Bio- Liquid Hydroponic Nutrient Solution as Organic

Growing of Pechay (Brassica rapa)

A Science Investigatory Project

Entry to the Division Science and Technology Fair 2019

Life Science (Individual Category)

Marc Johanna L. Villacora

Proponent

Norben Ann L.Cabug

Research Adviser

Lanao del Norte Comprehensive Highschool

Sto. Niño, Baroy, Lanao del Norte
S.Y. 2019-2020
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher would like to thank the following persons who helped me throughout the

completion of this study:

Ms. Norben Ann L. Cabug, the research adviser for her assistance, patience and

encouragement for without her aid this research would not be realized.

The parents of the researcher for their motivation, moral and financial support.

The classmates of the researcher for cheering her in every step of the journey.

Above all, to our Almighty God who gave the researcher strength, guidance and wisdom in

conducting this study.

ii
 ABSTRACT

One of the major problems facing agriculture is the loss of agricultural land, as more
land is lost, it will become more difficult to produce the amount of food needed to feed the
growing human population. With this, hydroponic farming using the deep water culture
system is the answer to this problem. This study aims to develop a bio-liquid hydroponic
nutrient solution (BLHNS) from human urine, saba banana (Musa acuminata × balbisiana)
peelings, Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), Corn Stover (Zea mays) and wood ash.
The materials were mixed with urine and fermented for 3 weeks. The BLHNS is carried out
by diluting the solution with distilled water in different treatment concentrations -5%, 10%,
and 15% and pechay(Brassica rapa) is the sample used in the study. The measurement of the
pechay’s number of leaves and distance around pechay leaves is done every week for three
weeks. The weight yield of the pechay plant is done after 3 weeks. The results showed that
Brassica rapa grown with 15% of BLHNS exhibits more growth in terms of number of
leaves, distance around pechay leaves and weight yield as compared to soil. Furthermore,
there is a significant difference between the different BLHNS treatments from soil. This
indicates that the BLHNS can compete with soil in terms of number of leaves, weight yield
and distance around pechay leaves. Thus, bio-liquid hydroponic nutrient solution is
conducive for growing pechay (Brassica rapa) plants using hydroponic farming.

Keywords:
hydroponics, nutrient solution, bio-liquid, human urine, deep water cuture, loose soil,
organic, pechay, distilled water, pH meter and weighing scale

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Research Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v-vii
Project Data Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Background of the Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Statement of the Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Hypothesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Significance of the Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Scope and Limitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Conceptual Framework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Definition of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Chapter 3: Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Chapter 4: Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Recommendation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

iv
 RESEARCH PLAN

A. Questions Being Addressed

This research project is essential as to produce a bio liquid nutrient solution that

contains all plant nutrients, at the right balance for hydroponic farming with the use of

hydroponic solution (urine, saba banana peelings, cabbage, corn stover, and wood ash). This

problem can be solved through hydroponics. This study aims to answer the following;

(1) Does bio liquid nutrient solution is conducive for hydroponic farming?

(2) Which treatment can obtain the most number of pechay (Brassica rapa) leaves,

greatest mass, color and the distance around pechay leaves?

(3)Is there a significant difference between the Brassica rapa grown in hydroponic

farming with the treatments 5%, 10%, and 15% of bio liquid nutrient solution and soil

in terms of number of leaves, mass, and length of the leaves?

B. Hypothesis

The hypothesis of this research is the plant pechay are to be expected to grow faster

and healthier than in soil because of the lack of obstructions in the solution as are in soil and

the lack of readily available nutrients.

C. Procedure

Phase I. Gathering of Materials

For experimentation of the study, the materials need in this study are: 10L of human

urine, 6L distilled water, 1kg of saba banana (Musa acuminata × balbisiana) peelings, 1 kg of

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), 500g of Corn Stover (Zea mays ssp. mays L.),

v
500g of wood ash, pechay (Brassica rapa) , Glass container with the length 80mm and width

69mm. 15 pcs of plastic cups, kitchen scale, thread, pH meter.

