Caribbean secondary education certificate

Agricultural science
School Based Assessment

Candidate name: Diliannis Hopkinson

Candidate number:
Center: St. Joseph High School
Center number:
Name of teacher: Ms. Sheroattan
Territory: Guyana
Date of submission: 31st May 2023
Year: 2024
 Table of Content
INTRODUCTION 2
Acknowledgement 3
Title Page 4
Literary Review on Cabbage 5
Problem Statement 7
Objectives to the Investigation (Aims) 8
METHODOLOGY 9
Experimental Design 9
Materials and Equipment Use 10
Description of Activities 13
Pictures depicting the various activities 16
Table displaying the quantity of harvested and sold cabbage (In bags) 19
Table displaying the overall revenue from each Cabbage group 20
Data Collection 21
RESULTS 23
Presentation of Data 24
Interpretation of Results 28
DISCUSSION 30
Findings 31
Discussion of Findings 32
CONCLUSION, LIMITATION 34
& RECOMMENDATIONS 34
Conclusion 35
Recommendations 36
Limitations 37
Reference 38
Projected: Income and Expenditure 39
COST ANALYSIS 40
Actual Income and Expenditure 41
Comparison of Projected and actual income and expenditure 43
APPENDIX 44
END 45

1
2
 Acknowledgement

The researcher would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the subject teacher

Miss Sheorattan for her expertise in providing guidance which assisted the researcher in

having this School Based Assessment (SBA) completed successfully .

In addition the researcher would also like to express sincere gratitude to our heavenly

father, almighty God, for providing the researcher with strength and understanding.

At last the researcher would like to thank her parents for providing her with adequate

and necessary finances in order to have this project completed.

3
 Title Page

Name of student: Diliannis Hopkinson

Name of school: St. Joseph High School

Name of project: Crop Production

Start date: 24-03-2023

Termination date:31-05-2023

4
 Literary Review on Cabbage
Cabbage belongs to the Brassica oleracea species of vegetable, along with broccoli,

cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts. The most common type is green cabbage. But

hundreds of other varieties exist in red, white and purple hues, with a range of textures

and sizes.Cabbage seedlings have a thin taproot and cordate (heart-shaped) cotyledons.

The first leaves produced are ovate (egg-shaped) with a lobed petiole.

Although cabbage has an extensive history, it is difficult to trace its exact origins owing

to the many varieties of leafy greens classified as "brassicas". A possible wild ancestor of

cabbage, Brassica oleracea, originally found in Britain and continental Europe. China

harvests the majority of the world's production—more than 71 million tons—followed by

India, Russia, South Korea, and Ukraine. The top 10 is completed by Indonesia, Japan,

Poland, Uzbekistan, and the United States of America. Worldwide, there are more than

150 countries in which cabbage is farmed. Cabbage is a plant that is commonly eaten as

a vegetable. It is used on salads, stews and even in sandwiches. Cabbage has about a

third the vitamin C you need for the day. It also gives you doses of fiber, folate,

potassium, magnesium, vitamins A and K.

Red cabbage seems to raise levels of beta-carotene, lutein, and other heart-protective

antioxidants. It also helps lower “oxidized” LDL, which is linked to hardening of the

arteries. And since it eases inflammation, it can help prevent heart disease. It is not

completely and well understood how the chemicals found in cabbages can help with

cancer, but it is suggested that it may help with the prevention of some types of cancers.

Most people grow cabbage for the densely leaf heads it produces in its first biennial year.

Plants perform best in a nutrient-rich soil and an area that gets full sun. Although

different varieties favor varying types of soil, from lighter sand to heavier clay, they all

5
prefer fertile soil with a pH of 6 to 7. During the early stages of head formation and the

early stages of outer leaf expansion, phosphorus and potassium must be present in

sufficient quantities in the soil for optimal growth.

An experiment was carried out which compares the growth of cabbage with compressed

organic manure vs. the growth with inorganic manure, in this case Urea. Compressed

organic manure is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, two nutrients that are essential for

healthy cabbage growth.

Urea fertilizers are organic fertilizers that ensure a steady supply of nutrients. This

fertilizer is high in nitrogen; therefore, it's great for green leafy vegetables like Cabbage.

