BIBLIOGRAPHY OSTING, JAZZEL B. APRIL 2011....

BIBLIOGRAPHY
OSTING, JAZZEL B. APRIL 2011. Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of
Strawberry Farmers in Swamp, La Trinidad, Benguet. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.

Adviser: Jovita M. Sim, MSc.
ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in the municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet specifically at the
strawberry fields at swamp area on January 2011. This study aimed to determine the preferences
in mulching materials by strawberry farmers at swamp area, the reasons for the preference of
mulching material and the effect of mulching materials to strawberries in terms of yield, volume
of marketable and non-marketable output and weed, pest and disease infestation.

Majority of the respondents have been in strawberry production for 11 to 15 years thus
were all knowledgeable on the production technology. All of the farmers used polyethylene for
mulching their strawberry. Cogon grasses are only resorted to when farmers have no capital to
purchase polyethylene.

Majority of the strawberry farmers preferred using polyethylene and would only use
cogon grass as a substitute in mulching their strawberry plants. Polyethylene would produce a
much better quality of strawberry fruit. Mulching material has no effect on yield in terms of
kilograms but the effect is on the quality of berries produced. More marketable berries are
produced from strawberries mulched with polyethylene. Cultural management practices such as
pest and disease management, fertilization and irrigation also affects the quality of strawberry
produced. Weeds are also controlled with polyethylene mulch.

Therefore, farmers should use polyethylene/plastic mulch in mulching their strawberries
to get a better quality of produce, reduce labor cost for weeding and pesticides.
ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Bibliography………………………………………………………………….. i
Abstract………………………………………………………………………. i
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………..
iii
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………… 1

Rationale ………………………………………………………………
1

Statement of the Problem ………………………………………………
2

Objectives of the Study ………………………………………………..
3

Importance of the Study ……………………………………………….
3

Scope and Limitation of the Study…………………………………….
4

REVIEW OF LITERATURE…………………………………………………
5

Strawberry ………..……………………………………………………
5

Strawberries and Health ...…………………………………………….
5

Mulching …………………….…………………………………………
6

Disease and Pest Control …………...………………………………….
7

Weed Control…….……………………………………………………..
8

Mulching Materials and their

Advantages and

Disadvantages………………………………………………………….
10

16
METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………………

Locale and Time of the Study………………………………………….
16

Respondents of the Study………………………………………………
16

Data Gathering Procedure ….………………………………………….
16

Data Gathered………………………………………………………….
16

Data Analysis…………………………………………………………..
16

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ……………………………………………..
16

Profile of the Respondents…………………………………………….
17

Years in Strawberry Production ….……………………………………
19

Varieties of Strawberry Planted by

the Farmers…………………………………………………………….
19

Land Area for Strawberry Production

by Farmers……………………………………………………………..
20

Major Source of Income ……………………………………………….
21

Mulching Materials Used ……………………………………………..
21

Preferred Mulching Materials ………………………………………….
22

Reasons for Choosing Materials ……………………………………….
22

Satisfaction in Using the Material ……………………………………..
24

Land Ownership ……………………………………………………….
24

Post Harvest and Marketing Activities

of the Farmers ………………………………………………………….
24

Total Volume of Output ……………………………………………….
25

Weed, Pest and Disease Infestation ……………………………………
26

Problems Encountered on the Material…………………………………
26

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION ……………..
29

Summary………………………………………………………………..
29

Conclusions …………………………………………………………….
31

Recommendations………………………………………………………
32

LITERATURE CITED……………………………………………………….
33

APPENDIX …………………………………………………………………..
35

A, Letter to the Respondents………………………………………….
35

B. Survey Questionnaire …...…………………………………………
36

INTRODUCTION

Rationale

A small red fruit from the Rosaceae family that has a delicious taste that best grow in a
cool and moisture climate is the Strawberry fruit. The fruit don’t grow on a tree but rather
develop its small yet tasty heart-shaped fruit closed to the ground.

Strawberry plants produce attractive fruit with fine flavor. Strawberries have a very high
vitamin C content and are versatile as a dessert food. Most cultivars of strawberries are well
suited to freezing and processing as well as for fresh use. Many people enjoy eating the fresh-
picked fruit. Strawberries are also excellent for jams, jellies, and pies. Freshly sliced and sugared
strawberries are excellent when served chilled either alone or over shortcake or ice cream. In
addition, strawberries contain a natural substance called ellagic acid, which is an anti-
carcinogenic (cancer-preventing) compound (Gao, 2001).
Planting systems for strawberries vary, depending on the environment and production
goals. The grower must decide the relative priorities of yield, size, flavor, or other qualities of the
fruit, and seek a system that balances these goals. Systems that focus primarily on yield are the
least sustainable because of the enormous amount of energy used for maintenance, plastic, and
transportation. In many of these systems, the plants are grown on raised beds as annuals. This
results in removal of the plants, plastic mulch, and irrigation system at the end of every season.
Regardless of the system used, conventional yields are usually higher than organic yields.
However, studies have shown that organic producers can earn more profit per acre than
conventional producers (Guerena and Born, 2007).

