PHOSPONITE SOLUTION: ROASTED PEANUT (Arachis hypogaae) NUTS AND

SHELLS, GROUND COFFEE (Coffea) AND HARDWOOD ASHES AS NUTRIENT

SOURCE IN GROWING MUSTARD (Brassica juncea) IN A HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

CLAMEL JOSEPH B. ANGAYAN

MARY ROSE MANONGSONG

PAUL VIC FLORIDA

(Researchers)

Submitted as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement in

Capstone Research

SAN TEODORO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Bigaan, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro

MR. MARK ANTHONY C. LEIDO

(Research Adviser)
 2

Table of Contents

I. Title page……………………………………………………………………………….1

II. Table of Contents…………………..………………………………………………….2

III. Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………3

IV. Background of the Study……...………………………………………………………4

a. Introduction…………………………………………………………….…………….4

b. General Objectives………….………………………………………...…………….9

c. Specific Objectives…………….…………………………………………………….9

d. Statements of the Problem………………………………………………………..10

e. Statement of the Hypothesis……………………………………………………...11

f. Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………...11

g. Time and Place of the Study……………………………………………………....12

h. Scope and Delimitations…………………………………………………………...13

V. Relative Review Literature and Study……………………………………………….14

VI. Methodology………………………...………………………………………………….30

VII. Results and Discussion……………………………………………………………….43

VIII. Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation………………………………………60

IX. References……………………………………………………………………………..63

X. Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………..67

XI. Appendices……………………………………………………………………………..68
 3

Abstract

This research study is conducted to determine the potential and effectiveness of

roasted peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), Coffee (Coffea) grounds and Hardwood Ashes as

nutrient source in growing Mustard (Brassica juncea) in a Hydroponics System and

determine the significant difference between the three different formulations and as

compared to soil planting in terms of number and length of leaves.

Mustard seeds were germinated for two weeks. The peanuts were roasted and

were pound into fine powder, as well as the coffee grounds and hardwood ashes.

Nutrients were bagged with different amounts per formulation and soaked for 48 hours.

Germinated mustards were acclimated with water for 12 hours. After acclimatizing,

nutrient solution were applied in each set ups. Growth of mustards were observed and

tabulated for four weeks with the parameters of number and length of leaves. For four

weeks of observation, the mustards in the hydroponics system had almost the same

number of 5-7 leaves with the length of 80-100cm. As compared to conventional soil

planting, the mustards soaked in PhosPonite solution exhibited greater growth of having

5-7 numbers of leaves with 60-80cm length of leaves gained compared to the 40-45cm

of length with 4-5 numbers of leaves.

Results showed that PhosPoNite Solution is a good nutrient source in a

hydroponics system. Mustards acquired almost the same results in each nutrient

formulation in terms of number and length of leaves. Hydroponics system exhibited

better growth rate as compared to soil planting in the given parameters. Data revealed

that there is no significant difference between the growth of mustards in three different
 4

formulations but there is a significant difference between the tabulated growth rate of

mustards grown in a hydroponics system and in soil planting.

 5

Chapter I

Background of the Study

Introduction

The Philippines has been renowned for being an agricultural country despite of

the plans of making it industrialized by 2000. Though most opportunities are to be found

in urban cities, most citizens still choose to live in rural cities and continue supporting

themselves with their needs through farming and agriculture.

Farming, fisheries, livestock and forestry employ 39.8 percent of labor force and

contribute 20 percent of GDP. The country even export crops to ASEAN and other

European countries. This really means that Filipinos used planting crops to sustain their

daily needs and generate greater income.

But as the change in needs in other industries take on the land, the agricultural

sectors major concern is the conversion of agricultural lands into industrial structures

that consumes most land masses and spaces nowadays. In 1993 , the nation was

losing irrigated rice lands at a rate of 2,300 hectares per year which make small land-

holders thought it more profitable to sell their spaces instead of making it a land for

farming.

Another concern is farmers' continued reliance on chemical-based fertilizers or

pesticides that have destroyed soil productivity over time. Environmental damage is

indeed a continuous concern.

 6

Aside from the diminution of agricultural lands that the sector is facing, economic

conditions are also faced by the farmers taking risks from farming. The rise in the price

of energy and nitrate fertilizers that followed the “oil crisis” contributed to increasing the

costs related to running crop systems using motorization and chemicalization. That’s

why bigger agricultural companies tend to continue in the business with their capabilities

to provide farming needs that small time famers cannot.

There are several problems besetting the agricultural industry in the country

these includes: high cost of inputs, low pricing of crops, lack of capital, labor problem,

lack of postharvest facilities, pest and diseases and irrigation system, pests and

diseases significantly affects production during wet season. This implies that an

increase in these factors would considerably reduce the output.

And as statistics shows from Philippines Statistics Authority, population has been

persistent to increase that shouts for greater demand and supplies of products. But due

to inflation and other factors contributing to the increase of products’ prices, household

farming and gardening has been a greater option for Filipino families. Apparently, most

people want to produce their own food at the very comfort of their homes.

Although doing things at home may seem easy, drawbacks are still faced

especially when it comes to backyard farming. Gardening requires lot of time and effort

from planning to harvesting. You'll need to weed, water and fertilize the plants. In

vegetable gardens, you also have to harvest the food when it is mature, and that would

be very time consuming especially when you have your job. The cost of materials to

use, vegetable gardens are said to be money savers but then the materials and utensils
 7

may value more than the vegetables when you bought them. And another one is the

space. Gardening really needs a space for the plants to grow, and this is one of the

major problems for gardeners in urban places that they are not able to grow healthy

ornaments. Climate change and nutrients form soil are also reasons of difficulty for

farming and gardening.

That’s why the researchers thought of an idea of taking gardens into smaller

spaces that doesn’t require too much time, effort and expertise for better harvest,

budget-friendly, eco-friendly and fast growing way for crops, and that is through a

hydroponics system.

Hydroponics is the method of growing plants in nutrient-enriched water instead of

soil. The water used contains only the most appropriate basic nutrient salts for a given

plant. This ideal combination is rarely found in soil. Also, production is contained in a

small concentrated area. The water is used over and over again, with a fresh

combination of nutrient salts for every production cycle.

This technique is believed to have been practiced in the famous hanging gardens

of the ancient city of Babylon, which is considered one of the ancient world’s eight

wonders but is now used for masses and bigger production of vegetables and crops by

some foreign countries. This method of farming knows no season for better harvest

because this has been used for anytime of the year.

Although hydroponics has been around for quite some time now, this method of

farming is just about to start growing here in the Philippines because providing

greenhouse is really costly for small vegetable garden growers. That’s why Dr. Primitivo
 8

Jose Santos and Eureka Teresa Ocampo of the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), at the

University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) conducted a study on how to grow

vegetables successfully using a simple hydroponics system called SNAP Hydroponics,

that doesn’t require electricity and greenhouse.

But then, buying nutrient solutions in gardening stores is somewhat still a

problem for farmers because of some financial conflicts. The researchers thought of

making organic and inexpensive nutrient solutions out of household materials and

wastes.

Since consumption of plastics are limited nowadays, recycling waste materials

could be the most practical way to save money and contribute to the preservation of

natural resources. Materials are available on almost everywhere, from house and

outside the community.

They used scorched peanuts nuts and shells, hardwood ashes and coffee

grounds that are good source of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, nutrients needed

to grow a healthy plant.

This study aims to know if the formulation of scorched peanuts shells, hardwood

ashes and coffee grounds (PhosPoNite Solution) can help grow pechay (Brassica rapa)

in a Hydroponics system. In this way, gardening will not be as expensive, time

consuming and as hard as it may seems.

