population.
Wild sunflower plants acidify the soil due to its sequestering ability. However, when used
as an organic fertilizer, it increases the soil pH (Pandosen, 1986).
7
a
Rhizosphere
b
b
6
a
a
Lateral distance
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
5
a
b
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
b
a
a
b
BC-Bakakeng clay
H 4
p
BSC-Bineng sandy clay
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
oil 3
S
HCL-Halsema clay loam
LTL-La trinidad loam
2
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
RML- Rough mountanous
1
land
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
0
ASL
BC
BSC BCL HCL
LTL
PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 2. Soil pH of the different La Trinidad soil series under wild sunflower ecosystem
between rhizosphere and lateral distance away
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Organic Matter Content of the
Different La Trinidad Soil Series.
Ambassador silt loam. Table 10 shows a highly significant difference between the organic
matter content of the soil obtained from the rhizosphere compared to a lateral distance in a
wild sunflower ecosystem with means of 0.51% and 2.21% respectively. This result could
be attributed to plant uptake. The wild sunflower roots can easily extend to the underground
soils and as it grows, it utilizes nutrients.
Further, microorganisms usually proliferate and are greater in population where plant
residues are. These are their source of energy as they decompose the plant residues like
leaves and twigs that fall from the wild sunflower itself. The nutrients from the soils are
being used quickly by the wild sunflower plant especially within the rhizosphere
(Alexander, 1961).
Table 10. OM content of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
0.51b
Lateral distance away
2.21a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Bakakeng clay. The organic matter content of the wild sunflower rhizosphere is higher with
a mean of 2.49% compared to the OM content of the soil at a lateral distance with a mean
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
of 0.66% as shown in Table 11. The difference between the two is highly significant
implying the vital role of wild sunflower as source of OM.
According to Singer and Munns (2006), clay soils absorb water on their surface or lose
water from their charges, thus more of the organic materials are bound in clay-humus
complexes or sequestered inside soil aggregates. Further (Brady and Weil, 2008)
mentioned that rhizosphere is greatly enriched in organic compounds excreted by the roots.
Table 11. OM content of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
2.49a
Lateral distance away
0.66b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Bineng sandy clay. The higher organic matter content (3.92%) of the wild sunflower
rhizosphere is highly significant over the organic matter content (1.67%) at a lateral
distance as shown in Figure 3. One of the several reasons why organic matter in rhizosphere
is higher than distance away is that microbial activity is higher in the rhizosphere and root
zone. Brady and Weil (2002) claim that the zones are greatly enriched in organic
compounds excreted by the roots. In addition, droppings from the wild sunflower together
with the garbage from households were observed to have been decomposed at the plant
base. The lower soil OM at a lateral distance away may be attributed to decomposed pine
needles.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Parnes (1986) says that dead leaves and drops from a tree will be available upon
decomposition by micro organism from the rhizosphere or root zone. Similarly
(Fitzpatrick, 1987) mentioned that greatest amount of organic matter is derived from plants
both from the above ground parts as well as from roots. Generally, leaves and needles
constitute up to 80% of the litter, while roots make up of the 20%.
Buyagan clay loam. Table 13 shows that 1.91% organic matter content of the soil in wild
sunflower rhizosphere is lower than the lateral distance with a mean of 2.60%.
Table 12. OM content of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
3.92a
Lateral distance away
1.67b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 13. OM content of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
1.91a
Lateral distance away
2.60a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
The difference between the two, however, is not significant. The result could be attributed
to plant uptake due to the rooting system of wild sunflower and leaching due to the weather.
La Trinidad was struck by typhoon three days before sampling. Run off of nutrients through
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
heavy rains occur when the water moves down the slopes to streams and rivers (PCARRD,
1999).
Halsema clay loam. The soil organic matter content of the rhizosphere is higher
with 2.05% than at a lateral distance which is 1.73%. The difference between the two is,
however, not significant. The result could be due to the young vegetative stage of wild
sunflower at the sampling date and the plant stubbles dumped at the base of the plant.
Laegreid et al (1999) mentioned that organic matter content of a soil tends towards an
equilibrium level that depends on the rates of microbial breakdown of recently added
organic matter and soil humus compounds, soil type, climate and others.
Nutrient availability depends on the population of soil microorganism that is involved in
decomposing the organic residue in the soil making it available to plants.
Table 14. OM content of Halsema clay laom under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
2.05a
Lateral distance away
1.73b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
La Trinidad loam. Table 15 shows that soil organic matter in a wild sunflower rhizosphere
is 8.23% which is higher at a lateral distance away with 7.58%. This can be confirmed by
the brown color. The vacant lot where wild sunflower was growing had some decomposed
plant litter at the base. Likewise, plant stubbles from weeds were observed to have
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
accumulated at the wild sunflower base. The lower SOM at a distance away is due to the
growth of weeds. Weeds are plants too that compete with soil constituents.
Soil organisms are beneficial to plants through their activities like organic matter
decomposition, nitrogen fixation and others. These soil microorganisms are more likely
present in the rhizosphere and root zone, thus microbial activity is higher in wild sunflower
rhizosphere making the organic matter content higher than in the distance away or no wild
sunflower has grown.
Table 15. OM content of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
8.23a
Lateral distance away
7.58a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Puguis gravelly loam. The soil organic matter obtained is lower in rhizosphere than at a
lateral distance, however, there is no significance between the mean differences. It is
reasonably clear that the nutrients in the decaying organic residue were utilized by wild
sunflower. Parnes (1986) stated that nutrient from the organic matter are being used quickly
by plants which could affect the availability of nutrients in the soil.