Strawberry fruit is protected by mulching. The materials that will be used in mulching are
very important considerations because it affects the quality of the fruit. Protective mulch can
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protect strawberries from cold by providing insulation and from desiccation by providing a
barrier against drying winds. Mulches will also protect plants from injury caused by soil heaving,
which results from freezing/ thawing cycles during the winter. So, a key to consistent quality
strawberry production in cold climates is in protecting the plants from severe temperatures or
temperature swings through the practice of mulching (Schloemann, 2004).
Mulch used by strawberry farmers includes rice straw, cogon grasses and other type of
grasses that could be used as mulch. The use of black plastic was introduced as much as a result
of S&T activities. Mulch materials affect the quality and yield of produce. However, the effect
was not documented as to its economic importance and viability. Strawberry is the major crop of
La Trinidad, Benguet. The place is known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines. It is one
of the major tourist attractions in La Trinidad. Thus, it is a necessity that growers should produce
high yield and quality fruits. This study therefore aimed. to determine the most effective and
economical mulching materials for strawberry.

Statement of Problem

1. What are the preferences in mulching materials by strawberry farmers in Swamp, La
Trinidad, Benguet?

2. What are the reasons for the preference of mulching material?
3. What is the effect of mulching materials to strawberries as to the following parameters:
a. Yield (kg)
b. Volume of marketable and non-marketable output
c. Weed, pest and disease infestation

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Objective of the Study

1. To determine the preferences on the mulching material used by strawberry farmers in
Swamp, La Trinidad, Benguet.
2. To determine the reasons for the preference of mulching material.
3. To determine the effect on the kind of mulching materials to strawberries as to the
following parameters:
a. Yield (kg)
b. Volume of marketable and non-marketable output
c. Weed, pest and disease infestation

Importance of Study

Mulching and mulching materials used in the production had a great effect on the quality
of berries produced as mentioned by one farmer in swamp area (Bay-an, 2010), thus most
strawberry farmers always mulch on their strawberry plants. However, the type of mulching
materials to be used will depend on the budget/capital available. The result of this study would
serve as guide and basis of farmers in their decision on the mulching materials to be used. This
would also serve as basis for further research especially for technical researchers in the
development of appropriate mulching technology.

Scope and Delimitation of Study

The study focused on the preference of the different kind of mulching materials used by
strawberry farmers in Swamp, La Trinidad, Benguet and its effect on the yield quality of

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strawberry produced, weed, pest and disease. This was limited to strawberry farmers at the
Swamp Area of Benguet State University.

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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Strawberry

The strawberry is a member of the rose family, with the most common varieties being a
hybrid of the wild Virginia strawberry (native to North America) and a Chilean variety. The
plant produces succulent, red, conical fruit from tiny white flowers, and sends out runners to
propagate. Although the plants can last 5 to 6 years with careful cultivation, most farmers use
them as an annual crop, replanting yearly. Crops take 8 to 14 months to mature. Strawberries are
social plants, requiring both a male and female to produce fruit. The word strawberry comes
from the Old English streawberige, most likely because the plant sends out runners which could
be likened to pieces of straw. Although they have been around for thousands of years,
strawberries were not actively cultivated until the Renaissance period in Europe (Filippone,
2008).
There are many explanations, some believe that the name came from the practice of
placing straw around the growing plants for protection, others believe the name originated over
1000 years ago because of the runners which spread outward from the plant. The name may have
been derived from the Anglo-Saxon verb to strew (spread) and the fruit came to be known as
streabergen, straberry, streberie, straibery, straubery, and finally, "STRAWBERRY’ to the
English (Manzanita Berry Farms, 2001).

Strawberries and Health

Not only are strawberries tasty, but they are also low in calories and very nutritious. They
are high in vitamin C (more than citrus fruits, ounce for ounce), which has been shown to be a
deterrent to some forms of cancer and also helps prevent oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol.
They are also a good source of fiber. Most importantly, strawberries are one of the few sources,

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along with grapes and cherries, of ellagic acid, a compound which has been shown to prevent
carcinogens from turning healthy cells into cancerous ones. Strawberries are fat-free and have no
cholesterol. One cup of sliced strawberries has 50 calories, 11.5 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams
fiber, and 45 mg of potassium (Filippone, 2008).

Mulching

Mulching is extensively used in Eastern growing regions. Mulching helps to control
freezing and thawing of the soil, which pushes plants out of the soil and exposes roots to drying.
Mulching with natural materials also helps in weed control if it is applied so that it is thick
enough (3 or 4 inches of straw). It helps to conserve moisture and keeps the fruit clean. Small
grain straw makes the best mulch, but almost anything that does not contain seed weeds and
stays in place is suitable. Black plastic mulch makes excellent mulch except where excess heat
builds up. Plastic mulch takes much of the danger out of winter planting by increasing soil
temperature as much as 10 degrees. This results to earlier ripening of fruit, longer harvests and
longer harvest seasons (Reiley and Shry, 2002).

Mulching is strongly recommended for strawberries, as it helps keep down weeds,
conserves moisture, feeds the plants, and keeps berries clean. It also protects plants against low
temperatures and soil heaving. The plants should be mulched right after planting, at least before
really hot weather is expected - unless black plastic film is used, in which case the plastic is
spread over the patch, anchored down with soil or stones, and the plants are set in the ground
through holes cut in the plastic. Good mulching materials include clean straw, salt marsh hay,
pine needles, very strawy manures, leaves, cottonseed hulls, peanut shells, bagasse (sugar cane
fiber), grass clippings, and even old newspapers and rags. Apply the mulch to a depth of 3 to 4

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inches after the ground has been thoroughly watered, covering the soil all around the plants, but
not the plants themselves (Laurence, 2004).

Organic growers will find that some hand weeding is necessary. Weeds in organic
plasticulture systems can become troublesome even where black plastic mulch is used. In such
situations, the weeds emerge from the planting holes made for the strawberry plants. The rows
must be straight and the plastic laid precisely to allow mechanical cultivation of the furrows
without damaging the beds and plastic (Guerena and Born, 2007).

