Research Stem 5
Research Stem 5
A Quantitative Research
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2
Research Adviser
Table of Contents
Chapter I 3
Rationale 3
Significance of the Study 6
Statement of the Problem 7
Hypothesis 9
Scope and Delimitation 9
Conceptual Framework 10
Definition of Terms 11
Chapter 2 11
Relevant Theories 11
Use of Hydroponics 11
Sugarcane Bagasse as Organic Fertilizer 13
Banana Peels as Organic Fertilizer 13
Related Literature 14
Use of Hydroponics 14
Use of Organic Fertilizer 14
Sugarcane Bagasse as Organic Fertilizer 15
Banana Peels as Organic Fertilizer 16
Chapter 3 17
Research Design 17
The Sample 18
Data Collection Procedure 18
Plan for Data Analysis 19
REFERENCES 21
Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the paper presents the problem and its setting. It includes the background
of the study, the statement of the problem, significance of the study, and scope and delimitation of
the study.
Rationale
Plants are always an essential for living organisms to survive and the growing abundance
of plants and trees should be ensured in order for the ecosystem to function. Since society has
modernized throughout time, newer and larger infrastructures have been built, but demolition of
trees and steady destruction of the environment comes with it. Since then, farmers have been
finding ways aside from the traditional direct-sowing method, as land available for planting
becomes scarce as time passes by. One popular way of growing plants without the use of soil is
Hydroponics.
of modern agricultural methods, such as hydroponics, it is now possible to grow plants without the
use of soil. A hydroponics system grows plants without soil to conserve space and avoid soil
contamination with chemicals or contaminants. Instead, it uses water enriched with nutrients. It
gradually increasing techniques, the dynamical root floating method, and the like. Additionally,
there are two main categories of soilless cultivation: substrate culture and water culture. The
plant’s totally high nutrient value and can control the output quality. It is fast growing and quicker
quality of the plants. According to Bisht (2020), Chemical fertilizer overuse can contribute to soil
acidification and soil crust, thereby reducing the content of organic matter, humus content,
beneficial species, stunting plant growth, altering the pH of the soil, growing pests, and even
leading to the release of greenhouse gasses. This leads to the use of organic fertilizers as a way of
having a better alternative. Organic fertilizers will not reduce the use of chemical fertilizers but
they will improve the soil quality in various ways such as maintaining soil nutrient cycles, soil
Organic fertilizers are readily available mineral sources that have a modest concentration
of vital minerals for plants. They have the ability to reduce issues brought on by synthetic
fertilizers. Moreover, the use of organic fertilizers lessens the requirement for recurrent synthetic
fertilizer applications to maintain soil fertility as organic fertilizers maintain nutrient balance for
the proper growth of agricultural plants and gradually release nutrients into the soil solution. They
also serve as a potent source of energy for soil bacteria, which enhance soil quality and crop
growth. Most people believe that organic fertilizers release slowly and contain a lot of trace
components. In comparison to chemical fertilizers, they are safer. However, using organic
fertilizers incorrectly might result in over fertilization or nutrient deficiencies in the soil.
Consequently, organic fertilizer delivery under controlled conditions is successful. (Silva, 2018)
The researchers opted to use Musa acuminata banana peels as the first part of the
hydroponic fertilizer to be used in the study along with Saccharum officinarum sugarcane bagasse.
According to Islam (2019), Musa acuminata banana peels increase plant productivity and carbon
sequestration, reduced nutrient leaching loss, protection against heavy metal contamination, and
reduction of organic waste-related environmental pollution are all achieved by the addition of
biochar to soil. The K content in Musa acuminata banana peel biochar was discovered to be high.