There are so many things that we can do to make things easier and affordable

for our own benefit. We just have to look around, find for what we can do and take risks

to make things possible

 9

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

This research study aims to determine if scorched peanuts (Arachis hypogaea),

Coffee (Coffea) grounds and Hardwood ashes can be effective as nutrient source in

growing Mustard (Brassica juncea) in a Hydroponics System.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Specifically, this study tends to accomplish the following objectives:

1. Determine the effectiveness of PhosPoNite Solution (scorched peanut shells,

coffee grounds and hardwood ashes) in improving the growth of Mustard

(Brassica juncea) in a Hydroponics system in termsof

1.1 number of leaves

1.2 length of leaves

2. Know which nutrient formulation does pechay grow most effective in terms of

number and length of leaves:

2.1 NF (50g SP, 25g CG, 25g HA)

2.2 NF (25g SP, 50g CG, 25g HA)

2.3 NF (25g SP, 25g CG, 50g HA)

3. Determine the difference between the growth of pechay in soil gardening and

in the hydroponic system in terms of:

3.1 number of leaves

3.2 length of leaves

 10

STATEMENTS OF THE PROBLEM:

1. How does the PhosPoNite solution (scorched peanut shells, coffee grounds

and hardwood ashes) improve the growth of pechay (Brassica rapa) in a

hydroponics system in terms of:

1a. number of leaves

2a. length of leaves

2. Which of the following concentrations caused the best growth for pechay in

terms of number and length of leaves:

2a. NF 1 (50g SP, 25g CG, 25g HA)

2b. NF 2 (25g SP, 50g CG, 25g HA)

2c. NF 3 (25g SP, 25g CG, 50g HA)

3. What is the difference on the growth of pechay (Brassica rapa) in soil

gardening and in the Hydroponics system in terms of number and length of

leaves?

4. What is the colorimetric rating of the reading with the PhosPoNite Solution

(scorched peanut shells, coffee grounds and hardwood ashes)?

5. Is there a significant difference between the growth of pechay in the three

different nutrient formulation (NF1, NF2 and NF3) of PhosPoNite Solution in

terms of:
 11

5a. number of leaves

5b. length of leaves

6. Is there a significant difference between the growth of pechay in soil gathering

and in the hydroponics system in terms of:

6a. number of leaves

6b. length of leaves

STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

There is no significant difference between the three nutrient formulations of

PhoPoNite Solution (scorched peanut shells, coffee grounds and hardwood ashes) in

the growth of pechay in a Hydroponics system as compared to soil gardening.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study positively looks forward to formulate an organic yet effective nutrient

solution for Hydroponics out of scorched peanut shells, coffee grounds and hardwood

ashes.

This research project is beneficial to people, community and the local farmers

as well as for the future researchers as it introduces the potential of the three main

materials used in formulating an organic nutrient solution for Hydroponics.

 12

With this PhosPoNite Solution, people who invest their time for backyard

gardening could have atleast an easy way of growing plants and vegetables in the

benefit of their own time, comfort and space.

For the community, this new method of farming could possibly create a

change in agriculture industry, it also conserves space and resources. It can be a great

way to lessen soil and water degradation for the environment.

For the benefit of the local farmers, they'll be introduced to a more organic,

cheap and profitable way of farming. Instead of buying too much fertilizers that costs

more than the usual, they can use this PhosPoNite Solution that doesn't require too

much of water, space, time and effort. This solution could be a great substitute from

commercial liquid fertilizers in the market.

And for future researchers, the study will provide a greater baseline data for

future research studies on Hydroponics system. Thus, this will provide them broader

and reliable source of data when it comes to making organic nutrient solutions for

Hydroponics systems.

TIME AND PLACE OF STUDY

This research study titled "PhosPoNite Solution: Refined and Soaked Scorched

Peanut Sehells (Arachis hypogaea), Coffee (Coffea) Grounds and Hardwood Ashes as

Nutrient Sources for Hydroponics" is set to be accomplished from February 2018 to

March 2019. Application of nutrient solution and observation will be conducted at

Barangay Ilag, San Teodoro.

 13

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This research study titled Phosponite Solution: Roasted Peanut (Arachis

hypogaae) Nuts And Shells, Ground Coffee (Coffea) And Hardwood Ashes As Nutrient

Source In Growing Mustard (Brassica juncea) In A Hydroponic System limited only on

determining the effectivity of scorched peanuts, coffee grounds and hardwood ashes as

nutrient sources for hydroponics. And know what formulation of nutrient solutions exhibit

greater effect on the growth of pechay. The plant sample used in the study is a 10 day

old pechay (Brassica rapa).

Three set ups of formulation were prepared. Mustards were soaked for four

weeks in each nutrient formulations and the growth of mustards were tabulated in terms

of number and length of leaves.

Three parameters were prepared to determine the difference between the plant

growth of pechay planted in three set ups of nutrient solutions. Those are the length,

color and number of leaves.

Materials and resources were collected from household and in the public market

of San Teodoro.

Hydroponics set ups will be observed for 2 weeks to obtain the following data for

the parameters prepared. No testing of the liquid solution for chemical and nutrient

composition was done due to inavailability of equipment but soil sample with scorched

peanuts, coffee grounds and hardwood ashes were tested in the laboratory of the

Provincial Agriculture Office, Calapan city, to know the nutrients present in the soil , if it

is suitable for farming.

 14

Chapter II

Review of Related Literatures

This chapter contains related local and international studies and literature in

connection with our study titled “Phosponite Solution: Scorched Peanut (Arachis

hypogaae) Nuts and Shells, Ground (Coffea) Coffee and Hardwood Ashes as Nutrient

Source in Growing Mustard In A Hydroponic System”. The concepts included in this

chapter are gathered and collected from different theses and online articles providing

relevant and substantial information and data that are useful as basis in the conduct of

this study.

Related Literatures

Agriculture grew by 1.80 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 where crops,

livestock, poultry and fisheries contributed to the higher production during the quarter.

At current prices, the gross value of agricultural production amounted to PhP 521.2

billion, higher by 4.05 percent than the previous year’s level. From January to

December 2018, agricultural production increased by 0.56 percent according to

Philippines Statistic Authority. This just shows that the industry of agriculture can really

bring greater and bigger opportunities for the farmers and for the growth of our country.

The country's main agricultural crops are rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane,

bananas, pineapple, coffee, mangoes, tobacco, and abaca (a banana-like plant).

Secondary crops include peanut, cassava, camote (a type of rootcrop), garlic, onion,

cabbage, eggplant, calamansi (a variety of lemon), rubber, and cotton. The Philippines

exports its agricultural products around the world, including the United States, Japan,
 15

Europe, and ASEAN countries (members of the Association of Southeast Asian

Nations).

According to Glenn Baticados, Executive Director of UPLB Center for

Technology Entrepreneurship, agriculture today is more than just a farmer simply

planting a crop, growing livestock, or catching fish. It takes an ecosystem and several

actors to work together to produce and deliver the food we need. It is this dynamic and

complex ecosystem that will equip agriculture to cope with the competing challenges of

addressing food safety and food security, creating inclusive livelihoods, mitigating

climate change and sustainably managing natural resources. Agriculture constitutes the

foundation of food security.

Recent studies suggest that despite performing relatively well in the 1960’s and

1970’s, Philippine agriculture faltered in the succeeding decades. Sector growth

decelerated and public investments for agriculture declined, and at the turn of the

century, Philippine agriculture was no longer considered as a major contributor to the

country’s aggregate economic growth, albeit, it remains a key player in accelerating

inclusive growth. This lackluster performance in productivity growth is considered a

major constraint in the sector’s development.

Methods for Farming

Being one of the main reasons of the development of economy, not just the in

Philippines but also for other agricultural countries, agriculture plays a big role in the

attainment of inclusive growth, farmers had developed different methods for farming that

had helped them to produce and yield masses of crops over the past years and
 16

decades. Farmers use a variety of farming methods, all of which are designed to

produce the most nutritious, delicious and sustainable products possible.