Disease and Pest Control

Mulch can reduce the splashing of fungal spores off hard ground up onto the rose plant,
and may even reduce the harmful effects of soil fungi and nematodes (Belendez, 2010).

Mulches provide a barrier between plant foliage and soil that may contain disease spores
or pests. They also served as a barrier for pests that are headed for the floor of your garden,
either to lay eggs or to rest for the winter. Besides being useful for pest control, mulches of
various material served many other cultural purposes such as retaining soil moisture, adding
organic matter to the soil, warming the soil for heat-loving plants, and controlling weeds. An
organic mulch replaced several times each year, will help prevent disease spores from building
up and prevent splashing rain drops that carry spores.

Protection offered: Control aphids, leaf-hoppers, and thrips on cabbages and peppers in
the garden and greenhouse with a mulch of aluminum foil. You will also control the plant
diseases that these pests carry. Use a black plastic mulch to discourage sowbugs and other
crawlings pests that can’t stand the heat; black plastic also keeps leafminers from emerging from
infested soil and prevents their return to the soil to pupate. By blocking sunlight from the soil,
black plastic mulch provides weed control as well. A thick layer of organic mulch will prevent

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shallow-rooted plants from being heaved out of the soil by frost action during winter, because it
moderates changes in soil temperature ( Ellis et al., 1996).

Weed Control

Some good mulching materials in controlling weeds are grass Clippings, Leaves, Pine
bark, Shredded Hardwood Mulch, wood chips, Gravel, Pebbles and Crushed Stone and Black
plastic (Kluepfel, 2009).
The best use for grass clippings is to leave them on the lawn. Grass clippings will
decompose rapidly, adding nutrients back into the soil. A two-inch layer of grass clippings
provides weed control if they are not full of weed seeds. It is best to build up the layer gradually
using dry grass, not fresh clippings, to prevent the formation of a solid mat. Be careful not to use
clippings from lawns that have been treated with herbicides (Kluepfel, 2009).

A 2- to 3- inch layer of leaves provides good weed control. It is best to shred the leaves
coarsely, using a shredder or your lawn mower. Whole leaves have a tendency to blow away,
while finely shredded leaves do not allow water to penetrate. Oak and beech leaves help to
acidify the soil for acid-loving plants. Leaves are usually easy to get, attractive as a mulch, and
they will improve the soil once they decompose. After the leaves decompose, dig them into the
soil and add a new layer of mulch on top (Kluepfel, 2009).

A 2- to 3- inch layer of pine bark is good for weed control. Pine bark makes an attractive,
usually dark-colored mulch. It can be purchased in various particle sizes, from shredded to large-
sized particles, called nuggets. Large pine bark nuggets float in water and may not stay in place
during a heavy rain. They may also attract termites and other insects (Kluepfel, 2009).

Shredded
Hardwood
mulch
is
good
at suppressing weeds. It does not wash away easily. It decomposes relatively slowly, and it is

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very attractive (Kluepfel, 2009).

Wood Chips contains bark and pieces of
wood of various sizes and makes an attractive mulch. A 2- to 3- inch layer of wood chips
provides good weed control. Small wood chips decompose very rapidly using nitrogen from the
soil, which needs to be replaced by nitrogen fertilizer. Wood chips may attract termites and other
insects (Kluepfel, 2009).

Pebbles and Crushed Stone are permanent and are best used for permanent plantings
such as foundation plants. A 1- inch layer of small rocks will provide good weed control. Do not
use them around acid-loving plants since the rocks may add alkaline elements and minerals to
the soil. These materials reflect solar radiation and can create a very hot landscape environment
during the summer months (Kluepfel, 2009).

Black polyethylene film is very effective in preventing weed growth. It also holds water
in the soil. Therefore, plastic is not recommended for poorly-drained areas as it may cause the
soil to remain too wet, which could result in root disease problems. You may have to cut holes in
the plastic if water does not go through it. There is black plastic available that has small holes in
it to help with drainage. If exposed to sunlight, black plastic is broken down fast, losing its
effectiveness as a mulch. However, if you bury black plastic in the soil, it will last for many
years. Covering the black plastic with a layer of wood chips or pine needles will reduce heat
absorption and mask its artificial appearance (Kluepfel, 2009).

Mulching Materials and their Advantages
and Disadvantages

Aluminum foil or backed paper, will not decompose, apply one layer. Advantages:
Increases light around plants; aphids and other insects avoid. Reusable. Disadvantages: Can tear

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if handled roughly. Expensive. Artificial looking. Comments: Keeps ground very cool. Apply
only after ground has warmed up.
Bark chips, bio-degradable, apply 2-3 inches. Advantages: Attractive; good for
permanent mulch. Reusable. Disadvantages: May hinder water penetration. Comments:
Decomposes slowly unless composted first. Redwood decomposes slowest; may repel insects.
Reusable brick chips, will not decompose, apply 2-3 inches. Advantages: Cheaper than stone
mulch. Non-flammable. Disadvantages: Not readily available; high moisture retention. No
organic matter added. Comments: Decorative; made from brick overburns.
Compost, bio-degradable, apply 1-2 inches. Advantages: Contributes nutrients; turns
quickly to humus. Disadvantages: Needs heating period to kill off weed seeds and diseases; may
have unpleasant odor. Comments: Plan and start ahead so compost will be ready.
Corncobs and cornstalks, bio-degradable, apply 3-4 inches. Advantages: Readily
available in most areas. Good weed control. Disadvantages: Water doesn't penetrate well; may
generate heat. Comments: Add nitrogen to aid decomposition. Avoid diseased stalks and cobs.
Cottonseed hulls, bio-degradable, apply 2-4 inches. Advantages: Fertilizing value similar
cottonseed meal. Disadvantages: Very light, wind scatters. Comments: Keeps down weeds
between rows. Top layer of another mulch prevents scattering.
Grass clippings (dry), bio-degradable, apply 2-3 inches. Advantages: Improves soil by
adding organic matter. Disadvantages: Absorbent; may carry weed seed. Comments: Mix with
other materials to prevent packing. Bottom layer decomposes rapidly; add more.
Hay, bio-degradable, apply 4-6 inches. Advantages: Legume hays (alfalfa) add nitrogen.
Disadvantages: First cut hay full of weed seeds. Poor weed control. Comments: Fewer weed
seeds in 2nd or 3rd cut. Fluff up during season.