In his study, he concluded that plants used with Musa acuminata banana peels as organic fertilizer
were seen to be stronger, healthier, and more attractively green. This beneficial effect of BPB on
plant growth presents an alternative to the usage of chemical fertilizers as well as an efficient
The second half of the hydroponic mixture is the bagasse of Saccharum officinarum
subtropical regions. It typically measures approximately two inches thick and can reach heights of
eight to twenty feet. There are numerous horticultural variations that differ from one another in
terms of stem color and length. Bagasse contains 25% hemicellulose, 25% lignin, and around 50%
cellulose. Bagasse's chemical composition is roughly 50% cellulose, 30% pentosans, and 2.4%
ash. Bagasse has many benefits when used in microbial culture-based bioconversion processes
because of its low ash concentration and high yield. (Pandey et al. 2000).
The study focuses on the growth of Lactuca sativa Lettuce, which is one of the most
demanded salad crops in both fresh and ready-to-use markets around the globe (Fallovo et al.,
2009). Generally, lettuce is low in calories, fat, and sodium (Work, 1997). It is a good source of
anti-diabetic) bioactive compounds (Yakoot et al., 2011). Lettuce is fast-growing since leaf
varieties reach maturity in 30 days but can be harvested as soon as they reach the desired size.
Chemical Fertilizers have been an enhancer for plants and their growth for many decades now.
Still, their detrimental effects on the environment weigh more than their advantages since they can
reverse plant growth, alter the pH level of the soil, lead the release of greenhouse gasses, promote
pest growth, and more. Organic Fertilizers, on the other hand, enhance soil nutrients, regulate plant
growth, maintain soil quality, and more, all while having little to no effect on the environment.
Due to the lack of availability of land for planting crops, people are finding newer ways to grow
plants such as using hydroponic systems. Hydroponics is a type of plant growth system, utilizing
water-based nutrient solutions in aqueous solvents. Aside from the advantage of growing crops
without the use of land, Hydroponics also requires less labor, increased produced yields, and also
The Farmers
The results of this study will have a tremendous effect on farmers since it provides a new,
efficient, and low-waste process to plant crops. Instead of using the traditional direct-sowing
method, the farmers can use hydroponics as well as organic fertilizer in their planting process,
enabling increased yield of crops without diminishing effects on the environment involved.
hydroponics and the use of organic fertilizer for the plantation of crops. Aside from Saccharum
officinarum sugarcane bagasse and Musa acuminata banana peels, future researchers can also use
other unresearched organic waste in hydroponics in order to expand the options of choosing the
This study is significant to the general population since it can enable them to have the
opportunity to use hydroponics instead of soil as they have the evidence, knowledge, and studies
provided in this research study. This can have a further effect since the challenge of the lack of
soil in planting crops will be lessened if the process of using hydroponics in planting crops
This paper aims to identify the effectiveness of Musa acuminata banana peel and Saccharum
Lactuca sativa lettuce. Specifically, the paper aims to identify the following:
3. What is the overall effect of the different ratios of Saccharum officinarum sugarcane
bagasse mixture as hydroponic fertilizer for the growth of Lactuca sativa lettuce?
a) Setup B – 50 grams: 100 grams Musa acuminata banana peel to Saccharum
Hypothesis
acuminata banana peels mixture as hydroponic fertilizer has no effect on the growth of
acuminata banana peels mixture as hydroponic fertilizer has a significant effect on the
This study focuses on the effectiveness of Musa acuminata banana peels and Saccharum
Lactuca sativa Lettuce. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the said hydroponic
fertilizer on the growth of lettuce, within the time frame of 1 month. The hydroponic system will
be a WICK Hydroponic System done at Saint Paul’s School of Ormoc Foundation Incorporated.
The study will consist of one control group and three experimental groups, each with different
ratios of Saccharum officinarum sugarcane bagasse and Musa acuminata banana peels. The data
for their growth will be collected through measurement tools that will assist in determining the
Conceptual Framework
WICK SYSTEM
Hydroponic Fertilizer
(Saccharum Officinarum
Sugarcane bagasse &
Musa acuminata banana
peels)
0 grams: 0 grams Musa 500 grams: 250 grams 375 grams: 375 grams 250 grams: 500 grams
acuminata banana peel to Musa acuminata banana Musa acuminata banana Musa acuminata banana
Saccharum Officinarum peel to Saccharum peels and Saccharum peels and Saccharum
Wick System- it utilizes water's capillary force to draw water and nutrients to plants from a
reservoir. Plants, rather than soil, will be used as a growing media in hydroponics.