Subsistence Farming- characterized by farmers having small and scattered

land areas, most farmers practicing this method are poor who never use fertilizers and

high-yield seed varieties. They produce for local consumption. In this method, work is

done manually following traditional processes.

Plantation Agriculture- introduced by the British in the 19th century, this

method involves planting a single crop variety over huge tracts of land and requires lots

of capital to run. Also, it’s dependent on agricultural experts, sophisticated farm

machinery, irrigation, fertilizers and good transport facilities that is very costly.

Bio-dynamic Agriculture- developed in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner, this method

considers farms as organisms. In this method, fertility is maintained through planting

cover crops or farm animal manure. For a farm to be certified bio-dynamic, it must first

be organically certified.

Integrated Pest Management- this farming method is based on strategies for

pest management and relies on pest observation and prevention. IPM makes use of

biological controls to get rid of pests. Also, this method helps farmers keep track of their

land, making it easier to notice arising problems.

No-Till Agriculture- as the name suggests, farmers never have to break the soil

and seeds are simply planted on soils. Also, weeds are controlled by spraying

herbicides.
 17

Mixed farming- crops grown and livestock kept on the same farm

Nomadic pastoralism- moving of animals from one place to another place in

search of water freak pastures.

Shifting cultivation- involves farming a piece of land continuously until it is

exhausted after which the farmer moves to more fertile land.

Organic farming- is growing crop and rearing of animals without using

agricultural chemicals.

Agro forestry- growing of crops, trees and keeping of livestock on the same

piece of land.

Challenges Facing Agriculture

Upon saying the effectiveness of different methods of farming and their major

impacts on the industry, there are still these pressing concerns and problems that the

farmers are facing.

Resource Depletion: The Costs of Industrial Agriculture- from mechanized

feedlots to automatic irrigation systems to agricultural machinery, North American

agriculture has become increasingly industrialized, placing ever-greater demands on

fossil fuel, water and topsoil resources. Petroleum not only fuels trucks and mechanized

farm equipment, but also serves as a base for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, tying

the cost of growing food increasingly closer to the price of oil.

 18

Land Management: Degrading and Undervaluing Farmland- throughout much

of North America, especially in the United States, land management techniques have

been draining the soil of nutritional value. Monoculture, the practice of continually

planting the same solitary crop on one plot of farmland, removes nutrients from the soil

that must be replenished with additional fertilizers.

Food Waste: Compromising Food Security- the United Nations estimates that

one-third of the world’s food goes to waste, either during agricultural production, post-

harvest handling and storage, processing, distribution, or consumption. In North

America, a large percentage of this loss comes from consumers wasting food.

Additionally, North American consumer expectations that fruits and vegetable should be

pristine and without blemish means that supermarkets and restaurants are forced to

reject produce that is edible yet aesthetically imperfect due to an unusual shape, size or

color. Further demand for extensive selection causes supermarkets to purchase an

excess of produce, driving prices up and increasing potential for spoilage.

Demographic Changes: A Disconnected Public- in North American, the last

50 years have brought a major cultural shift that has removed consumers further and

further away from their food sources. U.S. Census data from 2010 showed around 80%

of Americans living in urban areas. Entire neighborhoods, known as food deserts, have

no fresh produce for sale. As urban areas grow, farmers receive increasing pressures

from encroaching developers and communities to sell their land.

 19

Since creating bigger production for agricultural industry is too expensive, small

time farming and backyard farming are now used by household that doesn’t require

greenhouses and other equipments for farming.

Of the 4.61 million farms counted in 1991, 78% of these are less than 3 ha. Also

from 1991 to 2002, the number of farms decreased by 2.36% (BAS, 2004). Reduced

number of farms is due to land conversion to meet the housing, industrial, and

recreational needs of the population.

Small farm size is a big issue in agricultural mechanization because it is against

the principle of “economies of scale.” In land preparation and harvesting operations,

mechanizing small and non-contiguous parcels of land might be inefficient.

The Philippines’ being an agricultural country need to invest in promoting

inclusive growth, and build more sustainable agriculture and food systems, that are

resilient to calamities and respond effectively to climate change impact.. The main goal

is to develop the agriculture sector to be able to attain food self sufficiency, uplift the

rural community and increase the income of the farmers. Agriculture’s contribution to

the economy is estimated to be about 40 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and

two-thirds of jobs arise from agriculture. However, agricultural sector has been beset

with persistent challenges resulting in low farm incomes, low rural employment, lack of

food security, and meager agricultural competitiveness. Among the 17 targeted areas of

the Global Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippines should specifically pursue

the goals to end/minimize hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition, and

promote sustainable agriculture. The status of Philippine agriculture as well as the

 20

challenges and strategies for sustainable development were discussed. Challenges

identified were lack of important provisions that will guarantee food security and reduce

poverty in the countryside, lack of programs that will link agriculture with the industry,

and insufficient activities aimed to vigorously transfer advanced production, post-

harvest, and processing technologies to the stakeholders, among others. The University

of the Philippines (UPLB), as the premier university offering agricultural degrees in the

country serves as the leader in developing network of an integrated system in

agriculture education that effectively responds to the challenges faced by the agriculture

sector. For instance, UPLB’s programs in the attainment of food and nutrition security

as well as its visions in internationalization were discussed. Programs and plans on

responsive and innovative teaching methods and strengthen RDE integration were

adopted, geared towards the achievement of the four dimensions of food security

(Sanchez, 2015).

Agricultural land is being developed into industrial areas, shopping malls and

subdivisions. Farmers are growing old and their children have shifted into other careers.

The agriculture industry has not progressed in ages. Many of our agricultural schools

are producing office-oriented workers who would much rather do paper work than help

improve the agricultural sector of the country. Not to mention the many horror stories of

corruption at the Department of Agriculture.

The farmers lack support, training and a moral boost. First, they lack basic skills

in farming. Many are not educated or are only elementary graduates. Second, good

fertilizers, pesticides and seeds are imported from other countries, making them very

expensive and unaffordable for the lowly farmer. Third, the government has not
 21

developed a good infrastructure for farmers (i.e. farm-to-market roads, irrigation system,

drying facilities and milling centers, etc.). Fourth, most of our farmers do not own the

land they till. They cannot maximize the use of the land that results in low income. And

since they are just tenants, some landowners require a 50-50 share of the product, thus

leaving only half of the produce to the farmers. Fifth, farmers have difficulty in financing

their farming endeavors due to the high rates of borrowing institutions. And when

harvest time arrives, the money from the sale is only enough to pay their debts and

nothing is left for them. Sixth, farmers lack protection from the middlemen who take

advantage of their weaknesses. The middlemen buy their products at a very low cost

and the Department of Agriculture always seems to be turning a blind eye on these

culprits. (De Guzman, 2018)

As in South Africa, farmers in the UK and Europe are faced with challenges that

modern farming methods pose to the traditional family farming structure.

The industrialisation of agriculture and the integration of smaller farming units

into fewer, larger units, which offer scale benefits, are making it more challenging for

those families that have relied on farming for their livelihoods for many generations to

carry on with business as usual. (Erasmus, 2017)

Backyard Farming

Backyard Farming or Urban Farming is a movement where regular people who

live in typical houses in typical neighborhoods are turning part of their property into mini

or micro farms. The term farming as used here is not to imply that one needs to grow

things on a large scale, or to sell their crops to the public, but rather to emphasize the
 22

idea of taking an active approach to organic gardening at home in order to dramatically

improve the results regardless of however much one wants to produce.

Food cost concerns and the desire for higher quality food has fueled the rise of

backyard farming. There are an estimated 20 million acres of lawns in North America.

We spend millions of dollars a year growing a mono-crop (grass) and pouring chemicals

on it to make it greener and kill unwanted plants.

If we all farmed our yards, even in small container gardens, we would greatly

increase the availability of local food and reduce food costs. This trend of backyard

farming is growing with creative homeowners finding dozens of ways to homestead in

the city.

