CHAPTER I

Introduction

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Hydroponics is a modern horticultural technique that involves growing plants

using farm products, and it's done without the need for soil. Hydroponics is a nearly

simple process, but it needs time to comprehend the process. Crops are planted and

cultivated on water using this method. These methods can also be found to be highly

effective and rich in healthy nutrients. Based on the scientists plants in the hydroponics

method have a direct connection to the roots in the form of an ‘aqueous solvent’ instead

of the soil. A hydroponic system can grow a variety of plants, such as tomato, tobacco,

cucumber, batchoy, and pechay. (Vyshnavi, Dr. Asha S, Sanjana Agarwal, Harshit Dubey,

Chinmay Jain L., 2023)

Pechay or Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa, subspecies pekinensis and chinensis)

is either of two cultivar groups of leaf vegetables often used in Chinese cuisine.(Heiney,

Anna (2017-02-17). These vegetables are both variant cultivars or subspecies of the

turnip and belong to the same genus as such Western staples as cabbage, broccoli, and

cauliflower. Both have many variations in name, spelling, and scientific classification,

especially bok choy cultivars. (Retrieved 2023-09-04). Pechay can grow from mid to low

elevations throughout the year and makes its best growth and good quality produced by

the cool conditions. Regardless of how during the dry season it can be grown with good

irrigation. A Pechay plan is a short-season crop; one can have several harvests a year.
Pechay is not very choosy as to where it should be grown. It can be grown throughout the

Philippines, whether on a small scale or extensively for commercial purposes (Avenir,

n.d.).Pechay should not be exposed to strong winds, especially when they are maturing

since the strong winds can either uproot the plant or destroy its leaves. Neither should it

be exposed to extreme heat, hence the leaves will wilt due to faster evaporation of

moisture (Avenir, n.d.). Pechay does not need plenty of sunlight to provide the much-

needed energy for the manufacture of food(Avenir, n.d.).The pechay plant grows

vigorously on soils rich in organic matter, particularly nitrogen. This is one reason why in

Baguio, farms receive heavy manure from crop to crop in addition to the supplemental

application of chemical fertilizers. Aside from soil variations, different commercial

varieties vary in their nutritional requirements for optimum head production. In Baguio,

the application of 12-12-12 fertilizer at the rate of 600 kg/ha has resulted in heavy yields

(30- 35 tons/ha) of good quality heads (Philippine Vegetable Growing Guide, 2009)

Natural fertilizers derived from plants and animals are known as organic

fertilizers. By adding carbonic molecules necessary for plant growth, it enriches the soil.

Organic fertilizers boost the amount of organic matter in the soil, encourage microbial

reproduction, and alter the physical and chemical composition of the soil. The ability to

use organic fertilizer in hydroponics (“organic hydroponics”) has been studied as a

method to grow crops in space habitats (Garland and Mackoqiak 1990; Garland et al.

1993; Mackowiak et al. 1996; Stutte 1996; Garland et al. 1997). The organic fertilizer

incorporated into the soil is degraded by soil microorganisms, which generate nitrate via

ammonification and nitrification, and this nitrate is absorbed rapidly by plants. Therefore,
organic fertilizer has been microbially pre-processed before incorporation into

hydroponic nutrient solutions (Strayer et al. 1997; Atkin and Nichols 2004).

Plants generally absorb nutrients in proportions similar to their presence in the

nutrient solution, highlighting the importance of understanding NPK ratios in gardening.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) each contribute significantly to plant

growth. However, an imbalance can arise when one nutrient is overly abundant,

potentially causing deficiencies in others. ( Elsa sanchéz, Thomas ford, Francesco Di

Gioia, 2021). In hydroponics, where NPK are key components of nutrient solutions, and

to note that banana peels work well as a support in this context, providing not only

nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium but also other nutrients needed for plants.