Microbial mineralization- is the method through which organic matter's chemical constituents
are broken down or oxidized into forms that plants can readily use.
Organic Fertilizer- are readily available mineral sources with a reasonable level of vital
nutrients for plants. They are capable of minimizing the issues caused by artificial fertilizers.
Chapter 2
This chapter of the paper presents the review of related literature, the conceptual
Relevant Theories
Use of Hydroponics
have a reported increase in productivity by 20%, according to early indicators. Growers using
intensive fertigation and traditional drip irrigation have observed similar increases in productivity.
hydroponic systems is changing rapidly with newer systems producing higher yields. It is highly
maximizing mineral nutrition, pH, aeration, and root diseases, and has promising pest control
A research report by Greg (1996), states that organic fertilizers are a nutrient-saving
technology made from plant and animal byproducts and natural minerals that can come from the
farm itself (crop residue, livestock manure), or they can be obtained from other industries or from
goods made elsewhere, making them a nutrient-adding technology. According to the statement,
the improvement in overall soil quality caused by the use of organic soil amendments may reduce
the possibility of nutrient contamination of ground and surface water while also producing more
vigorously growing and high yielding crops. Organic fertilizers have been shown to increase crop
According to a research about the use of organic fertilizer by Makalesi (2010), states that
it is a fact that fertilizers have an important effect on vegetable cultivation. Today, many chemical
and organic fertilizers obtained from many different sources on the market are used for this
purpose. However, it is well known that chemicals especially used in agriculture as the cause of
increasing environmental pollution and some diseases in recent years. Therefore, fertilizers used
in agricultural production are also desired to be effective and most importantly reliable. In addition,
plant need. It is aimed to give sufficient amount of mineral substances needed by the plant and to
In a literature review by Loh et al. (2013), it was determined that sugarcane bagasse is one
of the largest agricultural residues in the world and that there is a versatility of uses from this
product. An analysis of the sugarcane bagasse revealed that the main constituents of the product
In a recent study by Firmansayah et al. (2020), it was determined that using bagasse
compost significantly affected the leaf area of the cocoa seedlings, showing the highest fresh and
dry weight of the seedlings compared to other interactions employed in their study.
According to a research report by Paul Barbano (2009), banana peels are good fertilizer
because of what they do not contain. They contain absolutely no nitrogen. While plants need
nitrogen (remember the NPK on fertilizers), too much nitrogen will create lots of green leaves
but few berries or fruits. This means potassium-rich banana peels are excellent for plants like
tomatoes, peppers or flowers. Banana peels also contain calcium, which prevents blossom end
rot in tomatoes. The manganese in banana peels aids photosynthesis, while the sodium in banana
peels helps water flow between cells. They even have traces of magnesium and sulfur, elements
that help make chlorophyll.
According to a research report by Rhoades (2005), Putting banana peel in your compost
pile will help add calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphates, potassium and sodium, all of which
are important to the healthy growth of both flowering and fruiting plants. Bananas in compost
also help add healthy organic material, which help the compost retain water and make soil lighter
when added to your garden.
Related Literature
Use of Hydroponics
According to a research report by Camille Boylan (2020), hydroponics gives you more
control over your root system and plant growth, controlling the quantity of nutrition and water that
the roots of the plants receive. In order to increase food production as future land availability for
food production declines, we will need to embrace intensive growth techniques like hydroponics.
The fruit or flowers can be harvested effectively thanks to these production methods. Crops grown
hydroponically may be able to provide fresh, local food in areas with severe droughts and low soil
quality.
