The use of organic and plastic mulching materials generated a net positive income for upland plants, particularly for malabar spinach (Basella alba L. and Basella rubra L.) in Inopacan, Leyte. The production of malabar spinach without mulch also generated positive income but incurred the highest production cost (PhP 1,509.13) due to weed and pest management. It resulted in the lowest net income among the different scenarios. The use of plastic mulch incurred a production cost of PhP 1,490.73 but gained the highest net income. While the production cost using organic mulch was the lowest but gained an intermediate net income value.

Proper cultivation of indigenous vegetables and the use of organic mulch requires technical knowledge but can easily be learned through demonstrations. In one study, the rooted cuttings were first planted in the nursery before transferring it to the plots. These were arranged by split-plots in a randomized complete block design supported by trellis made of bamboo poles. With the implementation of this solution, farmlands in Inopacan, Leyte have observed an increase in crop yield regardless of the mulching material used. Additionally, Basella alba (green) was noted to have a heavier total yield weight, more marketable shoots, and a stronger resistance to leaf spot disease compared to Basella rubra (red). The highest crop yield was associated with the use of plastic mulch due to its ability to prevent nutrients from leaching out during intense rainfall events and to retain moisture during warmer days.

The benefits in the field demonstrations encouraged smallholder farmers to cultivate indigenous vegetables.

Both organic and plastic mulching materials increase the productivity of cultivating malabar spinach. The plastic mulch prevents weed and pest infestation without the use of chemical pesticides. Covering the soil also reduced soil erosion from heavy rainfall and maximized the use of fertilizer by preventing nutrient leaching. One negative environmental impact for this solution is the generation of waste from the plastic material used.