Rough mountainous land. The 3.20% organic matter content as shown in Table 17
obtained from rhizosphere is higher as compared to a lateral distance (no wild sunflower)
with a mean of 2.47%. The difference of the two is highly significant.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
The sampling site in Alno La Trinidad is a mountainous area, where wild
sunflowers are abundantly growing. The leaves and twigs of wild sunflower decompose
Table 16. OM content of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
3.14a
Lateral distance away
3.21a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 17. OM content of Rough mountainous land under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
3.20a
Lateral distance away
2.47b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
in the rhizosphere by microbial activity, thus making the organic matter content of the soil
higher compared to a lateral distance.
Tacdian clay loam. (Parnes, 1986) mentioned that many of the active organic substances
are water soluble and can be leached easily, hastening the depletion of soils, especially in
humid climates. Singer and Munns (2006) mentioned that soil microorganisms eventually
utilize all the elements in humus unless it is protected. This could be the attributary factor
to the lower OM content obtained from the rhizosphere (3.19%) compared to the higher
OM at a lateral distance of 4.04%. the mean difference is significant.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
(PCARRD, 1999) added that leaching is the loss of soil nutrients from the root zone of the
plants through the action of water. It occurs especially under frequently flooded soil
condition or whenever soil water moves by diffusion out of the root zone. The wild
sunflower root growth is deep downward and as the root expands and grows, it needs
nutrients for growth. Further the organic matter and other nutrients are being lost through
the movement of water downward following the roots movement. The vigorous growth of
wild sunflower manifests the utilization of OM in the rhizosphere compared to the lateral
distance or no wild sunflower.
Table 18. OM content of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
VARIABLE
MEAN
Rhizosphere
4.11a
Lateral distance away
3.79a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
General Observation
The OM content of the different La Trinidad soils series under a wild sunflower
ecosystem between the rhizosphere and at a lateral distance is shown in Figure 3. There
are no definite and distinct differences on the OM content of the soils due maybe to the
types of soil and the growth stage of wild sunflower. Within the sampling sites where
young plants are growing, lower OM was observed meaning the plants are utilizing it.
Whereas in some areas, old plant droppings are decomposing while young ones are
emerging. Further, as mentioned in the previous discussion OM too is easily subject to
leaching process rendering the loss of these materials.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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9
a
Rhizosphere
a
a
8
a
Lateral distance
7
r
e
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
6
att
BC- Bakakeng clay
5
BSC- Bineng sandy clay
M
c
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
4
a a
a
b
HCL-Halsema clay loam
3
a
a
b
LTL- La trinidad loam
a
Organi
a
a
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
2
b
a
RML-Rough mountanous
1
b
b
land
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
0
ASL BC BSC BCL HCL LTL PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 3. OM content of the different La Trinidad soil series under wild sunflower
ecosystem between rhizosphere and lateral distance away
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Some Biological Properties of Wild Sunflower
Ecosystem Under La Trinidad Soil Series
Bacterial Population
Ambassador silt loam. Table 19 shows the bacterial population at 15 cm and 30cm
rhizosphere depth. It shows in the Table that a mean population of 226,725 from the subsoil
is highly significant over the surface (15cm) depth with a mean of 13,603. The result could
be attributed to the rooting system of the wild sunflower which penetrates deep.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 19. Bacterial population of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
13,603b
30 cm (subsoil)
226,725a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Walker (1975) mentioned that as roots move through soil, root cap cells provide
nutrients near the tip and elongating zone, but as plants age, root hairs and cortical cells die
and all this tissue becomes available to feed many microbes. Considering that the
wildsunflower roots reaches 30 cm to one meter depth.
Bakakeng clay. Table 20 presents the number of bacterial population of 2,240 from the 15
cm depth and 1,873 obtained from a 30 cm depth. Although the bacterial population
difference is not significant, it was still observed that a higher number of bacteria were
obtained from a 15 cm depth. One reason which Alexander (1977) mentioned is the
availability of residues of roots or above ground tissue which is more on the surface ground
(15cm) than subsurface ground (30cm).
Table 20. Bacterial population of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
2,240a
30 cm (subsoil)
1,873 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
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Table 21. Bacterial population of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
105,845 a
30 cm (subsoil)
130,856 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Bineng sandy clay. The bacterial population for Bineng sandy clay is higher at 30 cm depth
with a mean of 130,856 compared to a 15 cm depth with a mean of 105,845. However,
there was no observed statistical difference between the microbial counts. Soil sample from
Bineng sandy clay was taken at the road sides. The number of bacteria at soil surface may
have been affected by vehicle exhaust.
Buyagan clay loam. The 115,711 number of bacteria from 30cm depth is higher compared
to a 15 cm depth with a mean of 13,806. The difference between the two is highly
significant based on statistics.
Gray and William, (1971) explains that those microorganisms growing on or near
surface maybe subjected to considerable changes in temperature during the course of the
day, while microbes living in the lower parts of the soil may experience only small scale
changes in temperature throughout the year. That is why some microbes choose to live in
the lower parts of the soil.
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Table 22. Bacterial population of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
13,806 b
30 cm (subsoil)
115,711 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Halsema clay loam. Table 23 shows no significant difference between the count 15
cm depth (131,764) and 30 cm depth (118,022). However abundance of bacteria was
observed to be higher at 15 cm depth than at 30 cm depth. This could be due to plant
stubbles that are dumped and has undergone decomposition at the plant base. As plant
stubbles decompose, OM content of the soil increases which favors the proliferation of
microorganisms.