Phase II. Nursing the Pechay Seedling

Unused wheel is the alternative pot used to plant the pechay. Loose soil is place in

the basin and water is sprinkled. The Pechay seeds is cast on the seedbed.

Phase III.Preparing and Fermenting the Bio-Liquid Hydroponic Nutrients Solution

A mixture of 10L human urine, 1kg of chopped Banana peelings, 1kg of thinly sliced

cabbage, 500g of chopped corn stover and 500g of fine wood ash is place in a big container

and will be fermented for 3 weeks.

Phase IV. Preparing the Treatment

The pilot testing will be done and the Bio-Liquid Hydroponic Nutrients Solution

(BHNS) will be diluted with distilled water with the following treatments:

Treatment1- Soil

Treatment2- (5%) 75 mL urine solution, 1470 mL distilled water

Treatment3- (10%) 150 mL urine solution, 1440 mL distilled water

Treatment4- (15%) 225mL urine solution, 1410 mL distilled water

Phase V. Transplanting the seedlings

The initial weight of the pechay seedlings will be measured using a triple

beam balance before planting them. The weight is important in order to determine the weight

yield of the Pechay after harvesting. The number of leaves and the distance around pechay
leaves (DAPL) will be taken also.Thepechay seedlings will be transplanted from the seed bed

to the plastic cups. Coconut coir will be inserted in the cup together with the seedling to let

the seedling stand. The plastic cups will be place in the glass container. Measuring the DAPL

and Counting the Number of Leaves. Every week the DAPL and the number of leaves of the

pechay seedlings will be measured and counted, respectively. A thread will be used to

measure the distance around pechay leaves (DAPL) of the pechay seedlings. These will be

done three weeks before harvesting.

Phase VI. Harvesting the plant and measuring the variables

After three weeks, the pechay (Brassica rapa) will be harvested. The distance

around pechay leaves (DAPL), number of leaves and the weight of the pechay plant grown

under different treatments will be measure. A kitchen scale will be used to weigh the

harvested plants. In determining the weight yield, the final weight of the pechay plant will be

deducted by the initial weight of the pechay seedling.

PROJECT DATA BOOK

vii
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

With today’s advanced world, every piece of land is a valuable resource as the

people can construct buildings since society nowadays chooses to be an industrialized.

Urbanization reached rural areas, thus decreasing the farmlands and reducing the supply and

stock of crops.One of the major problems facing agriculture is the loss of agricultural land, as

more land is lost, it will become more difficult to produce the amount of food needed to feed

the growing human population.Worldwide, around three million hectares of agricultural land

are lost each year because the soil degrades and becomes unusable due to erosion, which is

when soil components move from one location to another by wind or water. An additional

four million hectares are lost each year when agricultural land is converted and used for

highways, housing, factories, and other urban needs (Garnham, 2007).

Correspondingly, the increasing populationmay lead to causal sequence; more people

mean more houses and infrastructures will be built to give shelter and support the people.

More infrastructures will be built,giving lesser space to farm and results to shortage of crops.

Hydroponics is the process of growing crops in soil-less media using nutrient rich

solutions.Hydroponics provides people the capability to grow plants in places where land

farming isn't possible.It is a more efficient way to provide food and water to the plants.

Among the six hydroponics system, the proponent chooses the Deep Water Culture system.

Soil is not needed to make plants grow and this is what the hydroponics all about,

bydissolving the nutrients in water togrow plants without soil, providing for a considerable

degree of control of the elemental environment surrounding the root (Jones, 2008).Plants

grow faster and are ready for harvest sooner.

1
 One promising nutrient for hydroponic farming is urine. Human urine has always

been a proposed alternative for inorganic fertilizers. Urine contains nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium — essential plant nutrients that are usually mined from the earth (Brasch,

2014).Itis composed of 95 percent water (Rhoades, 2016).Dissolved in that water are trace

amounts of vitamins and minerals which are 1necessary to plant health and growth, but the

important part is that remaining five percent. This five percent is largely composed of a

metabolic waste product called urea ([CO(NH2)2]), a very good source of fertilizer.