Urban agriculture is often confused with community gardening. Urban agriculture

has become a means to increase access to locally grown food and a way of

reintroducing the public to the many aspects of food that we have lost as a culture. How

food grows, what grows regionally and seasonally are all important lessons and make a

better informed urban consumer. Urban farms can be the front line of the food system.

Hydroponics System

There has been so many methods and practices that we can use to perform

gardening and farming, but most of them contributed to certain environtal problems that

we have though it helped on improving and developing our economic prospects.

Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, which is a method of growing plants

without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. Terrestrial plants may
 23

be grown with only their roots exposed to the mineral solution, or the roots may be

supported by an inert medium, such as perlite or gravel.

The nutrients used in hydroponic systems can come from an array of different

sources; these can include, but are not limited to, byproduct from fish waste, duck

manure, or purchased chemical fertilizers or commercial liquid fertilizers that we can

purchase from near garden stores.

In this method, you won’t be needing soil, too much space and location, can have

access to climate control, save water, effective use of nutrients, pH control of the

solution, fewer pest and disease rate that presents better growth rate and doesn’t

require regular weeding and cultivation.

Instead of using commercial liquid fertilizers, the researchers thought of making

and organic nutrient formulation for hydroponics system out of peanuts nuts and shells,

coffee grounds and hardwood ashes.

Peanuts as Nutrient Source

Like other legumes, peanut plants improve the soil by adding nitrogen, even as

they grow tasty, nutritious nuts for this season's harvest. But peanuts need help as they

take nitrogen from the air and "fix" it into the soil via their root systems. Inoculating the

seeds with rhizobium bacteria improves peanuts' nitrogen-fixing powers, which

increases both peanut yield and the general nitrogen content of the soil. Home

gardeners find it easiest to use a powdered rhizobium inoculant. A single half-pound

bag is enough for even 100 pounds of peanut seed. After harvesting, till the spent plants

back into the soil for an extra boost of nitrogen.

 24

Plants use a combination of mineral and non-mineral nutrients. The mineral

nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; non-mineral nutrients include

oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. The non-mineral nutrients are found in the air and water,

whereas mineral nutrients are obtained through fertilizers and naturally occurring matter

in the soil. While the peanuts themselves, as part of the legume family, are nitrogen-

rich, the peanut shells contain very little nitrogen. According to the North Carolina State

University Cooperative Extension, peanut shells contain only 1.2 percent nitrogen. The

levels of potassium and phosphorus are lower at .8 and .5 percents, respectively.

Coffee Grounds as Nutrient Source

Many of us will have dumped the cold remains of a forgotten coffee in a plant pot

at some point, and then perhaps wondered if it was the wrong thing to do! But it turns

out that coffee grounds contain a good amount of the essential nutrient nitrogen as well

as some potassium and phosphorus, plus other micronutrients. The quantity and

proportions of these nutrients varies, but coffee grounds can be used as a slow-release

fertilizer.

To use coffee grounds as a fertilizer sprinkle them thinly onto your soil, or add

them to your compost heap. Despite their color, for the purposes of composting they’re

a ‘green’, or nitrogen-rich organic material. Make sure to balance them with enough

‘browns’ – carbon-rich materials such as dried leaves, woody prunings or newspaper.

Your compost heap’s tiny munchers and gnawers will process and mix them effectively,

so using coffee grounds in this way is widely accepted to be safe and beneficial.
 25

There is a lot of research-based information available on using coffee grounds in

the garden. Research has shown that coffee grounds are about 2% nitrogen by volume,

making them a great source of nitrogen for composting. Coffee grounds have been

suggested as a safer alternative than using manure in compost piles.

Hardwood Ashes as Nutrient Source

The main benefit of wood ash in the soil is to raise the soil pH, or make it less

acid. Soil pH is a measure of acidity on a 14 point scale, with 7 being neutral. Below 7

is acid, and above is alkaline. Most our northeast soils tend to be acidic, often 5.5 to 7.

Slightly acidic is ideal for many plants, as this is the range in which most nutrients are

available to them. Generally, wood ash is from 25 to 45 percent calcium carbonate, a

common liming agent, so you can use twice as many ashes as you would this lime.

In recent years, gardeners have been given mixed signals about the safety and

value of using wood ash on their garden soil. Ashes from fireplaces and wood burning

stoves can be a good source of potassium. To a lesser degree, they also provide some

phosphorus, a bit of aluminum, magnesium, and sodium, and a few micro-nutrients,

such as boron, copper, molybdenum, sulfur, and zinc. The amount of nutrients in the

wood ash is not particularly high, and it depends on the type of wood burned. But if your

soil has a potassium deficiency, wood ashes can be a good amendment.

Using the three materials, nutrients needed to grow a healthy plant including

carbon, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium which are contained
 26

by these three, hydroponics system is in a greater success of producing healthy and

nutritious crops.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), an agency attached to the

Department of Agriculture of the Philippines, is promoting hydroponics as a viable

method to grow high-value or cash crops.

BAR held the first seminar to promote hydroponics on Tuesday in San Carlos

City, Pangasinan, that was attended by more than 80 participants composed of

principals, school heads and other representatives from the first five districts of the

province.

Time will come that this system may take over other farming systems because of

its less expensive production and contribution to preserving and promoting environment

friendly actions.

Related Studies

According to a conducted study by Pascual et. al. 2018, The development of new

technology for food production is essential to sustain man’s needs for survival. The use

of farmlands for food production and industrial purposes goes beyond the carrying

capacity of the environment. The study determined the applicability of Vertical Farming

using Hydroponic Technology to onion production in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The

country is known as the onion capital of Southeast Asia. The study measured the

technology’s sustainability and acceptability to onion farmers. By using experimental

method, interview, and Focused Group Discussions (FGD), the study established its

viability. Three phases of field experiments were conducted August 2016, May 2017
 27

and July 2017 using the Vertical Farming and Hydroponics Technology and Single

Factor Analysis of Variance. The results showed that there is significant difference in

the growth of onion bulb per week and the suitability and comparability of the

technology to conventional farming. The study concluded that the VFH technology is

acceptable to most onion farmers except the aspect of the cost of initial investment

which requires government subsidy for the ordinary onion grower to avail of this new

and sustainable technology in onion production.

And from De La Salle University Manila, Tagle et. al. 2018, Urban farming is one

of the key solutions to global food insecurity, however due to land scarcity inside urban

areas, implementation of this solution is challenging. To address this, urban hydroponic

farming is introduced since hydroponics is an effective way of conserving both water

and space. However, hydroponics itself is complicated because there are more growing

factors that can affect the growth of plants. This can be addressed by constantly

monitoring the system parameters, therefore this study shows the design, fabrication,

and testing of an indoor hydroponic tower prototype coupled with an automated

monitoring system. The study includes an analysis on various parameters such as, plant

length, leaf height, fresh weight, water temperature, ambient temperature, relative

humidity, pH level, water level, and total dissolved solids. An Arduino-based monitoring

system was built from scratch and was utilized to collect the necessary data along with

physical instruments for better calibration in data collection. Plant growth, environmental

conditions, and sensor accuracy showed that the indoor hydroponic tower was a

success in terms of its design for urban farming, productivity and performance, and its

automated monitoring system.

 28

Hydroponics is an alternative system of growing plants without soil. Instead of

soil, an inert media is used into which a nutrient solution containing essential elements

is added for a plant's normal growth and development. Existing commercial hydroponics

systems vary in terms of form, size, and type of materials. They need electric driven

pumps for aeration and irrigation. During a power failure, these systems encounter

water logging and consequently lead to the death of plants. Thus, a Simple Nutrient

Addition Program (SNAP) was developed. This system does not require electricity or

aeration, is low cost, and uses simple methods. The SNAP hydroponics system is

appropriate in urban areas where soil or space for growing crops is not adequate. It may

be done in apartments or townhouses where small terraces can be used in growing

crops for home consumption. The small space is easy to protect against rain and strong

sunlight. The system requires covered containers or pots that can hold about 2 liters of

water, SNAP fertilizer, and seeds of chosen heat-tolerant vegetables, according to a

study conducted by Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources

Research and Development, Los Baños, Laguna.