La Trinidad loam. Abundance of bacteria at 30 cm depth is much greater than at 15cm
depth rhizosphere as observed on this soil series. Alexander (1961) mentioned that the
number of bacteria becomes greater with depth so that they make up a larger segment of
the subsurface community and this could be attributed to the downward
Table 23. Bacterial population of Halsema clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
131,764 a
30 cm (subsoil)
118,022 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 24. Bacterial population of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
1,368 b
30 cm (subsoil)
164,270 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
movement of conidia with water or a differential effect of oxygen or carbon dioxide on the
bacteria.
Puguis gravelly loam. At this soil type, it is still observed that the greater number
of bacteria at 30cm depth is significantly greater than the number of bacteria at 15 cm
depth. This could still be due to the root density of the wild sunflower which excretes an
organic compound down reaching 30 cm depth rhizosphere which in response
microorganisms get their energy and multiply in number.
Rough mountainous land. The number of bacteria was still observed to be high at 30 cm
depth than at 15 cm depth as shown in Table 26. However, the difference between the two
is not significant. One reason is that other organic compounds may have been
Table 25. Bacterial population of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
184,102 b
30 cm (subsoil)
397,724 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 26. Bacterial population of Rough mountainous land under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
17,364 b
30 cm (subsoil)
30,635 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
carried by percolating water which moved downward due to heavy rainfull before the date
of sampling.
Tacdian clay loam. The mean of 147,629 bacterial population obtained from the 30
cm depth was highly significant over the mean of 24,410 obtained from the 15cm depth
rhizosphere. The wild sunflower plants growing in this series at the time of sampling were
on their late vegetative growth stage hence, some of the roots may have rotten. Leaching
could also be a factor here.
Table 27. Bacterial population of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
24,410 a
30 cm (subsoil)
147,629 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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General Observation
Figure 4 shows that bacterial population is greater at the subsoil (30 cm deep) than
at the surface (15 cm deep). Alexander (1977) reported that the microbial numbers are
larger in the inner zone where the biochemical interactions between microorganisms and
roots are most pronounced.
450,000
a
15 cm depth
400,000
30 cm depth
350,000
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
300,000
lation
u
BC-Bakakeng clay
250,000
a
op
BSC-Bineng sandy clay
P
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
b
200,000
a
ial
HCL-Halsema clay loam
r
a
a
a
te 150,000
LTL-La trinidad loam
a
a
a
ac
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
B 100,000
RML- Rough mountanous land
a
50,000
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
b
a
b
b
b
a
b
0
ASL BC BSC BCL HCL LTL PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 4. Bacterial population of the different La Trinided soil series under wild
sunflower ecosystem between 15cm and 30 cm rhizosphere depth
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Streptomyces Population
Ambassador silt loam. Table 28 shows the number of streptomyces which is higher at
15cm depth with a mean of 1,046, which is higher compared to a 30cm depth with a
mean of 723. It can be deduced that soil type influences streptomyces population and
proliferation. Alexander (1977) wrote that the size of the community depends on the soil
type, particularly on certain physical characteristics, organic matter contents, and pH of
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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the environment. Wild sunflower plants at the time of sampling were at their late
Table 28. Streptomyces population of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
1,046a
30 cm (subsoil)
723b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
vegetative stage and some were on their state of decomposition. This can contribute to the
abundance of streptomyces at the first 15cm soil rhizosphere.
Bakakeng clay. There were no observed significant difference between the number of
streptomyces population at 15cm and 30cm depth rhizosphere. Streptomyce population,
however, is higher in the soil than at the surface.
Schaetzl and Anderson (2005) mentioned that about 90 % of the actinomycetes in soils are
streptomycetes. They live in soils and plant litter, and can degrade complex substances
such as lignin, chitin, humin, aromatic compounds, keratin and cellulose. Dr. Cann (2007)
concludes that streptomyces are metabolically diverse and can utilize almost anything,
including, sugars, alcohols, amino acids, and aromatic compounds. This is achieved by
producing extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. On the other hand Volk and Wheeler (1988)
mentioned that actinomycetes produce plant disease, such as potato scab (streptomyces
scabies). Member of the genus streptomyces are only rarely pathogenic but they have
achieved prominence as a result of their ability to produce antibiotics. In fact these natural
antibiotics sometimes protect plant roots from attack by disease organisms.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 29. Streptomyces population of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
948 a
30 cm (subsoil)
1,043 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Bineng sandy clay. This soil series shows a highly significant difference between
streptomyces count a 15cm depth with a lower mean of 487 compared to a 30 cm with a
higher mean of 1,037. Since wild sunflower at the time of sampling was at their active
vegetative stage and that the site is very steep, it is possible that microbes have been carried
downward by pecolating water. Moreover, the sites where wild sunflower is abundant were
observed to have been dumped with partially decomposed plant stubbles and garbage.
Streptomyces consequently play an important role in the degredation of organic matter,
most commonly noted in compost pile (Microwiki, 2010).
Table 30. Streptomyces population of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
487 b
30 cm (subsoil)
1,037 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 31. Streptomyces population of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
457 b
30 cm (subsoil)
1,039 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Buyagan clay loam. Streptomyces count is substabtially greater at the subsoil than at the
surface. Wild sunflower is abundant at the level of the Balili River where the composite
sample was obtained. It is also on this site where wastes are decomposed frim the oval of
BSU and the soil here is classified as alluvium. Moreover, Alexander (1977) mentioned
that actinomycetes are affected directly by the presence of available carbon, and their
number is especially great in land rich in OM. Actinomycetes are numerous and widely
distributed in soil and are next to bacteria in abundance. The common genera of
actinomycetes are streptomyces nearly 70% than other genera of actinomycetes like
nicordia and micromonospora, mentioned by (Agriculture Info. Bank, 2011).