Hydroponic gardening systems can be set up to recycle water and nutrients, greatly

reducing the resources necessary to grow food. Furthermore, hydroponic gardening virtually

eliminates the need for herbicides and pesticides (Benefits of Hydroponics, n.d).

The economy can benefit from hydroponic farming through the following: Urban

food production cuts down on shipping costs, less labor intensive due to automated controls

and harvests, controllable operating costs through conserved water and energy consumption,

economies of scale yield more crops in less time, and producing better quality crops adds

value to the produce (pH Hydro, 2014). Hydroponic farming is productive even in just small

spaces of land therefore; they can be closer to major metropolitan areas. The nearer the place

where the crops are harvested the better they will be sold or delivered, because it will only

take a short time to travel it which means less stress to the plants and can be assured that they

are still fresh, clean and healthy to eat.

Statement of the Problem

This investigatory project aims to produce a bio-liquid nutrient solution for

hydroponic farming with the use of different urine treatments.

(1) to determine the weight ofpechay (Brassicarapa) using the bio-liquid hydroponics

nutrient solution from soil

2
 (2) to determine whether the bio-liquid nutrient solution is conducive for hydroponic

farming;

(3) to determine the significant difference between the weight yield and number of leaves of

Brassicarapa grown in hydroponic farming with the treatments 5%, 10%, and 15% of bio-

liquid hydroponics nutrient solutions to loose soil.

(4) to identify which treatment can obtain the most number of pechay(Brassicarapa)

leaves, greatest mass and the distance around pechay leaves.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis of this research that the plant pechay is to be expected to grow faster

and healthier because there is no blockage in the solution unlike in loose soilthere is lack of

readily available nutrients.

Significance of the Study

This research project is essential as to produce a bio-liquid hydroponic nutrient

solutionthat contains all plant nutrients, at the right balance for hydroponic farming with the

use of hydroponic solution (urine, saba banana peelings, cabbage, corn stover, and wood ash).

Extreme climatic conditions are further threatening agriculture production and hence food

security. Soil-less culture encourages growing plant in areas where soil is lacking or soil is

present but contaminated with disease causing organisms or toxic substances. People living in

crowded city without gardens can grow vegetables in window-boxes or in small discarded

containers by using principles of hydroponics.In areas with poor soil conditions, using locally

collected urine in the garden could improve crop yields easily and cost effectively (Rhoades,

2016).

3
 Scope and Limitation

The scope and limitation is that only one kind of plant will be grown which is pechay.

The growth in terms of weight of the plant, number of leaves and distance around pechay

leaves will be monitored. Among the six different systems of hydroponics, Deep Water

Culture is used in this study. Furthermore, this study only limits in the production

ofpechay (Brassicarapa) though there are several crops can be produced through it. The study

is conducted at Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School during SY 2019-2020.

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1.1: Schematic Diagram of the Study

Hydroponics Controlled Pechay

Solution Hydroponics (Brassicar
System apa)

Experimentation
and Set-up

Set-up A Set-up B Set-up C

Loose
5% 10% 15%
Soil solution solution solution

A summary of four set-ups is seen on the results. The tables and statistical analysis

were presented to show if there was a significant difference in the growth of Brassicarapa

(pechay) plant in the experimental and controlled hydroponics set-up. This was measured in

terms of weight of the plants in grams between the bio-liquid hydroponics nutrient solutions

4
than in loose soil. The first set-up which was the controlled set-up showed how the plant

normally grows when planted on the loose soil while the other four set-ups showed the use of

the controlled hydroponics solution with different amounts of solutions.

As what was expected by the researcher, the plants normally grew on the controlled

set-up. Set-up A with 5% of solution did not satisfy the needed nutrients of the plants. The

other two set-ups, set-up B and set-up C with 10%, and 15%solutions respectively satisfy the

needed nutrients of the plants so that plants grew normally just like on the controlled set-up.

The researcher used unpaired two sample t-test to determine if there was a significant

difference between the growths of Brassica rapa (pechay) planted on loose soil and on

controlled hydroponics system. Based on the results of the statistical method used by the

researcher, the researcher proved that there is a significant difference between the weight

yield of pechay (Brassicarapa) in bio-liquid hydroponics nutrient solutions than in loose soil.