According to a research report by Ines Hadju (2019), farmers may grow crops more
effectively and productively due to hydroponics. To ensure they receive the precise nutrition they
require, plants may control pH and nutrients. Water that is not used by plants is recycled through
closed systems. Farmers can increase plant production by controlling temperature and lighting
cycles when growing plants inside. Systems could be created to maximize vertical space and
enhance planting density. We can also build farms using hydroponics in places where the soil is
According to a research report by Hitha Shaji (2021), the necessary minerals for plants are
present in reasonable amounts in natural mineral sources, such as organic fertilizers. They have
the power to reduce problems caused by synthetic fertilizers. They reduce the need for repeated
synthetic fertilizer applications to maintain the soil's fertility. They continuously add nutrients to
the root system and maintain the right balance of nutrients for the growth of agricultural plants.
Additionally, they provide soil microbes with a powerful source of energy, improving the soil's
artificial pesticides and fertilizers contaminate groundwater, forcing farmers to use more organic
fertilizers, enhancing soil health and increasing water infiltration. Organic systems with better
nutrient retention capabilities and good management reduce groundwater pollution dramatically.
When compared to the usage of chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizer inputs in agricultural areas
today have major environmental advantages, and their importance has increased significantly
because of organic fertilizers' capacity to hold carbon in the soil and thereby lessen global warming
and greenhouse effects. There are many management strategies used in organic farming that
increase soil carbon uptake, thus increasing production and favoring carbon storage.
In a study by Kenawy et al. (2020), it was determined that sugarcane bagasse have
promising application as controlled urea release fertilizer. In their study, sugarcane bagasse
superabsorbent composites were prepared through the graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto
potassium persulfate as initiator in the aqueous solution. The results showed that the urea release
rate decreased by increasing the ATP amount as different sugarcane bagasses were loaded with
urea.
Another study by Yusuf et al. (2018) revealed that the mixture of 75% sugarcane bagasse
compost and 25% fertilizer N from urea is the most appropriate composition for the 8.76 ton/ha
soybean field. The study aimed to determine the appropriate mixture of sugarcane bagasse compost
fertilizer N of the growth and yield of soybean in an attempt to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizer
N and instead optimize the use of organic fertilizers such as sugarcane bagasse.
are recommended for maximum growth and returns of crops. Their study aimed to determine the
growth and performance analysis of A. hybridus enriched with organic and inorganic fertilizers.
Significant differences in the plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, and mean number of
According to a research about the use of banana peels as fertilizer by Mary Rose Olid
(2022) entitled “ Eco-friendly development: Exploring the effectiveness of using banana peel
fertilizer”, in this study, the effects of fertilizing with banana peels on the leaves of radish and
onion were evaluated. Data from the study indicated that the effectiveness of the banana peel
fertilizer was a success. The height and color of the radish and onion leaf plants are good
indicators of how well the banana peel fertilizer worked. It was discovered that using banana
peels as fertilizer can promote organic plant growth. Compared to plants planted with chemical
fertilizer or without fertilizer, plants nourished with banana peels grew taller. As a result, radish
and onion leaf plants treated with banana peels look better in terms of stem height.
Fertilizers Effect on Growth and Yield of Two Economically Important Crops, Potato and Pea”
shows that demonstrated various household organic fertilizers improved crop output and growth
for both potato and pea crops. It is advised that the use of these organic fertilizers in kitchen
gardens is economically significant where it not only replenishes soil organic matter but also
provides the sustainable production. The treatments (Eggshell), (Banana peel), and (Used Tea
Waste) not only increased plants' growth but also had a positive impact on yield in terms of the
Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
This chapter includes the research design, the sample, the instruments, the intervention (if
research is experimental), the data collection procedure, and the plan for data analysis.
Research Design
focuses on the effects of Musa acuminata banana peels to Saccharum officinarum sugarcane
bagasse as Hydroponic Fertilizer on the growth of Lactuca sativa lettuce. The researchers make
use of a control group containing 0:0 ratio of Musa acuminata banana peels to Saccharum
officinarum sugarcane bagasse, and three experimental groups ranging from a 100:50, 75:75, and
50:100 Musa acuminata banana peels to Saccharum officinarum sugarcane bagasse mixture used.