It was predicted by Diliannis Hopkinson that the crops grown with inorganic manure

will grow much faster, produce a larger yield and will be of overall better quality while

Sophia Rowe disagrees with this saying that the plants that used organic manure will

6
 Problem Statement

To investigate the effects of growing cabbage using inorganic manure (urea) and

compressed organic manure.

7
 Objectives to the Investigation (Aims)

To Conduct an investigation to observe the productivity level of cabbage grown outdoors

to find out which gives:

● The best quality produces

● To identify which has the fastest growth rate

● To find out which will produce a larger yield

8
9
 Experimental Design

⮚ Treatment #1 (Compressed organic manure)

⮚ Treatment #2 (In-organic manure - urea)

10 beds of prepared land were divided into two equal categories as follows:

● Cow dung, designated as treatment one, was used to cultivate the cabbage on five

beds.

● The cabbage was estimated on the other five beds as well, but it was given the

treatment number 2 designation and used soil and cow manure.

● UREA

● COMPRESSED MANURE

10
 Materials and Equipment Use

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USES

UREA (INORGANIC MANURE) To add nitrogen to selected group of

experimental plants

COMPRESSED ORGANIC MANURE To add nutrients to selected group of

experimental plants

HAND TROWEL Used to make holes for planting/to

upturn beds for daily maintenance

FORK Used to upturn bed

RAKE Used to level upturned bed

SHOVEL Used to dig drains

CUTLASS Used to break down the bigger pieces of

soil

RULER Used to measure plants

WATER CAN Used to water plants

Measurements were recorded on phones,

PHONES
which were also used to photograph the

11
 plants and the actions that were carried

out.

SEEDLINGS On the day of planting, the seedlings were

put to use by being buried in the ground.

PLASTIC BAGS The gathered cabbages were divided into

packages using plastic bags.

12
 Description of Activities

Land preparation

● land clearing - this was done to get rid of weeds and other unwanted materials

covering the selection area such as plastic bottles. This was mainly done with the

use of hands.

● laying out – farm was plotted out into 10 beds which were then split into two

groups for the experiment.

● ploughing – this was done to upturn the topsoil with the use of a fork.

● chipping- this was done to break up the larger bits of soil. This was mainly done

with the use of a cutlass and hands.

● construction of drains – this was done to provide a way for excess water to run

off of the beds so as to not drown the plants.

● Application of manures- With the use of a hand trowel, cow manure swas

incorporated into the soil prior to transplanting the cabbage seedlings.

● Planting- A cutlass was used to draw lines on the bed to indicate where the

seedlings should be put. Throughout the transfer into the soil and watering, the

hand trowel was used to make very small holes in the ground.

13
Weed control

Cutlasses were used to cut down the undesirable flora that surrounded the beds in order

to accomplish this. The beds and plants needed to be clear of weeds, thus it was

physically done every week.

Transplanting

Cabbage seedlings were transplanted to the two groups without any mishaps. A hole was

made for the seedlings at the desired depth and were watered after being firmly set into

the soil

Application of Fertilizers

• During the process of transplanting, the first group added compressed organic

manure to the holes and surrounding soil before setting the plants in place

• The other group was assigned to use urea as their fertilizer. The shipment was

delayed, and the urea was added later after planting, approx.. 4 weeks 1 day after

(day of addition not included)

Harvesting

Twelve weeks after the crop was planted, cabbages were collected. When the cabbages

were mature and still green, harvesting was carried out. It was time to harvest since the

outer leaves were open widely and the cabbages had a lighter green color.

14
Packaging

After being picked, the cabbages were carried to the pipes where they were properly

cleaned and divided into portions using clear plastic bags.

Marketing

Each parcel cost $200 and contained one (1) cabbage in each plastic bag. Following that,

these exact packets were sold to various students and teachers around the school.