A low-cost, simple SNAP hydroponics system was developed which was aimed

at introducing hydroponics to household growers and small-scale vegetable producers

in the Philippines.The system was constructed from recycled materials such as

styrofoam fruit boxes, styrofoam cups and garden net. Since the system design allows

passive aeration and depends on the ability of the vegetables to adapt physiologically to

limited oxygen conditions, SNAP hydroponics does not require electricity unlike other

hydroponics systems. Vegetables such as lettuce, sweet pepper, cucumber, and celery

were produced successfully using SNAP hydroponics using a number of fertilizer

 29

formulations. Having a choice of fertilizer formulation is important so that growers can

use whatever hydroponics fertilizer is available in their locality. In our estimation, one

person can maintain the system; this makes the SNAP culture adaptable for household

or small-scale vegetable production. Cost and return analysis shows the profitability of

growing leaf lettuce, which is the crop recommended for hydroponics beginners,

according to Philippine Journal of Crop Science (PJCS) August 2005.

There are so many ways that we can do to improve life that doesn’t require us to

use so much of our resources and just capitalize the things that we thought were

useless. We have the chance to help and conserve the environment as long as we look

for greater ways to use its resources properly and we can do it at the very comfort of our

home. Reuse, reduce, recycle and create greater yields.

\
 30

Chapter III

Methodology

RESEARCH METHOD

The research design used in the study is the experimental research in order to

determine the relationship between variable in population. Experimental research is any

research conducted with a scientific approach, where a set of variables are kept

constant while the other set of variables are being measured as the subject of

experiment. Experimental method is a problem solving approach the study is described

in the future on when was the variable is controlled and manipulated. They used the

true experimental research design relying on statistical analysis to prove or disprove a

hypothesis. It is the only type of experimental design that can establish a cause-effect

relationship within groups.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

In conducting the study, the researchers gathered the following materials: 200

grams of peanuts, 200 grams of coffee grounds, 200 grams of hardwood ashes, 200

grams of coconut husks, 1 pack of mustard seeds. They also collected the following

materials: 3 styrofoam boxes, 18 styrofoam cups, 3 black plastics, measuring cups,

mortar and pestle, 24 liters of water, 9 soaking bags, measuring device, 3 plant bags of

soil, and 3 6L gallons.

31
 32

General Procedures

Gathering of Materials

The materials were collected from the community. Hardwood ashes were

gathered from different households, mustard seeds, peanuts and coffee grounds were

bought from the public market. The used styrofoam box and cups were also collected.

Seed Germination

The researchers germinated mustard seeds for about one and a half week until

they were ready for transplanting and application of the solution in the hydroponics

system.
 33

Roasting

The researchers roasted the peanuts in a pan until it dried, turned black and

crunchy for pounding and refining.

 34

Pounding and Refining

The researchers used mortar and pestle to pound roasted peanuts coffee

grounds and hardwood ashes until they were pulverized into fine powder.

Bagging

After refining the materials, the researchers packed them in different amounts for

each formulation. There were 70g of roasted peanuts, 50g of coffee grounds and 50g

of hardwood ashes in the first formulation. For formulation 2, there were 70g of coffee

grounds, 50g of roasted peanuts and 50g of hardwood ashes. And for the third

formulation, 70g of hardwood ashes, 50g of roasted peanuts and 50g of coffee grounds

were packed. The researchers followed the amount of used materials from existing

hydroponic system using compost soil and other commercial fertilizers that can be

purchased.
 35

Soaking

After bagging the nutrients for three different formulations, the researchers

soaked them in 6 liters of water in a gallon per formulation and soaked them for 48

hours until the materials were fully extracted.

 36

Transplanting

After a week and a half of germination, the researchers then transplanted the

mustard plants in the styrofoam cups with coconut husk at the bottom of each cups.

There were six mustard plants for every set ups.

 37

Acclimatization

Before exposing the mustards in the PhosPoNite Solution directly, the

researchers acclimatized them first with water for 12 hours.

 38

Application of Solution

After acclimatizing the plants, the researchers then apply the PhosPoNite

Solution below the set ups with the right depth to let the roots of the plants grow and

have proper aeration. The set ups were put in a place were they received indirect

sunlight.
 39

The depth of the solution in the set ups are followed in the illustration below.

Source: Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC)

Observation

The researchers will observe the growth of the mustards in each formulation set

ups and the mustards planted on soil for four weeks for the parameters of number of

leaves and length of leaves.

 40

Tabulation

The researchers measured the length of leaves and the number of leaves that

the plant acquired for every week of their observation and tabulated the data for

analysis.

Statistical Treatment of Data

After conducting the experiment and observations, the researchers proceeded in

the tabulation of data. Statistical tools used are t-Test and ANOVA ONE-WAY.

The t test is one type of inferential statistics. It is used to determine whether there

is a significant difference between the means of two groups. The researchers will

compare the best set up of formulation with the set up of soil planting and determine if

there is a significant difference between the two in terms of number and length of

leaves.
 41

Analysis of variance is a collection of statistical models and their associated

estimation procedures used to analyze the differences among group means in a

sample. There were three different formulations prepared by the researchers to

determine what formulation exhibit the best growth of mustard in terms of number and

length of leaves.
 42

Chapter IV

Results and Discussions

This chapter presents the results and discussions of the data gathered.

1. What makes PhosPoNite solution (scorched peanut shells, coffee grounds and

hardwood ashes) improve the growth of mustard (Brassica juncea) in a

hydropontics system in terms of number and length of leaves?

Peanuts are abundant in the vitamins niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, thiamin,

riboflavin, choline, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E and rich in minerals like magnesium,

phosphorous, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and selenium. Peanut

shells are great for mulching. They are a terrific source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and

potassium.

Coffee grounds is a material than can be a great source of nitrogen. Because

they are acidic, coffee grounds make good acid mulch. It also improves the availability

of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and copper that negates the need for additional

sources of these nutrients. In addition, of coffee grounds provides 10 pounds of

nitrogen. The grounds will provide nitrogen in a slow release fashion for use by plants

over the long term.

Ash is also a good source of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. In terms

of commercial fertilizer, average wood ash would be about 0-1-3 (N-P-K). In addition to

these macro-nutrients, wood ash is a good source of many micronutrients needed in

trace amounts for adequate plant growth.

 43

The researchers found out that roasted peanuts, coffee grounds and hardwood

ashes are good combination as nutrient source in growing mustard plants in a

hydroponics system.

Since the nutrients are readily available in the solution, the plants easily

absorbed them making the growing process easily, resulting to better yield. As

compared to the conventional soil planting, the roots of the plants had to work on

extracting the nutrients in the soil that sometimes may result to malnutrition and difficulty

in nutrient absorption.
 44

2. Which of the three formulations, NF 1 (70g RP, 50g CG, 50g HA),NF 2 (50g RP,

70g CG, 50g HA) and NF 3 (50g RP, 50g CG, 70g HA) caused the best growth for

pechay in terms of number and length of leaves?

