1

Comprehensive Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameters and Interactions

between Plants and Animals in Open and Shaded Environments within
Caraga State University's Eco Park, Located in Barangay Ampayon, Butuan
City

Laboratory Activity 1

A Scientific Report

Presented to the

Faculty of Department of Biology

Caraga State University

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements in BIOL 103

General Ecology

Section CDK1

IAN T. FLORES

SHARLYN G. GULTIANO

JOEL A. OLITA, JR.

SANDY G. ORING, JR

VINCENT C. PELICELDA

AIRA GRACE T. TRABOC

ABEGAIL R. VILLIARIEZ

FEBRUARY 8, 2024
 General Ecology 2
Biol 103 (2024)
Special Project Research Journal

Comprehensive Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameters and Interactions between

Plants and Animals in Open and Shaded Environments within Caraga State
University's Eco Park, Located in Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City

Ian T. Flores1, Sharlyn Angel Gultiano2, Joel A. Olita, Jr.3, Sandy G. Oring, Jr.4, Vincent C.
Pelicelda5, Aira Grace Traboc6, Abegail Villariez

Department of Biology, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Caraga State University-Main
Campus, Ampayon, Butuan City

Abstract
Understanding the environmental conditions of ecosystems is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of life within
them. This laboratory report aims to assess the environmental conditions, including soil and water quality, in Caraga
State University's Eco Park, which features both shaded and open environments. The study conducted at Barangay
Ampayon, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, aimed to evaluate parameters such as air and soil temperature, soil and
water pH, relative humidity, and air temperature, and their impact on organism development and interactions. In the
open environment, the average air temperature was found to be 25.3 °C, soil temperature 27.8 °C, deeper soil
temperature 29.6 °C, relative humidity 81%, soil pH 6.35, and water pH 7.34. Results from the shaded environment
showed average air temperature of 24.33 °C, soil temperature 26.30 °C, deeper soil temperature 26.10 °C, relative
humidity 88%, soil pH 7.60, and water pH 36.40. Leaf size was also assessed, with maximum length and width
measured at 98.2 mm and 47.15 mm respectively. Transplanted plants were gathered from both open and shaded
environments, highlighting the differing light conditions they experience. Open areas receive sufficient direct
sunlight throughout the day, facilitating strong photosynthesis due to the abundance of light energy. Conversely,
shaded environments experience diminished light exposure, primarily due to canopy cover or competition from
nearby vegetation. This variance in light availability directly impacts photosynthetic rates, as well as the growth and
development of plants. Observations were also made on the behavioral activities of ants, highlighting their adaptive
foraging behavior and ability to adjust strategies based on environmental changes. Overall, the report underscores
the significant impacts of open and shaded environments on plant's overall development, including influences on
light availability, temperature, resource availability, competition, morphology, herbivore and pathogen pressure, and
environment stress.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Photosynthesis, Physicochemical Parameters, Physicochemical Properties,

Water Assessment.

INTRODUCTION

According to the first Revised World Soil agricultural and soil science to policy,
Charter, endorsed by the Food and stakeholder needs and sustainable
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the supply-chain management (Lehmann et al.,
United Nations (2015), soils play a 2020). Soil pH, frequently utilized as a
significant role as a key enabling resource, crucial indicator, is essential in assessing
integral to ecosystems and human soil health since it directly affects nutrient
well-being. Soil quality is related to a caring availability, microbial behavior, and plant
guardian, providing plants with necessary growth, thereby influencing a broad
nutrients and maintaining a balanced spectrum of chemical, biological, and
environment like a wise guide. Soil health is physical processes within the soil. Water
the continued capacity of soil to function as serves as a vital resource essential for life
a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, and the global economy. However, the
animals and humans, and connects quality of worldwide water has deteriorated
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significantly over decades, impacted by both laboratory report specifically aims to