Banana peels truly are a nutrient powerhouse, packed with potassium,

phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. When harnessed as a natural fertilizer and compost

material, they become a boon for plant growth and development. The gradual release of

nutrients during decomposition ensures a consistent supply of nourishment to the soil,

fostering healthy plant growth. Beyond the nutritional benefits, banana peels contribute to

improved soil quality, thanks to compounds like potassium. This not only aids in the

overall health and vitality of plants but also enhances their resilience against diseases and

pests. (Four Ways Banana Peels Can Help Your Plants, n.d.)

It's a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach, a sustainable way to create a

nutrient-rich mix, which apart from the macronutrients and certain trace elements

necessary for the proper growth and development. (Latifi, Z.; Jalali, M. 2018,25)
 Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are primary nutrients required by

the plants for proper growth and development.. Nitrogen (N) plays a key role in

chlorophyll synthesis and subsequently in photosynthesis. Nitrogen plays an important

role in the vegetative growth of plants; thus, should remain available during the

vegetative stage. The phosphorus (P) increases cell division and stimulates root growth

and flowering. (Khalofah, A., Ghramh, H. A., Al-Qthanin, R. N., & L'taief, B. (2022)).

Potassium (K) is a vital macronutrient and has significant roles in plants like

osmoregulation, membrane potential regulation, cotransport of sugars, stress adaption and

growth (Sanyal et al., 2020; Sardans and Peñuelas, 2021).

Statement of the Problem

This study's overall objective is to asses the potential of banana peel as source of

trace elements specifically Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Calcium in liquid

fertilizer for hydroponics.

Specifically, this study will strive to address the following questions:

1. Are the nutrients in banana peel really accurate in making NPK liquid fertilizer?

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on optimizing hydroponic nutrient solutions incorporating

banana peel nutrients. The research involves preparing a nutrient solution by dissolving

40% banana peel nutrients adding 100g of NPK 4-18-38 per 450g of water and preparing

450ml purified water. This solution will be thoroughly mixed and set aside for subsequent
application. The paper aims to evaluate the impact of these nutrient-rich solutions on the

growth parameters of green leafy and petchay, providing insights into the potential

benefits of utilizing banana peel extracts in hydroponic agriculture.

The researcher will conduct a comparative study by observing the impact of

natural fertilizer and the researcher's banana peel-based alternative fertilizer on plant

growth. The assessment will include measurements of plant height, length and width of

leaves, number of leaves, and fresh weight. This investigation aims to determine the

potential benefits of using banana peels as a fertilizer, considering various growth

indicators.

This essential procedure will be performed at Justice Emilio Angeles Gancayco

Memorial High School, where laboratory equipment is available.

The potential increase in plant nutrients is attributed to the combination of NPK

solution with banana peels, which inherently contain nutrients. However, it should be

noted that the specific composition of these nutrients has not been analyzed.

Significance of the Study

The potential beneficiaries of hydroponic farming are:

Farmers and Growers. Hydroponic farming can provide new opportunities for

farmers and growers by allowing them to produce crops in locations with limited access

to fertile soil or water resources. It also enables year-round production and reduces

reliance on weather conditions, leading to increased crop yields and profitability.

quality, fresh, and free from pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

Urban Areas. Hydroponic farming can be adapted to urban environments, such

as rooftop gardens or vertical farms. This allows for locally grown food in densely

populated areas, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and minimizing the

carbon footprint associated with food production.

Land Preservation. Hydroponic farming does not require large amounts of arable

land, making it suitable for areas where land availability is limited or soil quality is poor.

This can help preserve natural habitats, protect biodiversity, and prevent deforestation.

Future Researchers. The advancement of hydroponic farming techniques and

technologies contributes to scientific research and innovation in agriculture, creating

opportunities for future researcher's innovation and discoveries in crop production and

sustainability.

Market Vendors. The benefits of hydroponic farming to the market include

increased productivity, year-round production, reduced resource usage, improved product

quality, promotion of local food production, and crop diversification. These advantages

contribute to a more sustainable and efficient agricultural market.

School. Hydroponics also allows students to apply the knowledge they've gained

in a hands-on and meaningful way. It not only teaches them about the science behind

growing plants but also instills a sense of responsibility and care for the environment. It

can inspire students to pursue careers in agriculture or sustainability.