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Leaves, bio-degradable, apply 2-3 inches. Advantages: Contain many trace minerals; best
food for earthworms. Disadvantages: May become soggy and pack, hindering water penetration.
Comments: Chip or mix with another mulch to prevent matting.
Paper, bio-degradable; apply 5-6 pages or 4-6 inches, shredded. Advantages: May add
trace minerals. Decomposes readily. Newspaper or scrap paper. Disadvantages: May pack and
hinder water penetration. Scatters. Lead in colored pages; use black and white only. Comments:
Hold edges with rocks or dirt. Best shredded. Frost protection.
Peanut hulls, bio-degradable, apply 2-3 inches. Advantages: Adds nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium; decomposes rapidly. Disadvantages: Not readily available in North. Comments:
Attractive to rodents if not completely free of peanuts.
Peat moss, bio-degradable, apply 3-5 inches. Advantages: Clean and free of weed seeds.
Improves water retention when tilled into sandy soil. Disadvantages: Extremely absorbent, water
penetration hindered; expensive. Adds little or no nutrients. Comments: Good soil conditioner to
loosen heavy soils; acidic. Decomposes slowly.
Pine needles, bio-degradable, apply 3-4 inches. Advantages: Light; usually free of weed
seeds; absorbs little moisture. Does not pack. Reusable. Disadvantages: Decomposes very
slowly. Comments: Add nitrogen for faster decomposition. Slightly acidic.
Polyethelene (black or clear), will not decompose, apply one layer. Advantages: Retains
but absorbs no moisture. Black is effective weed control. Disadvantages: Weeds grow under
clear plastic. Rain can't go through easily. Adds no nutrients. Comments: Warms soil--effective
with tropical crops (melons, tomatoes). Ground must be moist before applying.
Rock, crushed gravel or marble chips, will not decompose, apply 1-2 inches. Advantages:
Relatively inexpensive; not absorbent. Water penetrates, non-flammable. Disadvantages: Poor

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weed control. Adds no organic matter to soil. Comments: Should be considered permanent
mulch.
Salt marsh hay, bio-degradable, apply 4-6 inches. Advantages: Usually weed-free;
available in marshy areas or along coast. Long lasting. Disadvantages: Not available to everyone.
Expensive if purchased. Comments: Till under at end of season. Chopping may make more
attractive.
Straw, bio-degradable, apply 4-6 inches. Advantages: Adds nutrients; lightens soil when
tilled under at end of season. Disadvantages: Can be a fire hazard. Comments: Add nitrogen to
aid decomposition unless aged.
Vermiculite or perlite, will not decompose, apply 1-2 inches. Advantages: Totally sterile,
so will not carry disease. No weed seeds. Disadvantages: Expensive; very light; scatters. Hinders
water penetration. Comments: Good for greenhouse use (Anonymous, 2002).
Added information (Kluepfel, 2009):

When applied correctly, mulch has the following beneficial effects on plants and soil:
Mulches prevent loss of water from the soil by evaporation.
Mulches reduce the growth of weeds, when the mulch material itself is weed-free and
applied deeply enough to prevent weed germination or to smother existing weeds. Mulches keep
the soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, thus maintaining a more even soil
temperature.

Mulches
prevent soil splashing, which not
only stops erosion but keeps soil-borne diseases from splashing up onto the plants.
Organic mulches can improve the soil structure. As the mulch decays, the material
becomes topsoil. Decaying mulch also adds nutrients to the soil.

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Mulches prevent crusting of the soil surface, thus improving the absorption and
movement of water into the soil.
Mulches prevent the trunks of trees and shrubs from damage by lawn equipment.
Mulches help prevent soil compaction.
Mulches can add to the beauty of the landscape by providing a cover of uniform color
and interesting texture to the surface.
Mulched plants have more roots than plants that are not mulched, because mulched plants
will produce additional roots in the mulch that surrounds them (Kluepfel, 2009).
Runoff and erosion. Mulch is the perfect agent for reducing water run off and erosion.
This keeps your plants from becoming infected with soil-borne diseases such as fungi. Saving
your soil from erosion is reason enough to use mulch in your garden every year.
Temperature and worms. Another valuable benefit to garden mulch is that it keeps your
soil at a uniform temperature and promotes the growth of microorganisms and earthworms.
Mulch acts as a blanket for your soil and keeps it in tip top condition for maximum growth
(Richardson, 2006).
Despite the fact that mulching is recommended and that it has a lot of benefits to your
lawn, there are also certain disadvantages that are usually associated with this noble activity. One
of the major disadvantages is the fact that it can be a very tedious job. Mulch is something that is
very bulky and moving it around can be a tedious job.
Getting mulch from places where you do not know can also be counterproductive because you
might get some mulch from a place where there was a certain pest or disease, only for you to
come and spread the same on your lawn. If this happens, then you are likely to infect your lovely

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lawn with some strange diseases and pests which you might not be able to deal with in the long
run (Desouza, 2010).