Plants were watered everyday averaging about 3-4 times a day depending on weather

and all beds were upturned and soil checked 1-2 times a week. Plants were checked

every day for pests when watering, any such pests found during soil and plant checks

were removed and noted. Plants were measured for data collection once per week 

15
Pictures depicting the various activities

Planting

Watering

16
 Washing Tools

Weekly Maintenance

Measuring Plants

17
 Harvesting

Packaging and selling off

18
Table displaying the quantity of harvested and sold cabbage
(In bags)

NUMBER OF CABBAGES NUMBER OF CABBAGES

TREATMENT 1 TREATMENT 2

9 (harvested) 26 (harvested)

9 (sold) 17 (sold)

19
Table displaying the overall revenue from each
Cabbage group

TREATMENT 1 TREATMENT 2

INCOME (Urea) (Compressed organic

Manure)

$1,400 $3,400

20
 Data Collection

During the week coming up to harvest, data was gathered. Measurements were taken as

well as the weekly activities, which were all documented. Additionally, the

measurements of the plants were compared, and the number of plants that perished was

also noted.

TABLE OUTLINING THE MEDIAN GROWTH RATE FOR EACH

TREATMENT UP TO HARVEST
W1 W2 W3 W4 W5
Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer

8 7 10 7.4 11.2 7.9 12.7 8.7 14.5 9.8

7 7.2 9.3 7.9 10.9 8.6 11.2 9.1 13.3 10.2
7.5 8.5 9 8.7 9.8 9 10.3 9.3 12.4 10.7
8.6 8 9.5 8.4 9.7 8.9 11.1 9.9 12.3 10
7.2 6.3 8.9 6.9 9.1 7.4 11.6 8.6 12.8 9.8
8.3 7.8 8.5 8.2 8.6 8.6 10.8 9.2 13.4 10.4
6.5 8.8 7.9 9 8.3 9.2 9.3 10.1 12.3 11.1
7.8 7.4 9.1 8 9.5 8.5 10.6 9.9 13.5 10.7
9 8.9 8.2 9.2 8.8 9 11.3 10.1 13.8 11.6
8 7.3 9.3 8.3 9.8 8.7 12.5 9.3 11.6 10.4

W6 W7 W8 W9 W10
Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer

16.1 11.2 17.3 15.4 18.4 17.4 20 19.8 21.5 22

15.2 12.4 16.4 14.6 17.1 16.4 19.6 18.1 20.8 21
13.7 12.8 15.2 14.4 16.1 16.1 18.8 18.6 19.6 20.4
13.5 12.1 15.8 14.8 17 15.9 19.1 17.9 20.8 19.8
14.6 11.2 16.1 13.5 17.4 15.8 19.8 18 21 20.1
13.8 12.6 14.4 14.1 16 15.7 18.7 18 19.8 19.9
14.8 13.4 13.7 15.8 16.8 17.1 18.4 19.3 20.4 21.8
14.6 12.2 15.3 14.2 16.2 16.8 19.2 18.8 20 20.9
14.5 13.4 15.4 15 17 17.2 19 19.1 20 21
13.2 12.1 14.5 14 16.8 16.2 18.3 8.3 19.8 21.4

21
 W11 W12
Manure Fertilizer Manure Fertilizer

23 24.4 25.6 26.5

22.5 23.6 23.8 25.7
21 22.7 23 24.8
22.2 22.6 24.8 24.7
23.4 22.8 25.4 24.9
21.4 21 23.2 23.1
22.4 23.9 24.4 26
23 22 25.2 24.1
22.4 23.4 22 25.5
21.3 23.7 21.3 25.8

22
23
 Presentation of Data

GRAPH DEMONSTRATING THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE GROWTH OF

THE SEEDLING ON A WEEKLY BASIS UNDER TREATMENT 1 AND 2

(Figure 1 to 12)

24
25
26
COMPARISON GRAPH BETWEEN THE TWO QUANTITIES OF CABBAGES

HARVESTED IN TREATMENT 1 AND 2

(FIGURE 13)

A GRAPH DISPLAYING THE SALES INCOME OPTED FOR FROM

TREATMENTS 1 AND 2
(FIGURE 14)

27
 Interpretation of Results

FIGURE 1 - 12
Demonstrates a bar graph comparing the growth of the cabbage seedlings in treatments

1 and 2.

This graph's growth rate is displayed to demonstrate the variation in these seedlings'

growth over the course of the previous twelve weeks after planting.

Since planting, measurements from each treatment have been recorded and compared

every week, during the course of the 12 weeks.

The graph shows that treatment two had substantial effects on the output of the

cabbages as the time for harvest drew near. Treatment 2 showed a more notable

increase in the growth of these plants when compared to Treatment 1.