5
 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Hydroponics-the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients

but without soil.

Nutrient Solution- a nutrient solution is a carefully proportioned liquid fertilizer used in

hydroponic gardening.

Bio-liquids- are liquid fuels made from biomass for energy purposes other than transport.

Human Urine- Urine, a typically sterile liquid by-product of the body, is secreted by the

kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra.

Deep water culture- is a hydroponic, and so also aquaponic, method of plant production

by means of suspending the plant roots in a solution of nutrient-rich,

oxygenated water.

Loose Soil- are typically formed by decay of organic materials and mineral particles.

Organic - involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or

animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth

stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides.

Pechay- is a relatively bland vegetable related to cabbage. Its whitish chopped ribs and

green shredded leaves are often used to add nutrients, crunch and color to stir-

fried dishes.

Distilled Water- is water that has been boiled into vapor and condensed back into liquid in

a separate container.

pH meter- a simple and speedy device to measure the acidity and alkalinity of a fluid

Weighing scale - (or weighing balance) is a device to measure weight or mass.

CHAPTER 2
6
 Review of Related Literature

2.1 Studies Related to this Research Study

A method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil is
called Hydroponic farming. The process is managed, not simply controlled. Therefore, it is
water efficient and nutrient efficient, both of which are delivered directly to the plant’s root
structure. Since the levels of water and nutrients are monitored, these elements are supplied
as and when needed at the required levels. Together, water and nutrients contribute to the
success of and rate of growth. (Cosgrove, 2018)

2.2 System of Hydroponics

Not only will plants grow without soil, they often grow a lot better with their roots
in water or very moist air instead.Hydroponics is known as growing plants without
soil(Woodford, 2019). Hydroponic gardening as it is known today it has been around for a
long time, but it has not been widely practiced since it started (Punongbayan, 2008).
Hydroponic systems have been utilized as one of the standard methods for plant biology
research and are also used in commercial production for several crops, including lettuce and
tomato (Mclnturf et al., 2016). Plants growing in hydroponics require oxygen to be delivered
to the roots, in addition to the water and nutrients supplied in growth solutions. Without
constant aeration, a hydroponics system will become anaerobic and inhibit the growth of
most plants (Genc et al., 2012). The use of a hydroponic growth system is most advantageous
in situations where the nutrient media need to be well controlled and when intact roots need
to be harvested for downstream applications (Mclnturf et al., 2016). Hydroponics is a widely
and frequently used technique for growing plants without soil, providing for a considerable
degree of control of the elemental environment surrounding the root (Jones, 2008).
Hydroponics saves time and produces healthier, lusher plants in about half the time as
traditional agriculture (Turner, 2008).

2.2.1 Deep Water Culture

Deep water culture hydroponics is a method of growing plants where the roots are
suspended in an actively oxygenated solution of water and nutrients, rather than planted in
soil. It eliminates many of the drawbacks of growing plants in soil and results in faster plant

7
growth and larger crop yields (Tunnel, 2018). The deep water culture system focused on
increasing economically and sustainability of indoor and outdoor fish farming (Surnar et al.,
2015).

2.3 Components of Hydroponic solution

All plants depend on the same primary macronutrients and micronutrients, but their

ratios in solution will vary based on what you are growing. Know your plants, and know what
and how much they need before you begin (Gellert et al., 2019).

2.3.1 Urine

Human urine is freely available around the world and is composed of nitrogen (N),
inorganic potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and other nutrients directly absorbable by plants.
This resource was tested on several tropical horticultural species and showed rapid positive
effect on plants growing (Beaune, 2018). It is composed of 95 percent water (Rhoades, 2016).
Dissolved in that water are trace amounts of vitamins and minerals which are necessary to
plant health and growth, but the important part is that remaining five percent.This five
percent is largely composed of a metabolic waste product called urea ([CO(NH2)2]), a very
good source of fertilizer .Urea ([CO(NH2)2]), is an organic chemical compound produced
when the liver breaks down proteins and ammonia (Rhoades, 2016).