natural occurrences and human activities identify the overall condition of the
(Vadde et al., 2018). environment through the utilization of
physicochemical parameters within
Evaluating water quality across various designated zones. It seeks to assess water
applications, including domestic use, quality by analyzing the identified
irrigation, conservation, and industrial physicochemical data. Lastly, the report
purposes, is crucial for ensuring food safety aims to evaluate the responses, behaviors,
and human health. Remarkable changes in and interactions among organisms.
the environment have been impacting the
production ability of plants. According to MATERIALS AND METHODS
Gara (2023), the impact of light intensity on
plant growth is intertwined with the amount Locale and Duration of the Study
of energy available for photosynthesis.
The study was conducted in two designated
Photosynthesis is the process by which areas located in Caraga State University’s
plants convert light energy into chemical Ecopark; Sunny Area (8° 57 '17"N 125° 35'
energy to fuel their growth. When light 49"E) and Shaded Area (8° 57 '17"N 125° 35'
intensity is low, plants receive insufficient 46"E). Caraga State University is located in the
energy for adequate photosynthesis, leading northeastern part of Mindanao, Philippines. The
to slower growth rates and weaker study conducted on Open and Shaded areas in
structures. Caraga State University’s Ecopark took place on
January 29, 2024.
Thoroughly evaluating environmental
conditions and the relationships between
organisms is vital for grasping how
ecosystems function and the diversity they
harbor. This holistic approach is key to
managing and conserving the environment
effectively. Thoroughly evaluating
environmental conditions and the
relationships between organisms is crucial
for understanding ecosystem dynamics and
the diversity they harbor, which is essential
for effective environmental management and
Figure 1. The Map of Caraga State University’s Ecopark,
conservation (Díaz et al., 2014). Ecological Ampayon, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines.
responses are shaped by various factors like
temperature, humidity, sunlight, soil quality, Sampling Sites
interactions with other organisms, and
Sampling stations were established in the
climate. Consequently, organisms in
selected areas in the Caraga state
different geographical regions may
University's Ecopark. There were three (3)
experience distinct influences affecting their
sampling stations in an open environment
responses and developmental processes.
within a transect line located in the eastern
Caraga State University's Eco Park is
part of the Eco park.
renowned for its dedication to
environmental conservation initiatives. The
Station 1 was in the earthy area of the
designated zones within the park are
transect line. Station 2 was in the mud with
categorized into shaded and sunny areas.
rocks in the area of the transect line. Station
Both of these sections possess
3 was in the rocky area in the transect line.
environmental attributes, making them
suitable for our laboratory activity. This
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Meanwhile, there were also a total of three soil temperature averaging 27.8 °C, and
(3) sampling stations in the Shaded deeper soil temperature averaging 29.6 °C.
environment within a transect line which is This is attributed to the prolonged exposure
located in the northwestern part of the to direct sunlight in open areas. However,
ecopark. Station 1 was in the muddy part of shaded environments display higher
the transect line, station 2 was in the rooty measurements in relative humidity (average
part of the transect line and Station 3 was in of 88 percent), soil pH (average of 7.60),
the earthy part of the transect line. and water pH (average of 36.40) compared
to open spaces. Shaded areas tend to have
Physicochemical Parameters higher relative humidity, soil pH, and water
A calibrated 10-meter string was utilized to pH due to reduced sunlight exposure, which
establish a transect line for conducting the leads to decreased water evaporation from
laboratory activity. A shovel served for the both soil and surfaces. Additionally, shade
excavation, lifting, and relocation of soil aids in moisture retention in the soil,
samples. Measurements of water and soil lowering the rate of evaporation and
characteristics were performed at Caraga contributing to higher soil pH levels.
State University's Eco Park and River Creek.
These included assessing water pH levels (1
Table 1. Readings of physico-chemical factors taken in the
to 14), water temperature in (°C), soil different sites.
temperature (°C), soil pH levels (1 to 14),
and relative humidity (%). The
environmental air temperature (°C) was
determined using a thermometer and meter
stick positioned 1 meter above ground level.
These measurements were facilitated
through the utilization of improvised
equipment, including a psychrometer or
hygro-thermometer for water and soil Table 1 shows the data that we collected during
parameters, and an improvised pH meter for the laboratory. Each illustrates the two sampling
soil pH levels. sites' varying temperatures.

Air Temperature – The average temperature of

Statistical Analysis the air is 25.33°C in an open or sunlit area,
compared to 24.33°C in a shaded spot. This
To determine the means of the data set such suggests that the air temperature in a shaded area
as air temperature, soil temperature, deeper is lower than in an open area. According to the
soil temperature, relative humidity, soil pH, United States Environmental Protection Agency
water pH and temperature, maximum length (2023), trees contribute to cooling by facilitating
and width of leaves, x̄ is equal to the evaporation of rainfall accumulated on their
summation of the data set over the number foliage and soil. Urban forests, as demonstrated
by research, exhibit temperatures that are
of data.
approximately 2.9°F cooler on average
compared to non-forested urban regions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Soil Temperature - In the shaded area, the
average soil temperature is 26.30°C, but in the
Physicochemical Assessment
sunny or open area, it rises greatly to 27.76°C,
The results show significant differences in based upon the data that the researchers
physicochemical parameters between two collected when they tested the soil temperature 1
areas: open and shaded environments. Open meter above the ground and 5 cm below the soil
spaces generally exhibit higher readings, surface. This intriguing disparity suggests that
including air temperature averaging 25.3 °C, the temperature of the soil is higher in the open
 5