Halsema clay loam. Streptomyces population is still greater at the subsoil compared
to the surface. On one hand, there was no observed statistical significant difference. The
low streptomyces population could be attributed to the acidity within the wild sunflower
ecosystem. Most strains of streptomyces and other related forms fail to proliferate or have
negligible activity below pH 5.0 (Gray and Williams, 1971).
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 32. Streptomyces population of Halsema clay loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
373 a
30 cm (subsoil)
416 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
La Trinidad loam. Streptomyces count is still observed to be high at 30cm depth
rhizosphere in this soil type compared to the 15cm depth rhizosphere. Difference of the
two is highly significant. This could still be due to the root density of wild sunflower and
its root excretion of sugars and other organic compounds which serves as food for the
streptomyces (Schaetzl and Anderson, 2005).
Puguis gravelly loam. At this soil type, numbers of streptomyces are known to be high at
15cm depth than at 30cm depth and the difference between the two is highly significant.
The result could be attributed to the higher pH attained form this soil type at the surface
soil. As was mentioned previously, streptomyces is sensitive to acidity.
Table 33. Streptomyces population of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
157 b
30 cm (subsoil)
697 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Table 34. Streptomyces population of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
549 a
30 cm (subsoil)
100 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Walker(1975) mentioned that the filamentous microorganisms are present in A horizon as
well as at considerable depth below the surface, but the cell density estimated by plating
techniques progressively declines with depth in the soil profile.
Rough mountainous land. There is no observed statistical significance on the number of
streptomyces counted on this soil type but the surface soil registered a higher count than
the subsoil. Actinomycetes such as streptomyces produce thin walled conidia which have
hydrophobic properties not unlike those of some fungal conidia. They are generally
supposed to be resistant to disecation and can survive for long periods in dried soils. They
are more resistant to heat than vegetative mycelium and could survive partial heat
sterilization of soil (Gray and Williams, 1971).
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 35. Streptomyces population of Rough mountainous land under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
534 a
30 cm (subsoil)
387 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Tacdian clay loam. There is no significant difference between streptomyces count for a
15cm depth with a mean of 127 and at 30cm depth with a mean of 202. Althouhg a very
low number in both depths were obtained, the subsoil has a higher count compared to the
surface soil count. This could be due to sudden changes of temperature, availability of
nutrients and accumulation of some nutrients needed, which have been carried away by
heavy rainfall.
Table 36. Streptomyces population of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower
ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
127 a
30 cm (subsoil)
202 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
General Observation
Streptomyces population is greater at 30 cm (subsoil) than at 15 cm (surface soil)
on the different La Trinidad soil series under wild sunflower ecosystem. The population is
observed to be more dependent on soil pH, ecosystem soil type, and weather.
1,200
15 cm depth
a
a
a
a
a
30 cm depth
1,000
s
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
800
b
a
BC-Bakakeng clay
yce
on
i
BSC-Bineng sandy clay
om
at
l
a
600
a
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
b
b
ept
opu
a
HCL-Halsema clay loam
P
a
a
Str
400
LTL-La trinidad loam
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
a
b
RML- Rough mountanous
200
a
b
land
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
0
ASL BC BSC BCL HCL LTL PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 5. Streptomyces population of the different La Trinidad soil series under wild
sunflower ecosystem between 15 cm and 30 cm rhizosphere depth
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Possible Beneficial Bacterial Count
Depth Under Wild Sunflower 15cm Rhizosphere
Table 37 summarizes the number of possible beneficial bacteria observed from
wild sunflower 15 cm rhizosphere depth. Result shows that regardless of soil type and
dilution, possible beneficial bacterial growth was observed under a wild sunflower 15 cm
rhizosphere depth. Beneficial bacteria are those that have the ability to inhibit the growth
of other microorganisms. The ambassador silt loam has the highest number of possible
beneficial bacteria and is statistically different from the counts observed from
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
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the other soil types. Generally, inhibition was observed on areas with naturally growing
wild sunflower which are undisturbed, particularly limestone as the parent material. The
inhibition is observed in Figure 9 which shows the bacterial isolates with clear zone around
the bacterial colony observed after 48 hours of incubation. The halo devoid of growth is
good presumptive evidence that the colony surrounded by the zone of clearing is producing
an antibiotic.
Table 37. Possible beneficial bacterial count under wild sunflower 15cm rhizosphere
depth
Soil Type
10-2
10-3
10-4
10-5
10-6
Ambassador silt loam
12.00a
4.00b
0.00b
0.00c
0.00c
Bakakeng clay
0.67 a
1.00 a
0.00 b
0.00b
0.00 b
Bineng Sandy clay
2.00 a
0.33 b
1.00 b
0.33b
0.00 b
Buyagan clay loam
0.33 a
1.67 a
1.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
Halsema clay loam
1.00 a
0.67 a
1.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
La Trinidad loam
3.00 a
2.00 a
1.67 a b
0.67 bc
0.00c
Puguis gravelly loam
0.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
0.00 a
0.33 a
Rough mountainous land
3.00 a
2.67 a
0.67 b
0.00 b
0.00 b
Tacdian clay loam
0.00a
0.00 a
0.33 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
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LTL isolates
PGL isolates
ASL isolates
Figure 6. Isolates with inhibition zone under wild sunflower 15cm rhizosphere depth.