2.3.2 Saba banana (Musa acuminata × balbisiana) peelings

Here in the Philippines, Banana tress are abundant. These tress grows very well in
tropical countries with climate having suitable rainfall and soil condition. Banana Peelings
remains unused and discarded after peeling a banana fruit. These fruit peels have nutrients
like potash, iron, zinc, calcium, citrate content (Jariwala, 2016). Banana Peel is rich source of
starch, crude protein (6-9%) crude fat (38–11%) total dietary fiber and Polyunsaturated fatty
acids particularly Linoleic acid, αLinoleic acid, pectin, essential amino acids and
macronutrients (K, P, Ca, Mg). It is also a good source of Lignin (6-12%) pectin cellulose
(7.6 – 9.6%) hemicelluloses (6.4-9.4%) and galactouronic acid. Micronutrients (Fe and Zn)
are also found in higher concentration in peels compared to pulps (Panwar, 2015).
2.3.3 Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa subspecies),

8 also known as snow cabbage is a green,
leafy vegetable often used in Chinese cuisine. The vegetable is related to the Western
cabbage, and is of the same species as the common turnip. Chinese cabbage is believed to
have originated in China (pinoyentre, 2015). Later, it was likely introduced to other countries
throughout the region and then spread around the world. Today, Chinese cabbage is available
in many countries but tends to be most popular in Asia (pinoyentre, 2015).

2.3.4 Corn Stover (Zea mays)

Corn stover is made up of the stalk, leaves, husks and tassels left in the field after
harvesting the grain with a combine. (Pennington, 2013). Corn stover is increasingly being
harvested as a source of biomass for varied uses on and off the farm. Corn farmers with
animals have harvested corn stover for bedding and are increasingly using it for feed. Corn
stover contains significant quantities of the major plant nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus (P)
and potassium (K). Stover can be a source of pathogens, which may increase incidence of
some diseases in the following corn crop. Stover may also improve plant health . (Coffman et
al., 2013).

2.3.5 Wood ash

Wood ash is the inorganic and organic residue remaining after combustion of wood or
unbleached wood fiber (Adamant, 2018). Wood ashes from the fireplace or wood stove may
be used to supply both calcium and potassium to soil. Calcium is the most abundant element
in wood ash and gives the ash properties that are similar to agricultural lime. Ash is also a
good source of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and aluminum. In terms of commercial
fertilizer, average wood ash would probably be about 0-1-3 (N-P-K). In addition to these
macronutrients, wood ash is a good source of many micronutrients that are needed in trace
amounts for adequate plant growth. Wood ash contains few elements that pose environmental
problems. (Hudson, 2011).
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY
9
Gathering of materials

The materials need in this study were 10L of human urine, 6L distilled water, 1kg of

saba banana (Musa acuminata × balbisiana) peelings, 1 kg of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea

var. capitata), 500g of Corn Stover (Zea mays ssp. mays L.), 500g of wood ash, pechay

(Brassica rapa), Glass container with the length 80mm and width 69mm, 15 pcs of plastic

cups, weighing scale, thread, pH meter.

Nursing the Pechay Seedling

Unused wheel is the alternative pot used to plant the pechay. Loose soil was placed in

the basin and water was sprinkled. The pechay seeds were casted on the seedbed.

Figure 1 Pechay Seedling Productions

Preparing and Fermenting the Bio-Liquid Hydroponic Nutrients Solution

A mixture of 10L human urine, 1kg of chopped Banana peelings, 1kg of thinly sliced

cabbage, 500g of chopped corn stover and 500g of fine wood ash were placed in a big

container and it was fermented for 3 weeks.