Image 1: Number of leaves in Week 1

in three different formulations

Image 2: Number of leaves in Week 2

in three different formulations
 45

Image 3: Number of leaves in Week 3

in three different formulations

Image 4: Number of leaves in Week 4

in three different formulations
 46

Table 1

Average Number of leaves of mustards in three different formulations

Formulations Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week

NF 1 (70g SP,
50g CG, 50g 3.5 3.8 4 4.2
HA)

NF 2 (50g SP,
70g CG, 50g 3.2 3.5 4.1 4.8
HA)

NF 3 (50g SP,
50g CG, 70g 3.6 4.6 4.7 4.8
HA)

The images from previous pages and the table above shows the average

numbers of leaves. All mustards from different set ups had the average number of 3

leaves in the first week. In succeeding weeks, the mustards continued to grow leaves

averaging to 3-5 numbers of leaves. And for the fourth week of observation, NF 2 and

NF 3 had the highest average number of leaves of 4.8, and NF 1 with 4.2.
 47

Image 5: Measuring the number of leaves in Week 1

in three different formulations
 48

Table 2

Average length of leaves (cm) of mustards in three different formulations

Formulations Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week

NF 1 (70g SP,
50g CG, 50g 20.5 33.5 66.3 88.5
HA)

NF 2 (50g SP,
70g CG, 50g 20.5 30.7 69.3 96.2
HA)

NF 3 (50g SP, 20.5

50g CG, 70g 29.8 69.8 100.7
HA)

The table above shows the average length of mustard leaves in hydroponics

system exposed in three different formulations of nutrients in 4 weeks of observation. In

the first week of exposure, mustards in different formulation had an average of 20.5 cm.

In second week of measuring, NF 1 set up had the average leave length of 33.5cm

followed by NF 2 with 30.7cm then NF 3 of 29.8cm. In the third week of measuring, NF

3 set up acquired the highest average length of leaves of 69.8cm, little difference with

NF 2 with 69.3cm followed by NF 1 with 66.3cm. NF 3 had the highest record of

100.7cm average length of leaves in the last week of observation, NF 2 with 96.2cm

and NF 1 having 88.5cm. Nutrient Formulation #3 exhibited greatest average length of

leaves among the three, because the formulation is not as highly concentrated as the

other two.
 49

3. What is the difference on the growth of mustard (Brassica juncea) in soil

gardening and in the Hydroponics system in terms of number and length of
leaves?

Image 6: Number of leaves comparison in

Week 1 (set ups vs. soil)

Image 7: Number of leaves comparison in

Week 2 (set ups vs. soil)
 50

Image 8: Number of leaves comparison in

Week 3 (set ups vs. soil)

Image 9: Number of leaves comparison in

Week 4 (set ups vs. soil)
 51

Table 3

Average number of leaves in hydroponics system formulations and soil planting

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

F1 3.6 4 4.3 4.3

(M2, M5, M6)

F2 4.3 4.3 4 4.7

(M1, M3, M4)

F3 4 4.1 4.7 5.3

(M3, M4, M5)

SP 3 4 4 4
(M1, M2, M3)

The table above shows the number of leaves in the hydroponics system

formulations and soil planting for 4 weeks of observation. On the first week of

observation, mustards on both hydroponics system and soil planting had 3-4 numbers

of leaves. Mustards continued to grow leaves in the succeeding weeks of observation.

On the fourth and last week, the mustards on the hydroponics systems using the

PhosPoNite solution had 5-7 numbers of leaves compared to that in soil of only 3

numbers of leaves.
 52

Table 4

Average length of leaves (cm) in

Hydroponics system formulations and soil planting

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

F1 20 31.7 66.3 91.3

(M2, M5, M6)

F2 21.7 30.7 69.7 95.7

(M1, M3, M4)

F3 19.3 30.3 67.7 107.7

(M3, M4, M5)

SP 19.3 33 50.3 66.33

(M1, M2, M3)

The table reveals the average length of leaves (cm) in hydroponics system

formulations and in soil planting.

On the first week of tabulation, mustards on both hydroponics systems and in

soil planting had the length of 19-21cm of leaves. Mustards on the hydroponics systems

grew faster constantly compared to mustards in soil. On the last of week of measuring,

the plants on hydroponics system had 70-80cm of length gained compared to 40-45cm

of length gained of the mustards planted in soil.

 53

Results showed the big difference on the growth of leaves on the hydroponics

system using PhosPoNite Solution rather than in soil planting.

4. What is the colorimetric rating of the reading with the PhosPoNite Solution

(scorched peanut shells, coffee grounds and hardwood ashes) added in

soil?

COLORIMETRIC READING / ESTIMATED AVAILABILITY

Soil/ Material INDEX (ppm)
identification pH Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium
(N) (P) (K)

7.6 High Medium Deficient

#1 Coffee (Mildly alkaline) (>4.5%) (6-10 ppm) (25-50 ppm)
Grounds

#2 Hardwood 7.6 Low Low Deficient

Ashes (Mildly alkaline) (<2.0%) (3-5 ppm) (25-50 ppm)

#3 Roasted 7.6 Medium Low Deficient

Peanuts (Mildly alkaline (2-4.5%) (3-5 ppm) (25-50 ppm)

Table above reveals the result of colorimetric reading of the PhosPoNite

materials added into soil. It shows that coffee grounds is really a great source of

Nitrogen with the rating of High (>4.5%) and Phosphorus with Medium (6-10 ppm).

Roasted peanuts also showed to be a great source of Nitrogen with a rating of Medium
 54

(2-4.5%). The materials are rated to be mildly alkaline in pH with the rating of 7.6 and

are proven to have the nutrients needed to grow plants in a hydroponics system.

5. Is there a significant difference between the growth of mustard in the three

different nutrient formulation (NF1, NF2 and NF3) of PhosPoNite Solution in

terms number and length of leaves?

Table 5

ANOVA Summary on the Difference on the growth of mustard in the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of number of leaves

Formulations t-tab t-stat Interpretation Decision

Nutrient
Formulations 3.682320344 0.6 Not significant accepted
1, 2 and 3

The table shows the ANOVA Summary on the difference on the growth of mustard

in the three different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of number of leaves.

It is presented in the table that the computed t-stat of 0.6 is less than the

computed t-tab of 3.682320344.

 55

Thus, the null hypothesis of having no significant difference between the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite solution in terms of number of leaves is accepted.

The number of leaves grown by mustards in each formulation had the same

range from 4-7 number of leaves for four weeks of observation, showing no big

difference in the tabulated results.

Table 6

ANOVA Summary on the Difference on the growth of mustard in the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of length of leaves

Formulations t-tab t-stat Interpretation Decision

Nutrient
Formulations 3.682320344 3.0202483 Not significant accepted
1, 2 and 3

Table 6 shows the ANOVA Summary on the difference on the growth of

mustard in the three different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of length of

leaves.

It is presented in the table that the computed t-stat of 3.0202483 is less

than the computed t-tab of 3.682320344.

 56

Thus, the null hypothesis of having no significant difference between the

three different formulations of PhosPoNite solution in terms of length of leaves is

acepted.

6. Is there a significant difference between the growth of mustard in soil

gardening and in the hydroponics system in terms of number of leaves and

length of leaves?

Table 7

t-Test Summary Table on the Difference on the growth of mustard using

PhosPoNite Solution in a Hydroponics system and in Soil gardening in terms of

number of leaves

Formulations t-tab t-stat Interpretation Decision

Hydroponics
System vs. 4.30265273 5 Significant rejected
Soil Planting
 57

Table 7 shows the ANOVA Summary on the difference on the growth of

mustard in the three different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of length of

leaves.

It is presented in the table that the computed t-stat of 5 is greater than the

computed t-tab of 4.30265273.

Thus, the null hypothesis of having no significant difference between the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite solution in terms of number of leaves is rejected.

The mustards on the hydroponics system had 5-7 numbers of leaves as

compared to 3-5 leaves of mustards planted in soil.

Table 8

t-Test Summary Table on the Difference on the growth of mustard using

PhosPoNite Solution in a Hydroponics system and in Soil gardening in terms of

length of leaves

Formulations t-crit t-stat Interpretation Decision

Hydroponics
System vs. 4.30265273 17.28571429 Significant rejected
Soil Planting
 58

Table 8 shows the ANOVA Summary on the difference on the growth of mustard

in the three different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of length of leaves.