An antibiotic is a substance formed by one organism that, in low concentrations,
inhibits the growth of another organism. Many soil inhabitants produce inhibitory
substances in laboratory media, and it is not difficult to isolate strains that, when tested in
pure culture, suppress numerous microorganisms. A variety of actinomycetes, bacteria and
fungi are able to synthesize antibiotics (Alexander, 1977). Actinomycetes are particularly
active in this regard, and streptomycin, chloramphenicol, cycloheximide, and
chlortetracycline are but the few of the important chemotherapeutic substances synthesized
by them. The most frequently encountered bacteria synthesizing antibiotics are species of
Bacillus and strains of Pseudomonas that liberate pyocyanin and related compounds.
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Possible Beneficial Bacterial Count
Under Wild Sunflower 30 cm
Rhizosphere Depth
Actual count of possible beneficial bacteria from soil samples collected from wild
sunflower rhizosphere at 30 cm soil depth is presented in Table 38. The ambassador silt
loam has the highest number of possible beneficial bacteria. The result could be explained
by the accumulation of the wild sunflower that fall on the base of the plant. As the original
material and the initial products undergo further decomposition, they are converted to
brown or black organic complexes. These complexes favor the proliferation of organisms
that produce antibiotics. Alexander (1977) mentioned that the community of the
rhizosphere is composed mainly of nonpathogenic microorganisms.
Isolates from Bineng sandy clay
Isolates from Buyagan clay loam
Figure 7. Isolates with inhibition zone under wild sunflower 30 cm rhizosphere depth
The possible beneficial bacterial count was observed to have decreased with depth. The
downward movement of water removes from the zone of microbial accessibility substances
essential for proliferation (Alexander, 1977). Figure 7 is an example of the isolates
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
suppressing the growth of other microorganisms. These were observed after 48 hours of
incubation.
Table 38. Possible beneficial bacterial count under wild sunflower 30cm rhizosphere
depth
Soil Type
10-2
10-3
10-4
10-5
10-6
Ambassador silt loam
12.67 a
6.67 a
1.00b
0.00 b
0.00 b
Bakakeng clay
8.00 a
4.00 a
2.33 b
0.33c
0.33c
Bineng Sandy clay
2.33a
2.00 a
2.67 a
0.67 a
0.67 a
Buyagan clay loam
0.33 a
7.00 a
4.67 a
0.33 b
0.00 b
Halsema clay loam
0.00 a
1.33 a
0.33 b
0.00 b
0.00 b
La Trinidad loam
0.67 a
3.00 a
1.00 b
0.33 b
0.00 b
Puguis gravelly loam
0.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
Rough mountainous land
0.00 a
0.67 a
0.33 a
0.33 a
0.00 a
Tacdian clay loam
0.00 a
0.67 a
0.00 b
0.00 b
0.00 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by DMRT
Fungal Population of the Different
La Trinidad Soil Types
Ambassador silt loam. Table 39 shows no significant differences between the fungal
populations from a 15cm depth compared to a 30cm depth rhiosphere. However,
abundance of fungi was still observed to be higher at at this soil type on this soil type as
compared to other soil series of La Trinidad.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
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Table 39. Fungal population of Ambassador silt loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
15,196a
30 cm (subsoil)
9,971 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Most of the factors in the environment vary with climate changes through out the
year. This is especially true of temperature, moisture content and nutrient supply. In less
extreme climate, one of the most regularly fluctuating factors is that of nutrient supply
flushes of nutrient occurring after leaf fall (Walker, 1975).
Bakakeng clay. This soil type shows highly significant differences between 15cm depth
(51,344) and 30cm depth (22,761). Abundance of fungi at 15cm than in 30cm depth could
be due to the fact that the sampling site where wild sunflower is abundant is gargabe pits
between households. Alexander (1977) mentioned that the frequency of bacteria, fungi,
algae declines with depth, then the influence of depth may result from the availability of
organic matter. Moreover, (Coyne and Thompson, 2006) mentioned that
Table 40. Fungal population of Bakakeng clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
51,344 a
30 cm (subsoil)
22,761 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
the biologically active layer shrinks even further to approximately 30cm (12inches), or the
approximate plant rooting depth. As the soil depth increases, the number of bacteria
significantly decreases, and this is true for most soil.
Soil organisms can be found at great depths in soil but this does not mean that they are
active. Their presence could simply reflect their transport through soil channels from the
soil surface to deeper depths. Sometimes greater numbers of fungi are observed in 30cm
soil depth than in 15cm soil depth. This could be attributed to the wild sunflower root
system which expands and grows downward. Because plant roots represent an abundant
food source for saprophytes and parasites and the organisms that prey on them, the
population of the soil organisms immediately adjacent to the plant roots in the rhizosphere
is greater.
Bineng sandy clay. Table 41 shows the number of fungi at 15cm depth (62,465) and at
30cm depth (26,129). The difference of the two is highly significant. Jones (1982)
mentioned that soil temperature strongly influences the activity of all soil microorganisms,
and it is especially important in the transformation of ammonia to nitrate. In addition (Gray
and Williams,1971) mentined that those growing on or near the surface maybe subjected
to considerable changes in temperature during the course of the day, while microbes living
in the lower parts of the soil may experience only small scale changes in temperature
thoughout the year. In this case low temperature may affect microbial activity.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Table 41. Fungal population of Bineng sandy clay under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
62,465 a
30 cm (subsoil)
26,129 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Buyagan clay loam. The number of fungi at 15cm depth is lower with a mean of 46,030
compared to a 30cm depth with a higher mean of 57,712. The differences of the two are
highly significant. Walker (1975) mentined that the abundance and physiological activity
of the fungus flora at different habitats vary considerably, and the community and its
biochemical activities undergo appreciable fluctuation with the time at any single site. Soil
type Buyagan clay loam was obtained from riverbank of Balili usually where weed trims
from oval and other garbage are dumped. This could influence the abundance of fungus at
this soil type.