Figure 2 Preparations and Fermentation of the Bio-liquid

Hydroponic Nutrients Solution

 Preparing the Treatment
10
The pilot testing is done and the Bio-Liquid Hydroponic Nutrients Solution (BLHNS)

will be diluted with distilled water with the following treatments:

Treatment 1- Soil

Treatment 2- (5%) 75 mL urine solution, 1470 mL distilled water

Treatment 3- (10%) 150 mL urine solution, 1440 mL distilled water

Treatment 4- (15%) 225mL urine solution, 1410 mL distilled water

Figure 4 Preparing the treatments of bio-liquid hydroponic nutrient solution

Transplanting the seedlings

The initial weight of the pechay seedlings is measured using a triple beam

balance before planting them. The weight is important in order to determine the weight yield

of the pechay after harvesting. The number of leaves and the distance around pechay leaves

(DAPL) will also be taken.

Figure 5 Measuring the initial weight of the pechay seedlings

The pechay seedlings were transplanted from the seed bed to the plastic cups.

Coconut coir was inserted in the cup together with the seedling to let the seedling stand.
Plastic cups were placed in the glass container in measuring the DAPL and Counting the

Number of Leaves. Every week the DAPL and the number of leaves of the pechay seedlings

is measured and counted, respectively. A thread will be used to measure the distance around

pechay leaves (DAPL) of the pechay seedlings. These were done for three weeks before

harvesting.

Harvesting the plant and measuring the variables

After three weeks, the pechay (Brassica rapa) will be harvested. The distance

around pechay leaves (DAPL), number of leaves and the weight of the pechay plant grown

under different treatments will be measured. A kitchen scale will be used to weigh the

harvested plants. In determining the weight yield, the final weight of the pechay plant will be

deducted by the initial weight of the pechay seedling.

T2 T4
T1 T3
 Figure 7 Harvesting the plant and measuring the variables

CHAPTER 4
12DISCUSSION
RESULTS AND

Results
Table 1. Distance (cm) Around Pechay (Brassica rapa) Leaves
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3

Treatment DAPL (cm) DAPL (cm) DAPL (cm)

1 2 3 Ave. 1 2 3 Ave. 1 2 3 Ave.

T1- 5% 20 21 21 20.6 32 34 33 33 38.5 38.89 37 38.13

T2- 10% 21 21 20 20.6 33 32 34 33 38.12 40.64 43.1 40.62

T3- 15% 22 22 20 21.3 32 35 32 33 49.5 35.56 38.1 41.05

T4- Soil 22 19 20 20.3 31 32 34.6 32.7 36.1 36 42 38.03

Treatment Week 1 Week 2 Week 3

No. of leaves No. of leaves No. of leaves

1 2 3 Ave 1 2 3 Ave 1 2 3 Ave.

. .

T1- 5% 5 4 4 4 5 6 5 5 6 7 8 7

T2- 10% 4 4 5 4 6 6 5 6 7 8 7 7

Table 2. Number of Brassica rapa leaves for three weeks

 T3- 15% 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 6 7

T4- Soil 4 4 5 4 6 5 6 6 7 8 7 7

Table 3. Weight (g) of Brassica rapa after 3 weeks

Weight (g)
Treatment
1 2 3 Ave.

T1- 5% 230 240 260 243.33

T2- 10% 250 240 270 253.33

T3- 15% 265 250 270 261.67

T4- Soil 270 250 240 243.33

Table 4. Analysis of Variance forSignificant Difference

* Significant at p = 0.05
 Analysis of Variance

14
Table 4.1

The f-ratio value is 0.05911. The p-value is .980486. The result is not significant at p < .05.
Table 4.2

The f-ratio value is 6.20841. The p-value is .005324. The result is significant at p < .05.

16
Table 4.3

The f-ratio value is 4.31747. The p-value is .020687. The result is significant at p < .05.

17
 Discussion

After the pilot testing of 375mL, 750mL and 1,125mL, it was observed that the

Brassica rapa died. It may be due to increase acidity of the water. The solution was too

acidic for the plant to grow since Brassica rapa can only thrive on pH ranges from 5.5- 6.5

(Jimenez et al. n.d.). When, the concentration was lowered to 5%, 10%, and 15%,the acidity

of the solution is in the range of the required acidity for the plant to thrive.