area than it is in the shaded area. According to in contrast to shaded areas with an average of
Abu-Hamdeh and Geiger (2003), the amount of 7.60 because soil pH in sunny areas tends to be
radiation from the sun that a soil receives and lower compared to the shaded area for several
absorbs affects the variability of soil temperature factors, like microbial activity and
. As the solar radiation reaching the soil surface accelerated organic matter decomposition in
increases the soil temperature also increases. sun-exposed areas. Furthermore, Yun-Yi
Therefore, in an open area where soil will be Zhang, et al. (2019) Asserted that Soil
directly hit by the sunlight, it absorbs its properties are closely associated with
radiation responsible for its higher temperature soil-forming/environmental forcing factors, such
than in a shaded area. as topography, climate, and parent material
whereas previous studies have reported that
Deeper Soil Temperature – From the data the factors associated with the variations in soil pH
researchers acquired when they measured the differ with locations and scales. At the global
deeper soil temperature 1 meter above the scale, soils collected from different climates
ground and 15 cm below the soil surface, the have distinct soil pH. While soils from arid
average deeper soil temperature in the shaded climates are commonly alkaline with a high soil
area is 26.10°C, while 29.56°C in the sunny or pH. By contrast, soils from humid climates are
open area. This wide difference implies that the commonly acidic with a low soil pH.
soil temperature in the shaded area is lower than Precipitation and potential evapotranspiration
in the open area. According to Lenhert M control soil pH variations at the global scale.
(2013), the evaporation of water from the soil Additionally, the effects of climate factors on
requires a large amount of energy. Soil water soil pH variations are observed at regional
utilizes the energy from solar radiation to scales.
evaporate thereby rendering it unavailable for
heating up of the soil. Thus the greater the rate Water- From the data collected when we
of evaporation, the more a soil is cooled and its measured the water pH and temperature in both
temperature decreases. Since sunlight cannot sunny and shaded areas, we found out that the
directly reach a shaded area, evaporation average water temperature from the shaded part
proceeds more slowly than it can in an open of the location has much higher water
area, which explains its low temperature. temperature containing an average of 36.40
compared to the sunny areas. Moreover, Burdick
Relative Humidity- Considering the
et al. (2018) Asserted that on lakeshore
classification of both sunny and shaded areas,
there was a high relative air humidity in the shading in temperate ecosystems
shade with a percentage rate of 88% compared demonstrated the impact of reduced
to the sunny area having a percentage of 81%. In convective cooling in shaded areas. Wind
absolute terms, wind speed in shaded areas has sheltering decreases convective heat loss,
much higher relative air humidity than areas resulting in slower cooling rates and higher
who are mostly exposed to the sun. Thus, water temperatures in shaded environments.
According to Athena Hessong (2014), solar
radiation can dramatically change the
temperature of an object that it hits, heating it far Table 2.1 Raw data table on leaf sizes in Open Environment.
above the actual air temperature. Additionally,
Jack Williams, a former weather editor, stood
Leaf Number Maximum Length Maximum Width
outside in air that measured in the 20s
Fahrenheit in the shade, but a thermometer in the 1 110mm 50mm
sun behind him registered 80 degrees
Fahrenheit. Which shows an extreme example of 2 100mm 48mm
how solar radiation can cause areas in the sun to 3 70mm 37mm
be warmer than those in the shade. Usually, the
difference from the sun to shade will only be 4 100mm 48mm
between 10 and 15 degrees fahrenheit.
5 104mm 40mm

Soil pH- The table shows that sunny areas has 6 90mm 38mm
much lower soil pH having an average of 6.35
 6