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METHODOLOGY

Locale and Time of Study

This study was conducted in the strawberry farm of Swamp are which is now the
Strawberry field of La Trinidad. The study was conducted on January 2011.

Respondents of the Study

A total of 30 strawberry farmers in the swamp area “strawberry farm” in La Trinidad,
Benguet were the respondents of the study.

Data Gathering Procedure

A survey questionnaire was prepared and used to gather the necessary information. A
personal interview was conducted to each respondent.

Data Gathered

The data gathered included the preferences of farmers on mulching material used, reasons
for using such mulching material and its effect on yield, volume of marketable and non-
marketable fruits, weed, pest and disease infestation.

Data Analysis

The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis and other appropriate
statistical tools.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Profile of the Respondents

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Table 1 presents the profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, civil status,
educational attainment and ethnic grouping.
Age. There were seven or 23.33% respondents that belonged to the 21 – 30 years old age
bracket, 9 or 30% belonged to the 31 – 40 years old age bracket, 10 or 33.33% to the 41 – 50
years old age bracket and four or 13.33% to 51 years and above. The mean age is 38.23. This
finding implies that majority of the farmers were of middle age.
Gender. Majority (80%) of the respondents were males and only 20% were females. The
result shows that more males were engage in strawberry farming than females.
Civil status. Majority ( 86.67%) of the respondents were married and only 13.33% were
single. This finding indicates that majority of the strawberry farmers were married.
Educational attainment. Majority (56.66%) of the respondents reached high school level
or high school graduates, while 23.33% were elementary graduate and 20% were college level or
college graduate. This implies that all the respondents attended formal education and that
majority had reached high school and college. This therefore means that the farmers can
understand farming technologies..
Ethnic
grouping. Majority (73.33% ) of the respondents were Kankana-ey, while 20%
were Ibaloi and 6.66% were Ilokano. This implies that majority of the respondents were
Kankana-ey.

Table 1. Profile of the respondents
CHARACTERISTICS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Age

21-30
7
23.33

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31-40
9
30.00

41-50
10
33.33

51 and above
4
13.33
TOTAL
30 100.00
Mean Age = 38.23
Gender

Male

24

80.00

Female
6
20.00
TOTAL 30
100.00
Civil Status

Married
26

86.67

Single
4
13.33
TOTAL 30
100.00
Educational Attainment

Elementary
7
23.33

Secondary
17
56.67

College
6
20.00
TOTAL 30
100.00
Ethnic Affiliation

Kankana-ey
22

73.33

Ibaloi
6
20.00

Ilokano
2
6.67
TOTAL 30
100.00

Years in Strawberry Production

Table 2 presents the years farmers are engage in strawberry production. Some (40%) of
the respondents were engaged in strawberry production for 11-15 years, while 30 % were

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engaged for 16 years and above, 16.67% were engaged for five to ten years and 13.33% were
into strawberry production for one to five years.

Varieties of Strawberry Planted by the Farmers
There were five common varieties of strawberry identified by the farmers in the swamp
area. The most common variety was Tioga planted by 29 (96.66%) farmer respondents, followed
by Sweet Charlie by 14 farmers (46.66%). These two varieties have similar characteristics,
highly perishable, sweet, big fruit and ideal for salads. The festival planted by six farmers (20%)
is newly introduced variety in the area and the Chinese variety planted by two (6.66%) farmer
respondents. The Aliso variety is not a new variety but this is a variety that is sour, flattened fruit
and has a longer shelf life thus a good variety that could be travelled to farther areas. However,
when cooked into jam, this variety has a dark colored jam even if white sugar is used in
processing.

Table 2. Years engage in strawberry production
YEARS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
1-5
4
13.33
5-10
5
16.67
11-15 12

40.00
16 and above
9
30.00
TOTAL 30
100.00

Land Area for Strawberry Production by Farmers
Table 4 shows the average area cultivated by strawberry farmers. Majority (63.33%) of
the farmer respondents have an area of 750 – 999 sq m. eight or (26.67%) farmer respondents

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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19

have an area of 500 – 749 sq m. while two or (6.67%) farmer respondents have an area of 1000 –
1249 sq m. and one or (3.33%) farmer have an area of 1250 – 1500 sq m. The mean area for
strawberry production is 722.76 sq m. Result shows that area devoted for strawberry production
is small from 500 – 1500 sq m.

Table 3. Varieties of strawberry planted by the farmers
VARIETIES FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Tioga 29
96.66

Sweet Charlie
14
46.66
Festival
6
20.00
Aliso
4
13.33

Chinese variety
2
6.66

Table 4. Land area planted by the strawberry farmer respondents

AREA
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
(sq. m)
500-749
8
26.67
750-999
19
63.33
1000-1249
2
6.67
1250-1500
1
3.33
TOTAL 30
100.00
Mean area = 722.76 sq. m.

Major Source of Income

Table 5 shows the sources of income of respondents. All the farmers’ major source of
income is farming. This implies that all farmers depends their needs through farming. Others

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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(13.33%) generate an additional income by helping other farmers or as farm worker of other
farms while some (10%) makes additional income through business.