Cow manure are excellent organic fertilizers that speed up plant growth, but in this case,

treatment 2's plants, which were grown with the help of cow manure, produced results

28
that were more successful than those of treatment 1's plants, which were planted using

urea. As a result, as can be seen in the graph, treatment 2's growth rates during the first

few weeks following planting eventually surpassed those of treatment one.

FIGURE 13
Demonstrates a pie chart that contrasts the quantity of harvested cabbages. A total of 35

cabbages.

The difference in growth between the two treatments was the source of the variation in

the quantity of bags of cabbage harvested.

According to the graph, treatment 1 generated significantly more produce than

treatment 2 did. This is because treatment 2's crops were grown with cow manure,

which gave the plants a growth boost in size rather than quantity and resulted in

treatment 1 producing significantly more produce.

FIGURE 14
Demonstrates a bar graph that shows the sales income of both treatments 1 and 2 a total

of 35 cabbages sold at $200 each which generated a combined total of five thousand,

one hundred ($5,100). Treatment 2 generated more sales than treatment 1 due to the

different growth methods.

29
DISCUSSION

30
 Findings

Following conclusions were drawn from the findings of this experiment:

Compared to the seedlings in treatment 2, those in treatment 1 that were planted with

cow manure were less in number but more developed in size. Because cow manure

stimulated plant development significantly more than urea did for treatment 2's plants,

the growth of the plants in treatment 1 increased more quickly in number over the

course of the weeks than it did for treatment 2.

The plants in treatment 1 produced and collected more cabbage than the plants in

treatment 2. Compared to treatment 1, the cabbages grew in treatment 2 were of higher

quality but not yield.

31
 Discussion of Findings

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable (Brassica oleracea). It is a leafy, green or purple

biennial plant that is raised for its dense crowns of leaves each year as a vegetable crop.

Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, is abundant in cabbage and plays a

number of critical activities in the body. For instance, collagen, the most prevalent

protein in the body, requires it to be made.

To enhance the growth of cabbages, most farmers have grown them with the use of

organic manures. The experiment that was conducted was to determine the effects of

cow and cow manure on the growth of the cabbage plants. Cabbage is a cool-season

vegetable suited to both spring and fall. It belongs to the Cole crop family (Brassica

oleracea), which includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards, kale, and

kohlrabi. The trick to growing cabbage is steady, uninterrupted growth. That means rich

soil, plenty of water, and good manure.

In accordance with "grow-it organically.com" When preparing the bed, add a 2-3" (5-8

cm) layer of high-quality garden compost or decomposed manure because cabbage

grows best in soil that has a lot of organic matter. Especially cow dung, composted or

well-aged animal manure has a positive effect on cruciferous crops. They claimed that

the use of cow manure in the planting of cabbages had produced noticeable effects on

the plant's growth.

Through this method, the plants' height has increased in addition to the amount of

growth and the greener, healthier-looking leaves. The outcomes did not change when

compared to treatment two. Treatment Two also used cow manure to sow the seedlings,

and because cow dung has such high nutritional and value levels, the plants have never

32
grown at such a rapid rate. In just two weeks, they dramatically grew, reaching new

heights.

In conclusion, cabbage is a vegetable that is frequently consumed. The leaves are also

used medicinally by people. In addition to ulcers in the stomach and intestines, cabbage

is also used to treat stomach pain, too much stomach acid, and Roemheld syndrome.

Additionally, morning sickness and asthma are also treated with cabbage.

Beta-carotene, lutein, and other heart-protective antioxidants appear to be increased in

cabbage, particularly red cabbage. Additionally, it aids in reducing "oxidized" LDL,

which has been associated with artery hardening. And because it reduces inflammation,

it can aid in heart disease prevention.

33
 CONCLUSION,
LIMITATION
& RECOMMENDATIONS

34
 Conclusion

Following the completion of this experiment, it is possible to draw the conclusion that

using organic manures when growing plants can significantly increase the growth of

plants; in this instance, cow manure appeared to be the more efficient of the two. It

dramatically accelerates growth but can lag behind in yield. If looking for a higher yield

it can be suggested to use urea. If looking for a higher quality and yield of cabbage it can

be suggested to use a mixture of the two.

35
 Recommendations

It can be advised that someone offers to go into school occasionally to water the plants

and eliminate the weeds that typically surround the beds in order to ensure that they are

taken care of daily.