It is presented in the table that the computed t-stat of 17.28571429 is greater

than the computed t-tab of 4.30265273.

Thus, the null hypothesis of having no significant difference between the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite solution in terms of length of leaves is rejected.

The mustards on the hydroponics system had 84-98cm length of leaves as

compared to 46-49cm of mustards planted in soil.

 59

Chapter V

Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

Findings

The following are the salient findings with the results that the researchers

gathered and collected after the conduct of the study.

1. Among the set ups, nutrient formulation #3 (70g of HA, 50g of CG and 50g of RP)

had the highest growth rate when it comes to length of leaves with an average of

100.5cm followed by nutrient formulation #2 (70g of CG, 50g of RP and 50g of HA) with

96.2cm and then formulation #1 (70g of HA, 50g of CG and 50g of RP) with 88.5cm

average length of leaves. With little differences between each other, formulations

exhibited almost the same efficiency in growing mustards in hydroponics system.

2. For the number of leaves, mustards from each formulation also had almost the same

number of leaves ranging from 4 to 6 leaves during the counting. Nutrient formulation #2

and #3 had the same average of 4.8 counting and nutrient formulation #1 with an

average of 4.3 numbers of leaves.

3. Comparing the growth of mustards exposed with the PhosPoNite solution in a

hydroponics system, mustards on the hydroponics systems appeared to have grown

better than those planted in soil. Nutrient formulation #3 had the highest average on

length of leaves of 107.5cm followed by nutrient formulation #2 of 95.7cm then with

91.3cm of average measure is nutrient formulation #1. With the least average of length
 60

of leaves are the mustards on soil having only 66.33 for 4 weeks of measuring as

tabulated.

4. Hydroponics system using the PhosPoNite solution caused better results than soil

gardening in terms of number and length of leaves.

Conclusions

Based on the foregoing findings, the following conclusions were made.

1. PhosPoNite solution is substantiated and proven to be an effective and efficient as a

nutrient formulation in a hydroponics system.

2. There is no significant difference in growth of mustards between the three nutrient

formulations in terms of number of leaves.

3. There is no significant difference in growth of mustards between the three nutrient

formulations in terms of length of leaves.

4. There is a significant difference between the growth of mustards between those

exposed in a hydroponics system using PhosPoNite solution and those planted in soil in

terms of number of leaves.

5. There is a significant difference between the growth of mustards between those

exposed in a hydroponics system using PhosPoNite solution and those planted in soil in

terms of lenght of leaves.

 61

Recommendations

The following are recommended by the researchers for further improvement of

the study.

1. For proving efficacy and effectiveness of the Phophonite solution, use other plants

like pechay, celery, pepper, tomato, chili and other plants or ornamentals suitable for

hydroponics to test if the soution can grow other plants as well other than mustard.

2. If this research will be reconducted, add other parameters like height of the plant,

color of the leaves and the weight of the plant from harvest.

3. Compare the Phosphonite hydroponics system with a hydroponics system without

using any nutrient solution other than water.

4. Aerator is also suggested to be installed for better aeration.

5. Prolong the period of observation for better results.

6. Soaking of the materials is also suggested to be prolonged to extract the materials

and their nutrients fully and to avoid replacing the solution at short time regularly.
 62

References

Agricultural state of the Philippines

https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Philippines-

AGRICULTURE.html#ixzz5e68IaLEW

Rice Farming Tradition and Sugar Plantation Expansion

https://journals.openedition.org/moussons/2048

The Disadvantages of Planting a Garden

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/disadvantages-planting-garden-26861.html

What Are the Three Important Benefits That Soil Provides?

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/three-important-benefits-soil-provides-100960.html

Ernesto M. Ordoñez, E.M. (2017 June). Climate change, hydroponics. Retrived from

https://business.inquirer.net/231831/climate-change-hydroponics

Plant nutrients in the soil

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/soils/improvement/plant-nutrients

Performance of Philippine Agriculture, October-December 2018

http://www.searca.org/project-development/29-projects/rad-projects/1027-productivity-

growth-in-philippine-agriculture

Farming Methods
 63

https://www.field-goods.com/farming-methods/

List Four Methods of Farming

https://www.kenyaplex.com/questions/10900-list-four-methods-of-farming.aspx

Challenges Facing Agriculture

https://www.techstars.com/content/community/challenges-facing-agriculture/

The Big Five Risks Faced by Farmers

https://nevegetable.org/big-five-risks-faced-farmers

Challenges faced by philippine agriculture and UPLB’s strategic response towards

sustainable development and internationalization

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/298708256_Challenges_faced_by_philippine_

agriculture_and_UPLB's_strategic_response_towards_sustainable_development_and_i

nternationalization

Global challenges facing farmers

https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/opinion/blog/letter-from-the-editor/global-challenges-

facing-farmers/

What is Backyard Farming

http://www.thebackyardfarmcompany.com/what-is-backyard-farming
 64

Urban Gardening

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_agriculture

Hydroponics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics

20 Advantages & Disadvantages of Hydroponics That You Should Know

https://www.greenandvibrant.com/advantages-disadvantages-of-hydroponics

NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS OF PEANUTS

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/peanuts#section10

A Common-Sense Guide to Using Coffee Grounds in the Garden

https://www.growveg.com/guides/a-common-sense-guide-to-using-coffee-grounds-in-

the-garden/

Wood Ashes in Gardens

https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/woodash.html

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and

Development Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4030. (n.d.). SNAP hydroponics

De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines (2018 November 22-23). Development of an

Indoor Hydroponic Tower for Urban Farming

 65

Pascual, M.P. (2018 Janury 11). Farming Using Hydroponic System: Toward a

Sustainable Onion Production in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

 66

Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to extend their gratitude to all persons who in one

way or another had helped and make everything possible in the completion of this

research study.

First, to God Almighty who deserves the highest praise of all, rendering all of his

guidance and grace; without His perpetual love and affection, the researchers have

given up.

To Mrs. Florencia C. Mosca , school head, for her usual and undying support and

motivation.

To Mr. Mark Anthony C. Leido, the Head of Science department, their project

adviser and confidante for his unwavering inspiration support, reinforcement, talent,

time and effort.

To their class adviser, Mrs. Jocelyn Manalo for her compassionate and guidance.

To all their subject teachers for their support and admonitions.

To Mr. Evangelista Bautista for his help and sharing his expertise in farming that

had helped the researchers a lot in conducting the study in the mot rightful way.

To Mrs. Renalyn Manongsong for lending us some of the materials in the project.

To all the vendors and individuals who handed us the main materials used.

To their parents who were all understanding especially for the moral support

since then and for the financial assistance.

 67

To their friends and classmates who have given their most significant efforts in

helping the researchers.

And to all who made this dream a reality and success, the researchers are

heroically indebted of you.

CJBA | MROM | PVAF

 68

Appendices

Graph 1

Average Number of leaves of mustards in three different formulations

The graph above shows the average numbers of leaves. All mustards from

different set ups had the average number of 3 leaves in the first week. In succeeding

weeks, the mustards continued to grow leaves averaging to 3-5 numbers of leaves.

And for the fourth week of observation, NF 2 and NF 3 had the highest average number

of leaves of 4.8, and NF 1 with 4.2.

 69

Graph 2

Average length of leaves (cm) of mustards in three different formulations

The table above shows the average length of mustard leaves in hydroponics

system exposed in three different formulations of nutrients in 4 weeks of observation. In

the first week of exposure, mustards in different formulation had an average of 20.5 cm.

In second week of measuring, NF 1 set up had the average leave length of 33.5cm

followed by NF 2 with 30.7cm then NF 3 of 29.8cm. In the third week of measuring, NF

3 set up acquired the highest average length of leaves of 69.8cm, little difference with

NF 2 with 69.3cm followed by NF 1 with 66.3cm. NF 3 had the highest record of

100.7cm average length of leaves in the last week of observation, NF 2 with 96.2cm

and NF 1 having 88.5cm. Nutrient Formulation #3 exhibited greatest average length of

leaves among the three.