Table 42. Fungal population of Buyagan clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
46,030 b
30 cm (subsoil)
57,712 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Table 43. Fungal population of Halsema clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
25,279 a
30 cm (subsoil)
20,923 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Halsema clay loam. There was no observed statistical significance between the number of
fungi at 15cm and 30cm depth rhizosphere. At this soil type which was sampled at Shilan
in a hilly portion at the edge or the roads, there maybe an influence of the vehicle exhaust
on the abundance of fungus.
La Trinidad loam. The La Trinidad loam has a higher number of fungi at 15cm depth with
a mean of 52,785 compared to a 30cm depth with a mean of 22,568. The difference between
the two is highly significant.
Result could be due to the organic matter content of the soil which is classified to have
adequate organic matter in the rhizosphere which served as food for the microorganisms.
Table 44. Fungal population of La Trinidad loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
52,785 a
30 cm (subsoil)
22,568 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Table 45. Fungal population of Puguis gravelly loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
79,558 a
30 cm (subsoil)
31,143 b
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Puguis garvelly loam. The Puguis garvelly loam has a higher number of fungi at 15cm
depth with a mean of 79,588 compared to a 30cm depth with a mean of 31,143. The
difference between the two is highly significant.
Alexander (1977) mentioned that the major external influence imposed on the fungus
community include the organic matter status, hydrogen ion concentration, organic and
inorganic fertilizers, the moisture regime aeration, temperature, position in the profile,
season of year and composition of the vegetation.
Rough mountainous land. Table 46 shows the number of fungi at 15cm depth with a mean
of 25,263 and 30cm depth with a mean of 65,268. The difference of the two is highly
significant.
Position in the profile which is a colluvial soil from the above mountain, utilizable organic
matter at this soil type, temperature and adequate moisture, have something to do with the
number of fungi. This was confirmed by Coyne and Thompson (2006) who mentioned that
all living things demand adequate moisture, and it is surprising, therefore that soil water
has a direct effect upon the abundance and functions of fungi. Their capacity for catalyzing
chemical changes in poor or lacking entirely when the water supply is low.
Table 46. Fungal population of Rough mountainous land under wild sunflower
ecosystem
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
25,263 b
30 cm (subsoil)
65,268 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Tacdian clay loam. Tacdian clay loam shows a higher number of fungi at 30cm depth than
at 15cm depth. This could due to rooting system of wild sunflower plants. This could also
due to the accumulation of materials, carried down from the upper layer 15 cm depth to the
lower parts of the profile that affects the abundance of microorganicmc in 30cm depth.
Table 47. Fungal population of Tacdian clay loam under wild sunflower ecosystem
RHIZOSPHERE DEPTH
MEAN
15 cm (soil surface)
25,263 b
30 cm (subsoil)
65,268 a
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
90,000
a
15 cm depth
80,000
30 cm depth
70,000
a
a
on
a
i
ASL- Ambassador silt loam
60,000
at
a
a
l
BC-Bakakeng clay
b
50,000
BSC-Bineng sandy clay
opu
b
P
BCL- Buyagan clay loam
40,000
al
b
HCL-Halsema clay loam
b
30,000
a
b
LTL-La trinidad loam
ung
b
a
b
F
PGL- Puguis gravelly loam
20,000
a
a
RML- Rough mountanous
a
10,000
land
TCL-Tacdian clay loam
0
ASL BC BSC BCL HCL LTL PGL RML TCL
La Trinidad Soil Series
Figure 8. Fungal population of the different soil series under wild sunflower
ecosystem 15 cm and 30 cm rhizosphere depth
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Isolates from Ambassador silt loam
Isolates from Bakakeng clay
Isolates from Bineng sandy clay
Isolates from Buyagan clay loam
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Isolates from Halsema clay loam
Isolates from La Trinidad loam
Isolates from Puguis gravelly loam
Isolates from Rough mountainous land
Isolates from Tacdian clay loam
Figure 9. Fungi isolates from the different La Trinidad soil series under wilds sunflower
ecosystem 15 cm depth rhizosphere
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Isolates from Ambassador silt loam
Isolates from Bakakeng clay
Isolates from Bineng sandy clay
Isolates from Buyagan clay loam
Isolates from Halsema clay loam
Isolates from La Trinidad loam
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Isolates from Puguis gravelly loam
Isolates from rough mountainous land
Isolates from Tacdian clay loam
Figure 10. Fungi isolates from the different La Trinidad soil series under wilds sunflower
ecosystem 30 cm depth rhizosphere
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between Soil pH and
Bacterial population at 15 cm
Rhizosphere Depth
Table 48 shows the relationship between soil pH and bacterial population at 15
cm depth rhizosphere. In all of the La Trinidad soil series, no significant relationship is
observed between soil pH and 15 cm rhizosphere bacterial count under a wild sunflower
ecosystem. This means that the bacterial population under a wild sunflower ecosystem is
not affected by the soil pH but maybe on the kind of bacteria.