Upon testing with a handheld pH meter, the Brassica rapa grown with 5% of BHNS

was able to survive because its pH is at 6.2. The pH of the 10% and 15%solution are 5.9 and

5.7 respectively. The pH is within the range Brassica rapa could grow and survive.

In Table 1,the Brassica rapa with BHNS exhibits better results compared to soil and

distilled water alone. The BLHNS contains high levels of nutrients especially Magnesium

(Mg), a nutrient which helps in the production of chlorophyll. It keeps plants green for

photosynthesis (Blair, 2016). He also added that Magnesium is used by plants for the

metabolism of carbohydrates, meaning it helps to actually feed the plant. The higher the

treatment level means higher concentration BLHNS that contains Magnesium. This is the

reason why treatment 3 with 90mL obtained the longest DAPL.

In Table 2, the Brassica rapa grown with BHNS obtained the most number of

average leaves. Potassium helps with root development, encouraging a good flow of nutrients

and water in plants (Selan.d.). It is also involved in regulating enzymes within a plant, which

helps promote stronger plant stems and thicker cell walls in the fruit.

Calcium is another nutrient important for proper root and stem development. It helps

with the breakdown of other necessary nutrients in the soil like nitrogen (Blair, 2016),

18
because it helps other minerals move throughout the plant. The wood ash in the BHNS made

the solution rich in calcium. It also minimized the foul odor from the human urine.

Phosphorus (P) is important in seed germination and viability (Blair, 2016). It is a

necessary element for the production of blooms, pollen, fruits, and healthy roots (Blair,

2016), because it is essential for good root and shoot growth, phosphorus lends to overall

plant strength (Blair, 2016). Nitrogen (N) is so vital because it is a major component of

chlorophyll, the compound by which plants use sunlight energy to produce sugars from water

and carbon dioxide (i.e., photosynthesis). It is also a major component of amino acids, the

building blocks of proteins. Without proteins, plants wither and die.

In Table 3, Treatment 3 with 15% of bio-liquid nutrient solution obtained the greatest

result. The higher the treatment level, the heavier the weight of the plant. This is because

when the concentration of BLHNS is increased, the levels of macronutrient (i.e., Phosphorus,

Nitrogen, Potassium) and micronutrient (i.e., Calcium, Magnesium, etc.) also increased.

19
 CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Conclusion

In this study the Bio-Liquid Hydroponic Nutrient Solution made from 10L of human

urine 1kg of saba banana (Musa acuminata × balbisiana) peelings, 1 kg of Cabbage

(Brassica oleracea var. capitata), 500g of Corn Stover (Zea mays ssp. mays L.) and 500g of

wood ash. The trials and testing were bound to the deep water culture method. The

investigation revealed that BLHNS concentration above 25% is not conducive for growing

Brassica rapadue to high acidic. However, lowering the concentration of the BHNS to 5%,

10%, and 15% is conducive to pechay farming.

Overall findings of presented data suggest that, 15% BLHNS has the best result in the

growth of pechay (Brassica rapa) plants in terms of weight yield 261.67 g, number of leaves

eight (8), and the longest distance around the leaves was 41.05 cm. In addition, the 5%

concentration of BLHNS had a weight of 243.33g, the number of leaves had seven (7), the

distance around leaves had 38.13cm, the 10% concentration of BLHNS had a weight of

253.33 g, the number of leaves had seven (7) and the distance around leaves 40.62cm and the

soil had 243.33g, the number of leaves had seven (7) and the distance around leaves 38.03

cm.

Furthermore, there is a significant difference between the weight yield and the

number of leave of the pechay (Brassica rapa) with the different BLHNS treatments (5%,

10%, and 15%)from soil. Therefore, the bio-liquid nutrient solution is conducive for organic

growing of pechay (Brassica rapa).

Recommendation

The proponent recommends a further study, if the weight of pechay(Brassica rapa)

20
implies the high amount of nutritive value of the vegetable compared to pechay(Brassica

rapa) planted in the soil. Furthermore, if pechay(Brassica rapa) using hydroponics farming

is resistant to insects and pest in order to have a great production.

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