 70

Graph 3

Average number of leaves in hydroponics system formulations and soil planting

4
NF1

3 NF2
NF3
2 SP

0
week 1 week 2 week 3 week 4

The table above shows the number of leaves in the hydroponics system

formulations and soil planting for 4 weeks of observation. On the first week, mustards

on F2 had the highest average number of leaves of 4.3 and mustards planted on the

soil had the lowest average number of 3, same results showed in week 2.

With an average of 4.7 number of leaves, F3 had the highest counting

followed by mustards on F1 with 4.3 and with the least are the mustards on F2 and on

soil with average number of 4 leaves. In the fourth and last week of counting, mustards

on F3 had the highest recorded average number of leaves of 5.3, followed by 4.7 on F2,

4.3 on F1 and the mustards planted on soil recorded the least average number of
 71

leaves with 4. Mustards on hydroponics recorded most number of leaves as compared

to mustards planted on soil.

Graph 4

Average length of leaves (cm) in

Hydroponics system formulations and soil planting

The graph reveals the average length of leaves (cm) in hydroponics system

formulations and in soil planting.

On the first week of tabulation, F2 had the highest average length of 21.7cm,

followed by F1 with 20cm and the mustards on F3 and in soil had the lowest record of

19.3cm. The following week, the plants on soil tabulated the highest average length of

35cm followed by the mustards on the hydroponic system formulations, F1 with 31.7cm,
 72

30.7cm for F2 and 30.3cm for F2. On the third week of measuring, F2 had the highest

tabulated average length with 67.7cm, along with F3 with 67.7cm and 66.3cm from F1,

mustards on soil had the least average of 50.3cm only. And on the last week of

measuring the length of leaves, F3 had the highest average length of leaves of 107cm,

95.7cm of F2, F1 with 91.3cm and the mustards planted on the soil tabulated the least

average length of leaves of only 66.33cm.

Results showed the big difference on the growth of leaves on the

hydroponics system using PhosPoNite Solution rather than in soil planting.

Table 9

ANOVA Summary on the Difference on the growth of mustard in the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of number of leaves

ANOVA
Source of SS df MS F P-value F crit
Variation
Between 0.33333333 2 0.16666666 0.6 0.56146 3.6823
Groups 3 7 4 2
Within 4.16666666 15 0.27777777
Groups 7 8

Total 4.5 17

The table shows the ANOVA Summary on the difference on the growth of

mustard in the three different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of number of

leaves.
 73

It is presented in the table that the computed t-stat of 0.6 is less than the

computed t-tab of 3.682320344.

Thus, the null hypothesis of having no significant difference between the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite solution in terms of number of leaves is accepted.

Table 10

ANOVA Summary on the Difference on the growth of mustard in the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of length of leaves

ANOVA
Source of SS df MS F P-value F crit
Variation
Between 454.111111 2 227.055 3.02024 0.07902 3.6823
Groups 1 6 8 5 2
Within 1127.66666 15 75.1777
Groups 7 8

Total 1581.77777 17
8

Table 10 shows the ANOVA Summary on the difference on the growth of

mustard in the three different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of length of

leaves.

It is presented in the table that the computed t-stat of 3.0202483 is less than the

computed t-tab of 3.682320344.

 74

Thus, the null hypothesis of having no significant difference between the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite solution in terms of length of leaves is acepted.

Table 11

t-Test Summary on the Difference on the growth of mustard using PhosPoNite

Solution in a Hydroponics system and in Soil gardening in terms of number of

leaves

t-Test: Paired Two Sample for Means

Variable 1 Variable
2
Mean 5.666666667 4
Variance 0.333333333 0
Observations 3 3
Pearson Correlation #DIV/0!
Hypothesized Mean 0
Difference
df 2
t Stat 5
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.018874776
t Critical one-tail 2.91998558
P(T<=t) two-tail 0.037749551
t Critical two-tail 4.30265273

Table shows the ANOVA Summary on the difference on the growth of mustard in

the three different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of length of leaves.

It is presented in the table that the computed t-stat of 5 is greater than the

computed t-tab of 4.30265273.

 75

Thus, the null hypothesis of having no significant difference between the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite solution in terms of number of leaves is rejected.

Table 12

t-Test Summary on the Difference on the growth of mustard using PhosPoNite

Solution in a Hydroponics system and in Soil gardening in terms of number of

leaves

t-Test: Paired Two Sample for Means

Variable 1 Variable 2
Mean 106.6666667 66.33333333
Variance 6.333333333 2.333333333
Observations 3 3
Pearson Correlation -
0.997176465
Hypothesized Mean 0
Difference
df 2
t Stat 17.28571429
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.001665029
t Critical one-tail 2.91998558
P(T<=t) two-tail 0.003330058
t Critical two-tail 4.30265273

Table shows the ANOVA Summary on the difference on the growth of mustard

in the three different formulations of PhosPoNite Solution in terms of length of leaves.

It is presented in the table that the computed t-stat of 17.28571429 is greater

than the computed t-tab of 4.30265273.

 76

Thus, the null hypothesis of having no significant difference between the three

different formulations of PhosPoNite solution in terms of length of leaves is rejected.

 77

CURRICULUM VITAE

A. Personal Data

Name: Mary Rose O. Manongsong

Age: 18 years old

Date of Birth: May 12, 2000

Place of Birth: Ilag, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro

Sex: Female

Civil Status: Single

Citizenship: Filipino

Father’s Name: Roberto R. Manongsong

Mother’s Name: Marissa O. Manongsong

Address: Ilag, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro

B. Educational Background

Elementary:

Name of School: Itaas Elementary School (Main)

Inclusive Year: 2007- 2013

Honors Received:

Secondary:

Name of School: Muntinlupa National High School (Main)

Inclusive Year: 2014-2016

Name of School: San Teodoro National High School

Inclusive Year: 2017-2019

Honors Received:
 78

C. Recognition/ Awards Received/ Achievement

1. Grade 7

- 3rd Honors

2. Grade 8

-10th Honors

3. Grade 9

-1st Honors

4. Grade 10

-1st Honors

5. Grade 11

-With Honors

6. Grade 12

-With Honors

D. Meritorious Award

- Math Quizbee 2016 5th Place (School Based)

-Math Quizbee 2017 2nd Place (School Based)

-Math Quizbee 2018 2nd Place (School Based)

-3rd Runner Up Bb. Kalikasan 2017 (School Based)

-Bb. Wika 2019 (School Based)

 79

CURRICULUM VITAE

A. Personal Data

Name:

Age:

Date of Birth:

Place of Birth:

Sex:

Civil Status:

Citizenship:

Father’s Name:

Mother’s Name:

Address:

B. Educational Background

Elementary:

Name of School:

Inclusive Year:

Honors Received:

Secondary:

Name of School:

Inclusive Year:

Honors Received:

C. Recognition/ Awards Received/ Achievement

1. Grade 7
 80

2. Grade 8

3. Grade 9

4. Grade 10

5. Grade 11

6. Grade 12

D. Meritorious Award
 81

CURRICULUM VITAE

A. Personal Data

Name:

Age:

Date of Birth:

Place of Birth:

Sex:

Civil Status:

Citizenship:

Father’s Name:

Mother’s Name:

Address:

B. Educational Background

Elementary:

Name of School:

Inclusive Year:

Honors Received:

Secondary:

Name of School:

Inclusive Year:

Honors Received:

C. Recognition/ Awards Received/ Achievement

1. Grade 7
 82

2. Grade 8

3. Grade 9

4. Grade 10

5. Grade 11

6. Grade 12

D. Meritorious Award