Table 48. Relationship between soil pH and bacterial population at 15 cm rhizosphere
depth
SOIL TYPE
SOIL PH
BACTERIAL
CORRELATION
POPULATION
15 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
4.4b
13,603b
-0.79ns
Bakakeng clay
4.4a
6,722 a
-0.87 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
5.2 a
105,845 a
0.80 ns
Buyagan clay loam
5.2 a
13,806 b
0.95 ns
Halsema clay loam
4.3 b
131,764 a
0.78 ns
La Trinidad loam
5.6 a
1,368 b
-0.34 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
5.2 a
184,102 b
0.49 ns
Rough mountainous land
5.1 b
17,364 b
-0.99 ns
Tacdian clay loam
4.6 b
24,410 a
0.40 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between Soil pH and
Fungal population at 15cm Rhizosphere Depth
Table 49 shows that the soil pH has no relationship with fungal population at 15cm
rhizosphere depth regardless of the soil type in a wild sunflower ecosystem.
Table 49. Relationship between soil pH and fungal population at 15 cm rhizosphere
depth
FUNGAL
SOIL TYPE
SOIL PH
CORRELATION
POPULATION
15 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
4.4b
15,196a
-0.36ns
Bakakeng clay
4.4a
51,344 a
0.98ns
Bineng Sandy clay
5.2 a
62,465 a
-0.97 ns
Buyagan clay loam
5.2 a
46,030 b
-0.98ns
Halsema clay loam
4.3 b
25,279 a
0.70 ns
La Trinidad loam
5.6 a
52,785 a
-0.97 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
5.2 a
79,558 a
-0.94 ns
Rough mountainous land
5.1 b
25,263 b
-0.18 ns
Tacdian clay loam
4.6 b
14,828 b
0.20 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
OM and Bacterial Count
at 15 cm Rhizosphere Depth
The bacterial population is not affected so far by OM on La Trinidad, Benguet soil series
under a wild sunflower ecosystem as 15 cm rhizosphere depth. It could be due to the
weather, slope of the sampling sites, and growth stage of wild sunflower.
Table 50. Relationship between OM and bacterial population at 15 cm rhizosphere depth
SOIL TYPE
ORGANIC
BACTERIAL COUNT CORRELATION
MATTER
15 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
0.51b
13,603b
0.20 ns
Bakakeng clay
2.49a
6,722 a
0.48 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
1.91 a
105,845 a
-0.16 ns
Buyagan clay loam
7.48 a
13,806 b
0.90 ns
Halsema clay loam
2.05 a
131,764 a
0.55 ns
La Trinidad loam
8.23 a
1,368 b
0.99 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
3.14 a
184,102 b
0.54 ns
Rough mountainous land
3.20 a
17,364 b
-0.06 ns
Tacdian clay loam
3.08 b
24,410 a
-0.69 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
OM and Fungal Count
at 15 cm Rhizosphere Depth
Table 51 shows that fungal count at 15 cm rhizosphere depth is not affected by OM content
of the soil under a wild sunflower ecosystem. This is due to all La Trinidad soil series.
Table 51. Relationship between OM and fungal population at 15 cm rhizosphere depth
FUNGAL
ORGANIC
SOIL TYPE
POPULATION
CORRELATION
MATTER
15 cm depth
Ambassador silt loam
0.51b
15,196a
-0.32 ns
Bakakeng clay
2.49a
51,344 a
0.15 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
1.91 a
62,465 a
-0.17 ns
Buyagan clay loam
7.48 a
46,030 b
-0.72 ns
Halsema clay loam
2.05 a
25,279 a
-0.80 ns
La Trinidad loam
8.23 a
52,785 a
0.27 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
3.14 a
79,558 a
-0.94 ns
Rough mountainous land
3.20 a
25,263 b
-0.99 ns
Tacdian clay loam
3.08 b
14,828 b
-0.97 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
Soil pH and Bacterial population
at 30 cm Rhizosphere Depth
Table 52 presents no relationship so far between soil pH and bacterial population
under 30 cm rhizosphere depth.
Table 52. Relationship between soil pH and bacterial populationt at 30 cm rhizosphere
depth
BACTERIAL
SOIL TYPE
SOIL PH
POPULATION
CORRELATION
30 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
4.4b
226,725a
0.22 ns
Bakakeng clay
4.4a
1,873 a
-0.48 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
5.2 a
130,856 a
-0.99*
Buyagan clay loam
5.2 a
115,711 a
-0.94 ns
Halsema clay loam
4.3 b
118,022 a
0.05 ns
La Trinidad loam
5.6 a
164,270 a
0.86 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
5.2 a
397,724 a
1.00**
Rough mountainous land
5.1 b
30,635 a
0.26 ns
Tacdian clay loam
4.6 b
147,629 a
-0.12 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
Soil pH and Fungal Population
at 30 cm RhizosphereDepth
The relationship between soil pH and fungal count is shown in Table 53. There is
no observed significance of soil type on fungal population in all soil types under a wild
sunflower ecosystem at 30 cm rhizosphere depth.
Table 53. Relationship between soil pH and fungal population at 30 cm rhizosphere
depth
FUNGAL
SOIL TYPE
SOIL PH
CORRELATION
POPULATION
30 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
4.4b
9,971 a
-0.60 ns
Bakakeng clay
4.4a
22,761 b
0.97 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
5.2 a
26,129 b
-0.87 ns
Buyagan clay loam
5.2 a
57,712 a
0.90 ns
Halsema clay loam
4.3 b
20,923 a
0.77 ns
La Trinidad loam
5.6 a
22,568 b
-0.24 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
5.2 a
31,143 b
-0.96 ns
Rough mountainous land
5.1 b
65,268 a
0.72 ns
Tacdian clay loam
4.6 b
39,309 a
-0.29 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
OM and Bacterial Count
at 30 cm Rhizosphere Depth
The OM content of the soil at 30 cm rhizosphere depth has no relationship to the bacterial
count under a wild sunflower ecosystem in any of the La Trinidad soil types.