Mulching Materials Used
There were only two types of mulching materials currently used by the respondents; the
polyethylene (black plastic) and cogon grass. All of the respondents have tried and used
polyethylene as their mulching material but 12 (40.00%) farmer respondent is currently using
cogon grass. Cogon grass is used when there is there is no fund to purchase polyethylene which
is much expensive than cogon grass.
Table 5. Major source of income of the respondents
MAJOR SOURCE:
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Farming 30
100.00
Other sources

Business
3
10.00
Labor work
4
13.33

Table 6. Mulching materials used
MULCHING MATERIAL
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Polyethylene 30
100.00
Cogon grass
12
40.00
Preferred Mulching Material

Table 7 shows the mulching material preferred by the respondents. All respondents prefer
to use Polyethylene to mulch their strawberries. However, twelve (40%) farmers stated that they

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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also prefer using Cogon grass. This implies that 40% of the respondents prefer both mulching
materials to be used in their strawberries.
Reasons for Choosing Material
Table 8 shows the reason why the respondents choose such material in mulching their
strawberries. As shown in Table 7, all farmers prefer to use Polyethylene and twelve of the 30
respondents also prefer to use cogon grass.

The reasons for choosing polyethylene plastic were presented in Table 8. There were 27
farmers (90%) who mentioned that using polyethylene will reduce cost for labor and pesticides.
Twenty four (80%) of the farmers also mentioned that using polyethylene mulch improves the
quality of berries produced. Twenty two farmers (73.33%) stated that using Polyethylene is
expensive but reusable. Thirteen farmers (43.33%) reasoned out that Polyethylene mulch was
used because it is available. Furthermore, eleven farmers (36.66%) said that Polyethylene can
control weeds.
Table 7. Preferred mulching material
PARTICULARS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Polyethylene 30
100
Cogon grass
12
40

Table 8. Reasons for choice of material
REASONS POLYETHYLENE
COGON
GRASS

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
Cheaper
0
0.00
12
40.00

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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Expensive but
22
73.33
0
0.00
reusable

Available
13
43.33
4
13.33
Better quality
24
80.00
0
0.00
of produced

Can control
11
36.66
0
0.00
weed

Less expensive
27
90.00
0
0.00
on labor and
pesticides

Some farmers also prefer to use cogon grass. Twelve (40%) of the farmers opt to use
cogon grass because it is cheaper and four of the farmers (13.33%) mentioned that cogon grass is
available.

Satisfaction in Using the Material

All the respondents were satisfied in the kind of mulching materials they were using. All
these respondents were using polyethylene/plastic mulch.

Land Ownership

Results show that all the farmer respondents rented the area cultivated for strawberry
product. It is a fact that the strawberry fields in swamp area is owned by the Benguet State
University and thus are rented out to employees as “sariling sikap” on the farmer who are
entrusted. The employees are partnered with farmers. The rental is P10.00 per sq. m. per year or
the whole strawberry cropping season.

Post Harvest and Marketing Activities of the Farmers

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Table 9 shows the post harvest activities done by farmers. All respondents sell their fresh
berries in Baguio City or retailers in the swamp area, while 24 farmers (80%) process the berries
that are reject yet could be marketed. Reject are those berries that are small in size, deformed or
with little damage. These reject are still marketable, sold to processors at a lower price. Twenty
six farmers (86.66%) process the small berries to strawberry jam, while 12 farmers (40%)
process it into wine.

The result implies that farmers sell good berries in the market as fresh, or sell rejects to
strawberry processors, though most of the farmers process their rejects into jam or wine.

Table 9. Post harvest and marketing activities of the farmers
ACTIVITY FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Sell to market as fresh berries
30 100.00
Process
24
80.00
Processed Products

Strawberry jam
26
86.66
Strawberry wine
12
40.00

Total Volume of Output

Table 10 shows that all famer respondents mentioned that there is no effect of mulching
materials on the yield/volume of outputs in strawberry production. What is important is that the
nutrient requirements were supplied and proper cultural management practices were employed.

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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Farmers mentioned that yield is affected by the cultural management practices employed such as
fertilization, irrigation and pest and disease control.

From a 500 sq. m. area a farmer can get an output ranging from 300 to 499 kilograms.
Those who got about 500 kilograms are those with a wider area. Twelve (40%) of the farmer
respondents got a total yield of 400 – 449 kilograms. Eight (26.66%) of the farmers generate a
total output ranging from 450 – 499 kilograms of good quality berries. Five (16.66%) of the
farmers got a total output ranging from 300 – 349 kilograms of good quality berries. Three
(10%) of the farmer respondents got a total yield ranging from 500 kilograms and more and two
(6.66%) of farmers had yield ranging from 350 – 399 kilograms of good quality berries.

Table 10.Volume of outputs
TOTAL VOLUME OF PRODUCT
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
300 – 349
5
16.66
350 – 399
2
6.66
400 – 449
12
40.00
450 – 499
8
26.66
500 and above
3
10.00
TOTAL
30
100.00
Table 11. Distribution of yield as to big and small berries
TOTAL VOLUME
AVERAGE VOLUME OF
AVERAGE VOLUME OF
(KILOGRAMS)
MARKETABLE BIG
MARKETABLE SMALL
BERRIES
BERRIES
300 – 349
312.00
23.00
350 – 399
325.00
25.00
400 – 449
380.83
26.66

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450 – 499
430.62
28.12
500 and above
960.00
40.00

Weed, Pest and Disease Infestation

Table 12 shows the mulching materials that farmers used to control weed, pest and
disease infestation. Respondents mentioned that using polyethylene has a moderate control over
weed, pest and disease infestation. On the other hand, some farmers who had been using cogon
grass answered that using cogon grass have observed a severe infestation on weeds, leafminers,
abatel, cutworms, white grubs, frog eye, brotrites, mole cricket and graymolds and it has a
moderate control on mites, thrips, blackspot and leafspot.