Crop sabotage is sometimes known as vandalism. This has happened a few times during

the trial, and it is what prevented further harvest.

In order to minimize produce sabotage, I advise fencing off the best growing regions the

next time there is a crop. Due to the increased number of harvests, it will also be

advantageous.

Covering the plants with coconut branches can be advised in order to shade the plants,

protecting them from the rain and too much sunlight. This will help protect the plants

from heavy rains and excessive sunlight.

Finally, it would be best to sometimes water the crops to reduce the chance of them

dying.

36
 Limitations

There were certain restrictions that hampered the cultivation throughout the

experiment. These consist of:

Crop sabotage, beetle larvae in the soil, the weather, during which there was a period of

very heavy rain, the beds were flooded and the sewers filled with water, Fortunately, the

situation wasn't too serious since no plants perished and some plants just perished

because the seedlings were ill and not fully formed.

37
 Reference

Royal Horticulture Society -

https://www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/cabbages/grow-your-own

Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbage

The Spruce -

https://www.thespruce.com/growing-and-caring-for-cabbage-plants-1402815

Old Farmer’s Almanac - https://www.almanac.com/plant/cabbage /

38
 Projected: Income and Expenditure
COST ANALYSIS

Projected Budget

Production cost for Cabbage plants

Income Quantity Unit Cost $ Total($)

Sale of Cabbage 200 $130 $46,800

Total Projected
$40,000
Income

Expenditure Quantity Unit Cost $ Total ($)

Seedlings 400 kg 4,000 $16,000

Transport $2,000

Plastic bags 200 $340/$100 $680

Organic Manure $3,000

2 bags $15,000

Total $21,680

39
In-organic Manure – Treatment 1

INCOME QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTAL COST

$160 per head

Sales of
200 $300 Lb. $76,800
Cabbages
$240 Lb.

TOTAL $40,000

INCOME QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTAL COST

Seedlings 400 $40 $16,000

Transportation N/A N/A $2,000

Plastic bags 200 $340 / $100 $680

In-organic
1 bag $2,000 $2,000
Manure

TOTAL $20,680

40
Compressed Manure – Treatment 2

INCOME QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTAL COST

$130 per head

Sales of 1.5 lbs.

200 $46,800
Cabbages $195 lbs.

$240 lbs.

TOTAL $40,000

INCOME QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTAL COST

Seedlings 400 $40 $16,000

Transportation N/A N/A $2,000

Plastic bags 200 $340 / $100 $680

In-organic
2 bags $1,500 $3,000
Manure

TOTAL $21,686

41
 Actual Income and Expenditure

INCOME QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTAL COST

Sales of
26 $200 $5,100
Cabbages

TOTAL

INCOME QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTAL COST

Seedlings 400 $40 $16,000

Transportation N/A N/A $2,000

Plastic bags 200 $340 / $100 $680

In-organic
2 bags $1,500 $3,000
Manure

TOTAL $21,686

42
Comparison of Projected and actual income and expenditure

The expected income and spending were higher than the actual income and

expenditure at the end of the experiment.

The predicted income was estimated to be $40,000 overall, however the computed

real income came to $5,100. Given that they are $34,900 apart, the anticipated

income was larger than the actual sales. According to these calculations, there was

less income in the actual budget than was projected. This is due to the fact that more

cabbages were anticipated to have been harvested and sold than what was actually

harvested and placed on the market.

On the other hand, it also turned out that the overall predicted expense was greater

than the actual expenditure. The actual amount spent was determined to be $21,686

as opposed to the expected amount of $21,680. This revealed a $6 decline. This

suggests that while it was initially believed that the supplies required for this

experiment would be more expensive, the actual cost reveals that the goods were

actually less expensive than expected.

The actual profit was $5,100 as opposed to the predicted surplus or profit of $40,000.

The expected profit was $34,900 higher than the actual profit, demonstrating a

significant disparity. This demonstrates that even while the real expenditure was lower

than the predicted one, the actual profit nevertheless ended up being significantly

smaller than the projected one, even if the amount in the projected revenue was higher

43
than the actual income. This is due to the fact that crop sabotage was unreasonably

present throughout this project.

44
APPENDIX

45
END

46