7 110mm 50mm 4 119.38mm 73.66mm

8 104mm 50mm 5 132.08mm 76.2mm

9 90mm 49mm 6 109.22mm 68.58mm

10 125mm 50mm 7 68.58mm 48.26mm

11 90mm 51mm 8 63.5mm 35.56mm

12 84mm 42mm 9 76.2mm 40.64mm

13 110mm 44mm 10 129.79mm 77.47mm

14 111mm 49mm 11 149.86mm 88.9mm

15 100mm 45mm 12 147.32mm 83.82mm

16 80mm 49mm 13 129.4mm 83.82mm

17 100mm 42mm 14 139.7mm 53.59mm

18 119mm 53mm 15 139.7mm 78.74mm

19 58mm 55mm 16 127mm 81.28mm

20 110mm 53mm 17 114.3mm 60.96mm

Mean 98.25mm 47.15mm 18 103.63mm 53.34mm

19 130.05mm 78.01mm
The data presented in table 2.1 represents the
raw measurements of the length and width of 20 116.84mm 58.42mm
Ruby Leaf (Alternanthera dentata) specimens in Mean 116.46mm 65.44mm
millimeters obtained from an open area (eco
park, CSU). The mean length (98.25 mm) and
width (47.15 mm) were calculated based on Table 2.2 shows the raw measurements of the
measurements taken from 20 leaves. length and width of Dumbcane Leaf
(Dieffenbachia seguine) specimens in
millimeters from the shaded area (ecopark,
CSU). The mean length (116.46 mm) and the
width (65.44) were calculated based on
measurements taken from 20 leaves.

Figure 1. Line Graph of the leaf sizes in Open Environment

Table 2.2. Raw data table on leaf sizes in Shaded Environment.

Figure 2. Line Graph of the leaf sizes in Shaded Environment

Leaf Number Maximum Length Maximum Width

1 91.44mm 58.42mm
These findings indicate that leaves in open areas
2 109.22mm 55.88mm exhibit a more compact and smaller size
compared to those in shaded areas. Notably,
3 132.08mm 73.66mm temperatures are higher in open areas for the
reason that it is more exposed to sunlight, in
 7

contrast to shaded areas which have lower rigidity remains high. Research conducted
temperature. This observation aligns with the by Zhang et al. (2016) observed that
study conducted by Ian J. Wright et al (2017), seedlings transplanted from shaded to open
where they found that leaf sizes can vary based areas often display reduced leaf turgor
on the climatic conditions of the area.
pressure, indicative of lower leaf rigidity, in
Specifically, large-leaved species are
predominant in wet, hot, and sunny
open field conditions compared to those kept
environments, while small-leaved species are in shaded nursery environments.
more prevalent in hot and sunny environments,
supporting the understanding that leaf sizes may The leaves of plants transplanted to open
vary depending on its environment. environments often take on a
yellowish-brown color, whereas those
transplanted to shaded areas typically
Table 3. Observations made for shade and open environment. maintain a greenish color. Smith et al.
(2019) found that leaves exposed to higher
Characteristics Transplanted in Transplanted in light levels tend to undergo color changes
the open the shade
due to chlorophyll breakdown and the
Plant size 43.18 (No L: 51.5 cm, W: 41 accumulation of pigments like carotenoids
growth after cm
days) and anthocyanins, leading to leaf aging or
light-induced damage. Additionally, when
Leaf turgidity Wilted
(decreases)
High plants are moved from open to shaded areas,
they experience reduced light intensity,
Leaf color Yellowish-brown Green prompting physiological responses such as
Leaf shape Droopy Cordate
adjustments in chlorophyll production. As a
result, plants in shaded environments may
Herbivore damage Leaves are allocate more resources to chlorophyll
masticated and None
torn synthesis, resulting in greener leaves
compared to those in open areas.
Other observation The
discoloration is
present at the Discoloration of The plants transplanted to open areas
margin. (Leaf Leaf
scorches
typically have droopy shapes, whereas those
present) transplanted in shaded areas tend to have
The data indicates that there are certain cordate shapes. Leaf positioning is affected
conditions and alterations in plant by the amount of light available, with plants
characteristics. Specifically, the size of in shaded environments often orienting their
plants, as measured by their length and leaves upwards to capture more light.
width, remains relatively stable before and Conversely, plants in open areas may have
after a short period of time. Research droopy leaves to decrease light exposure and
conducted by Smith et al. (2019) and prevent damage from excessive sunlight.
Johnson and Lee (2020) has demonstrated This adaptation optimizes light capture by
that plants tend to show minimal to no maximizing the leaf surface area exposed to
significant changes in size, regardless of limited light.
whether they are transplanted in open or
shaded areas. These findings imply that Plants transplanted to shaded areas typically
factors like exposure to light may not have a remain undamaged, whereas those
significant impact on the overall size of transplanted in open areas often experience
plants within short time spans. tearing. Open areas are prone to higher
levels of herbivore activity because they
The turgidity of leaves decreases in plants offer increased visibility and accessibility
transplanted to open areas compared to those for herbivores. Consequently, plants in open
transplanted to shaded areas, where leaf
 8

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