The researchers make use of a descriptive analysis since it helps describe, show or summarize data
points in a constructive way such that patterns might emerge that fulfill every condition of the data.
(Rawat, 2021)
The Sample
The researchers use two Lactuca sativa lettuce seedlings per WICK System, which is six
seedlings in total. The control group also utilizes two seedlings that will remain unfertilized
throughout the duration of the research study. Lactuca sativa lettuce fully grows around thirty
days, weighs about 300 grams, and reaches an average of 4 to 5 inches long.
The Instrument(s)
The researchers used two parameters in determining the mean height and growth
percentage of Lactuca sativa lettuce during the study. Observation through measurement is the
data collection instrument used in this research to determine the mean height and growth
percentage. With this, a descriptive analysis was utilized in order to summarize the recorded data
points and show the positives and negatives exhibited by each of the setups during the research
study.
This research makes use of 4 groups: a control group, and three sets of experimental groups which
are characterized by the ratio of Musa acuminata banana peels and Saccharum officinarum
The researchers used the weekly height in order to determine the effectiveness of the Musa
acuminata banana peel and Saccharum officinarum sugarcane bagasse Mixture as hydroponic
fertilizer for the growth of lettuce. Moreover, the researchers recorded their observations for each
setup since they utilized the descriptive analysis. Summarization and description of gathered data
For this part of the research, the researcher began to descriptively analyze the weekly growth of
the four groups and compared it with each other, while noting which group’s health deteriorates
and strives. The researchers will analyze the data through using the mean and growth percentage
as Descriptive Statistics. The researchers will record the height of the plants per group each week,
For its procedure, the researchers will perform the data analysis in 5 steps:
1. Obtain the recorded heights for each group and compute for its mean height
per week and overall mean height throughout the experimental procedure.
The mean will be calculated using the formula: Total Growth of Plant 1 +
Total Growth of Plant 2 divided by the number of plants per setup (2)
2. Obtain the recorded heights for each group and compute for its growth
percentage per week and overall growth percentage throughout the experimental
procedure
The weekly growth percentage will be calculated using the formula: Height
of Plant in the preceding week divided by Height of Plant in the prior week
The overall growth percentage will be calculated using the formula: Height
of Plant in the last week divided by Height of Plant in the first week multiplied by
100. (Σh-h₁*100)
3. Rank the three experimental groups and the control group based on their
Saccharum officinarum sugarcane bagasse was best for the growth of the lettuce.
Saccharum officinarum sugarcane bagasse was worst for the growth of the lettuce.
REFERENCES
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Walford Sn. (2008). Sugarcane bagasse: how easy is it to measure its constituents? Proceedings of
the South African Sugar Technologists Association 2008;81:266–73
Firmansayah, M., Wahyudi, E., Putra, I. A., & Kurniawan, D. (2020). The Application of
Sugarcane Bagasse Compost and Effectiveness of N-Fertilizer on Vegetative Growth for
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.). Agrinula: Jurnal Agroteknologi Dan Perkebunan, 3(2), 84-95.
Kenawy, E.-R., Seggiani, M., Cinelli, P., Elnaby, H., & Azaam, M. M. (2020). Swelling capacity
of sugarcane bagasse-g-poly(acrylamide)/attapulgite superabsorbent composites and their
application as slow release fertilizer. European Polymer Journal, 109769.
doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109769
Yusuf, M., Sarjiyah, S., & Mulyono, M. (2018, November). Effects of appropriate composition of
sugarcane bagasse compost and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and yield of soybean
(Glycine max L. Merill). In 4th International Conference on Food, Agriculture and Natural
Resources (FANRes 2018) (pp. 125-131). Atlantis Press.
Inyang, J. O., Abu, T., Emmanuel, A. U., Friday, J. O., Bobai, N., & Oise, E. (2018). Growth and
performance analysis of Amaranthus hybridus L. enriched with organic (Sugarcane Bagasse-
Based) fertilizer. International Journal of Basic, Applied and Innovative Research, 7(2), 55-
61.