Table 54. Relationship between OM and bacterial population at 30 cm rhizosphere depth
BACTERIAL
ORGANIC
SOIL TYPE
POPULATION
CORRELATION
MATTER
30 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
0.51b
226,725a
0.48 ns
Bakakeng clay
2.49a
1,873 a
0.86 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
1.91 a
130,856 a
-0.41 ns
Buyagan clay loam
7.48 a
115,711 a
-0.44 ns
Halsema clay loam
2.05 a
118,022 a
0.36 ns
La Trinidad loam
8.23 a
164,270 a
0.03 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
3.14 a
397,724 a
0.99 *
Rough mountainous land
3.20 a
30,635 a
-0.90 ns
Tacdian clay loam
3.08 b
147,629 a
0.87 ns
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Relationship Between
OM and Fungal Count
at 30 cm Rhizosphere Depth
Table 55 shows the relationship between organic matter and fungal population at
30cm rhizosphere depth. Fungal population is not affected by the OM content of the soil
in all the La Trinidad soil series.
Table 55. Relationship between OM and fungal population at 30 cm soil depth
FUNGAL
SOIL TYPE
ORGANIC
CORRELATION
POPULATION
MATTER
30 CM DEPTH
Ambassador silt loam
0.51b
9,971 a
-0.07ns
2.49a
22,761 b
0.26 ns
Bakakeng clay
1.91 a
26,129 b
-0.84 ns
Bineng Sandy clay
7.48 a
57,712 a
0.95ns
Buyagan clay loam
2.05 a
20,923 a
0.94 ns
Halsema clay loam
8.23 a
22,568 b
0.97 ns
La Trinidad loam
3.14 a
31,143 b
-0.97 ns
Puguis gravelly loam
3.20 a
65,268 a
0.81 ns
Rough mountainous land
3.08 b
39,309 a
0.77 ns
Tacdian clay loam
Means with the same letter/s are not significantly different by 5% DMRT
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study aimed to evaluate a Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) ecosystem by;
describing a wild sunflower ecosystem; determining some soil chemical properties;
determining the microbial growth and population; and, relating some soil chemical
properties to microbial population.
Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) grows well on La Trinidad, Benguet soil series in
any vacant area, garbage pits, levees, road cuts, and in suburbs whether flat, hilly, and steep
slopes (1,113-1,430 cm). Further observations show that wild sunflower ca thrive alone on
limestone parent material provided that there is light and water indicative of the plant’s
sequestering or scavenging ability for nutrient elements. Moreover, the only weed growing
together with Tithonia diversifolia is Pennisetum pupureum (Napier of Uganda grass)
implying a weedical effect. Tithonia diversifolia, however, does not thrive well on
extensively cultivated or acidic soils.
Wild sunflower has an acidifying effect on the soil as proven by the extremely acidic
rhizosphere compared to the slightly acidic lateral distance away (no wild sunflower).
Likewise, the soil OM depends on the growth stage, weather, and soil type.
Population of microorganisms was found to be greater on the subsoil than on the soil
surface. Wild sunflower has an influence on the number of microorganisms because of its
root density and distribution. The plant droppings like the leaves that are easily
decomposed serve as source of energy for microorganisms. Streptomyces which has the
ability to produce antibiotics was also observed and is abundant at wild sunflower
rhizosphere. In addition, there are possible beneficial bacterial growths observed in the
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
samples taken from a wild sunflower ecosystem as shown in the assay test which inhibit
the growth of other microorganisms.
Soil pH and OM content of the soil showed no relationship at all on the bacterial and fungal
population both at 15 cm and 30 cm rhizosphere depth under a wild sunflower ecosystem
on La Trinidad, Benguet soil series.
Conclusions
Wild sunflower growing under the La Trinidad, Benguet soil series is abundant in
any vacant area, garbage pits, road cuts, levees, and in suburbs whether flat hilly and steep
slopes (1,113-1430m) that are rich in OM. Further, Tithonia diversifolia can thrive alone
on limestone parent material provided that there is light and water. The only weed growing
simultaneously with Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) is Pennisetum pupureum
(Napier or Uganda grass).
Regardless of soil type, wild sunflower has an acidifying effect on the soil due to its
sequestering and scavenging ability.
Growth and abundance of microorganisms like fungi and bacteria was on the subsoil
compared to the surface soil on a wild sunflower ecosystem and is influenced more by the
plant’s growth stage, root density and distribution, and root depth.
Growth of streptomyces and possible beneficial bacteria was also observed. The organisms
mentioned have the ability to produce antibiotics and can inhibit the growth of other
microorganism, respectively.
Soil pH and SOM showed no relationship on the microbial growth under wild
sunflower ecosystem.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
Recommendation
Further study should be conducted especially on the observed growth of
streptomyces and possible beneficial bacteria that has inhibitionon the microorganisms.
This is indicative of the production of antibiotics and as a Biological Control Agent (BCA).
Researchable areas deduced from the study are:
1. The sequestering or scavenging ability of wild sunflower based on
soil and plant tissue analysis to confirm the results;
2. The weedical effect of Tithonia diversifolia; and
3. The possible production of a Biologocal Control Agent (BCA) to
confirm the growth of streptomyces and possible beneficial bacteria that
showed inhibition with other bacteria in assay test.
Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Tithonia diversifolia (wild sunflower) Ecosystem
Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
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Under La Trinidad, Benguet, Province Soil Series |
KIAS, NILDA B. APRIL 2012
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