Problems Encountered on the Material

Table 13 shows the problems encountered by the farmers in using the polyethylene
mulch. Majority (96.67%) of farmers said that using polyethylene is expensive but 1 (3.33%)
farmer said that it is not the price that is considered it requires more time and more labor to
apply the polyethylene on each plot. This implies that the problems encountered by the farmer in
using polyethylene are expensive and at the same time takes time to apply on plots.

Table 12. Weed, pest and disease infestation
PARTICULARS POLYETHYLENE
COGON
GRASS
Weeds 2
3
Pest

leaf miner
2
3
abatel 2
3

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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mites 2
2
mole cricket
2
3
cutworms 2 3
white grubs
2
3
thrips 2
2
Disease

frog eye
2
3
botrites 2
3
blackspot 2 2
graymolds 2 3
leafspot
2
2
Rating Scale
1. No Infestation
2. Moderate Infestation
3. Severe Infestation

Table 13. Problems encountered on the materials used in mulching
PROBLEMS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Expensive 29

96.66
Not always available
0
0.00
Too much reject/non-
0
0.00
marketable

Insect, pest infestation
0
0.00
Hard to apply
1
3.33
TOTAL 30
100.00

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

This study was conducted in the municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet specifically at the
strawberry fields, swamp area on January 2011. This study aimed to determine the preferences in
mulching materials by strawberry farmers at swamp area, the reasons for the preference of
mulching material and the effect of mulching materials to strawberries in terms of yield (kg),
volume of marketable and non-marketable output and weed, pest and disease infestation.

Finding shows that most of the farmers were at middle age between 41 to 50 years old
bracket. Majority of were male. Majority of the respondents reached high school level or high
school graduates.
As to the ethnic grouping, majority of them were Kankana-ey. Most of the farmer
respondents were engaged in strawberry production for 11 to 15 years, thus, farmer respondents
have the experience in the production of strawberry. Majority of the farmer respondents planted
Tioga variety. Majority of the farmer respondents has a small area devoted for strawberry
production. As to major source of income, all farmer respondents depends their income on
farming.
There were two types of mulching materials used by farmer respondents; the
polyethylene and cogon grass.
The farmer’s perception on the mulching materials, they stated that using polyethylene
will reduce the cost for labor and pesticides, that using polyethylene improves the quality of
berries produced, polyethylene mulch is expensive but reusable, available and can control weeds.
While others stated that cogon grass is cheaper and also available. Cogon grass is resorted when

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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28

resource/fund is limited to purchase polyethylene. Thus, all the farmer respondents prefer to use
polyethylene and would use cogon grass only as a substitute. .
As to the satisfactory in using the material, all of the farmer respondents stated that they
are much satisfied in using the polyethylene mulch.
As to the land ownership, all of the farmer respondents rent their area cultivated for
strawberry production from Benguet State University. All farmer respondents have to pay an
amount every year to Benguet State University for using the land for strawberry production.
All farmers sell good berries in the market as fresh and sell the rejected or small berries
to processors or process into jam or wine.
Mulching materials used have no effect on the volume of the strawberry production.
What’s important is the management of the product.
The advantages of using polyethylene over cogon grass is that using polyethylene has
more advantage in controlling the infestation of pests such as leaf miner, abatel, mites, mole
cricket, cutworms, white grubs and thrips. It has also an advantage in controlling diseases such as
frog eye, botrites, blackspot, graymolds and leafspot.
Polyethylene mulch can control weeds, it produce is better in terms of quality and it
reduces the cost of labor and pesticides and it is available.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the following conclusions were made:

1. Strawberry farmers at swamp area would prefer to use polyethylene/ plastic mulch in
their strawberries and would only use cogon grass as a substitute.

2. Using black polyethylene would reduce the expense on labor and pesticides and would
give a much better quality of berries produced.

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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3. The kind of mulching materials used does not affect the yield in terms of volume or
quantity but the quality of produce. Thus, it affects the volume of marketable (big size berries)
and small berries which is marketed as rejects bought by processors of wine and jams.

Recommendation

Based on the conclusion, it is recommended that farmers should use polyethylene/plastic
mulch in mulching their strawberries to get a better quality of produce, reduce labor cost for
weeding and pesticides.

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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LITERATURE CITED

ANONYMOUS. 2002. Mulch. Types of Mulch. Retrieved October 9, 2010 from
http://www.farminfo.org/garden/mulch.htm

BAY-AN, E. 2010. Swamp Strawberry Farmer. Personal Interview. October 2, 2010

BELENDEZ, K. 2010. Santa Clarity Valley Rose Society. Reap the Rewards of Mulching
Your Rose.
Retrieved October 9, 2010 from
http://scvrs.homestead.com/mulching.html

DESOUZA, D. 2010. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Mulching Your Lawn.

Retrieved October 9, 2010 from http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Advantages-and
Disadvantages-Of-Mulching-Your-Lawn&id=5065449

ELLIS, B. W., BRADLEY, F.M. and ATTHOWE, H. 1996.
The
Organic
Gardener’s

Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control: complet Problem-Solving

Guide to Keeping Your Garden and Yard Healthywithout Chemicals. Retrieved

October 9, 2010 from http://books .google.com.ph /books?id=v5We
H9B4
kcC&pg=PA444 &lpg= PA444&dq =disease +control +mulch&source =bl&o
=pXRk7iM3uc&sig=s3Ajf9Kd3UXBlaJlDa Mg9 Ft8 Q&hl =tl&ei=
SgKwTNC8JY qqvQPp7c3gBg &sa= X
&oi=boo_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCEQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=disease%
2 control%20mulch&f=false
FILIPPONE, P. T. 2008 Strawberry History, Strawberry is native to North America Retrieved
August 7, 2010 from http://
homecooking. about.com/od /food historyy
/a/strawbhistory.htm
GAO, G. 2001. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, Horticulture and Crop Science 2001,

Fyffe Court, Columbus, OH 43210-1096,
Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit
for
the
Home Garden,HYG-1424-98 Retrieved July 30 2010 from

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg- fact/1000/1424.html

GUERENA, M. and H. BORN. 2007. Strawberries: Organic Production, NCAT
Agriculture Specialists © NCAT 2007 ATTRA Publication # IP046 Retrieved
August 13,
2010 from http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/strawberry.html

KLUEPFEL, M. 2009. All About Mulch. HGIC Information Specialist, and Bob Polomski,
Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University. Retrieved October 9, 2010 from
http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/mulch.html
LAURENCE, R. 2004. Care of Strawberries, Mulching of Strawberry BedsRetrieved

August 7, 2010 from http://www
allaboutstuff.com/garden_
tips
/Car
of Strawberries.asp

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

Swamp, La Trinidad, Benguet/ Jazzel B. Osting 2011

31

MANZANITA BERRY FARMS CALIFORNIA. 2000. Site Version 1.2 Revised March28, 2001
Retrieved
August 6, 2010 from http:// www. Berries 4u. com /history .htm

REILEY, E. H. and SHRY, C. L. JR. 2002. Introductory Horticulture Sixth Edition
Pp.
479-480

RICHARDSON, K. 2006. The Advantages of Garden Mulch. All About Lawbs Columnist.
Retrieved October 9, 2010 from http://www.allaboutlawns.com/lawn
maintenance-
care/fertilizing/the-advantages-of-garden-mulch.php

SCHLOEMANN, S. 2004. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, West
Experiment

Station, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA Retrieved July 30,
2010
from
http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/Berries/strawpdf/strwintermulch.pdf

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

Letter to the Respondents

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
Benguet State University
La Trinidad, Benguet

January 5, 2010

Sir/Madam:

I am a graduating Student of Benguet State University taking up Bachelor of Science in
Agribusiness, major in Enterprise Management and in currently conducting my undergraduate
thesis. My study is entitled “Preferences of Mulching Materials used by Strawberry Farmers in
Swamp, La Trinidad, Benguet.

In connection to this, may I permit for an interview in gather information needed in the
study. Rest assure that all you answers will be treated confidentially.

Your heartly acceptance to this request will surely be appreciated. May God Bless you.
Thank you and more power.

Very
truly
yours,

JAZZEL
B.
OSTING
Student Researcher

Noted by:

JOVITA M. SIM

Adviser

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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APPENDIX B

Survey Questionnaire

I. General Information
Name: _______________________________________________________________ Age:
_____ Gender: _____ Civil Status: _________________________
Educational Attainment: ___________________________________________________
Ethnic Grouping: ______________ Years in Strawberry production: _____
Variety of Strawberry Planted: _______________________
Land area (or number of plots): __________
Major source of income:
( ) farming
( ) employment
( ) business
( ) others, specify ________________________________________________________

II. Materials Used
1. What mulching material have you been using? (Kindly check all that you have used)

a. Black polyethylene ( )

b. Cogon grass
( )

c. Rice Straw
( )

d. Pine Needles
( ) others please specify: _________________________

2. Among these material what is the most preferred by you?
a. Black polyethylene ( )

b. Cogon grass
( )

c. Rice Straw
( )

d. Pine Needles
( )

3. Why have you chosen such material (above) to use in mulching your strawberry?
( ) cheaper
( ) expensive but reusable
( ) available
( ) better quality of produced
( ) can control weeds
( ) others, specify __________________________________________________

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34

4. Are you satisfied/contented with the mulching materials you use in strawberry production?

( ) NO

( ) YES
If no, why?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

5. Do you own the land?
( ) NO

( ) YES
If no, how much do you pay for the rent? ______________________________________

6. What do you do with your harvest?
( ) Sell to market as fresh berries
( ) Process to another product

If you process it, what kind of product?

( ) Strawberry jam

( ) Strawberry wine

Please specify other product: ___________________________________
Others please specify: ___________________________________________________

II. Production Volume

A. VOLUME OF PRODUCTION (total number of harvested Strawberry fruit)

INPUTS
TOTAL YIELD (kg)
Polyethylene
Rice Straw
Cogon Grass
Others
Total volume of

product
Total volume of

Big berries
Total number of

Small Berries

B. Weed pest and disease infestation as to the mulching materials used.
Rating scale:
1. No infestation
2. Moderate infestation
3. Severe infestation

PARTICULAR Polyethylene Rice Straw
Cogon Grass
Others
Weeds

Pest

-
-
-

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

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35

Disease

-
-
-

C. What are the problems you encountered regarding the mulching materials you used in the
following?

( ) expensive

( ) not always available

( ) too much reject/non-marketable

( ) insect, pest infestation

( ) others, specify __________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Preferences on the Different Mulching Materials of Strawberry Farmers in

Swamp, La Trinidad, Benguet/ Jazzel B. Osting 2011

Document Outline

BIBLIOGRAPHY
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
METHODOLOGY
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
LITERATURE CITED
APPENDICES