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Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
APPROVAL SHEET
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
infrastructures which means the land available for food production is dropping in reason
of land conversion to accommodate the rising population of the country. These make
sense that in the near future we cannot see land for producing goods. As we all know we
cannot prevent the increasing numbers of people, what we can do is to recalibrate our
The method of growing plants in soil is quite popular, you put seeds in the soil,
then water it and watch it grow. However, in the past few decades, a new method called
aeroponics has been introduced. Aeroponics is a method of growing plants in a mist or air
environment without using any soil. Its technology is quite impressive and promotes food
In an aeroponic growing system, plants are not grown in soil. Instead, they are
grown with their roots hanging suspended in air while a nutrient solution is delivered to
the roots as a mist. Soil is not used for aeroponics, because the plants can thrive when
offers an efficient means to grow plants, including fruits and vegetables, without potting
and repotting them to replenish their access to nutrient-rich soil (MaximumYield Inc.,
2019).
The biggest benefit of using aeroponics system is the incredible use of limited
space. In aeroponics systems, the plants grow with the roots suspended in a misted
solution of nutrients. There are varieties of plants that you can grow in an aeroponic
beneficial for growing healthy, nutritious and natural food crops. The process is
accomplished by spraying nutrient solutions to the roots of plants without using any
The researchers considered the crops being most planted in the province since the
study is aiming to help the community, specifically the farmers. Based on the
researcher’s researches, there are plenty of vegetables and herbs that can grow
aeroponically, one on the lists is onion. Onion is one of the main crops being produced
from the province, so they came up with a decision that the crop stated will be their
Onions (Allium cepa) are bulb-shaped vegetables that grow underground. Also
known as bulb onions or common onions, they are grown worldwide and closely related
to chives, garlic, scallions, shallots, and leeks. Onions may have several health benefits,
mostly due to their high content of antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds. They
have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked to a reduced risk of
cancer, lower blood sugar levels, and improved bone health (Bjarnadottir, 2019).
With the rising problems occurred in farming such as the pollution, pests, and
available land for agricultural purposes declines, the challenge is to provide food to
because of the increasing population. This fact underscores the advantage offered by
aeroponics. This dilemma pushes the researchers to conduct the study to overcome these
difficulties not only in the field of agriculture but also for the community.
Aeroponics system is not new innovation at present time, in fact it is widely used
all over the world way back then. The significance of the study is to introduce this
technology to our community, specifically to the farmers which can give them an
alternative farming system that can produce safe and healthy products. By this farming
technique, it is a great help to hold the problem in decreasing land for production and
Also, the results of the study will give an important contribution to the following
group namely:
ISPSC. The result of this research serves as a research output of the college to
improve the research standard of the institution. The study will raise the name of Ilocos
Sur Polytechnic State College as it raises such system which is coping up in advanced
conduct more researches related to the study. This research may serves as their basis in
Future Researchers. As the study has been done, it will serve as basis for future
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Aeroponics System
Aeroponics is a way of planting in which plants are suspended on the air and
grow in a humid environment without soil. This technique has most advantages when
compared to other planting techniques used commonly in Mexico. With aeroponics one
can control humidity, temperature, and pH and water conductivity under a greenhouse.
Since the roots are suspended on the air, it is possible to plant practically anywhere and
cubic space can be used, and therefore, aeroponics can be applied in many different ways.
The only constraints are the farmer’s facilities to implement the system and needs each
Plants in the aeroponic system showed increased vegetative growth, delayed tuber
formation and an extended vegetative cycle of about seven months after transplanting
compared with total production in hydroponics, the tuber yield per plant in the aeroponic
system was almost 70% higher and tuber number more than 2.5 fold higher (Ritter et al.,
2001). Similar findings have been reported as the field performance of aeroponically
behavior under field conditions was independent from the technique used for its
amount of water is used. It comparatively offers lower water and energy inputs per unit
CB Christie and MA Nichols (2003) stated that aeroponics involves spraying plant
roots with a fine mist of a complete nutrient solution. At Massey University they have
used aeroponics for both plant research and for crop production, and have developed
systems for growing vegetable crops eg. tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and herbs, and
flower crops Lisianthus and Zantedeschia. Aeroponic techniques have also been used as a
research tool to examine gas levels in the root zone, crop nutrition and root growth.
Lighting
Plant morphogenesis is strongly affected by light quality (Fukuda et al. 2008).
Also, the study of Li and Kubota (2009) demonstrated that supplemental light quality
could be strategically used to enhance nutritional value and growth of the crop. To adjust
the various light environments, recently a light emitting diode (LED) has spread as a new
light source in the aeroponics system. A study by Mori and co-workers (2002) reported
that high photosynthesis and growth rate of the plant grown under LED were observed.
The LED could be considered as the best light producer for plant growth in the
aeroponics system.
the temperature of growth chamber should be not higher than 30 degree Celsius and less
moisture in the growth chamber. In addition, the humidity is the amount of available
maintain and control the required humidity concentration of growth chamber based on
plant need.
Spray misters
Aeroponics is a modern-day plant growing technique in the agriculture. It does
not require any single soil particle to provide essential nutrient for plant growth.
However, in aeroponics plant roots receive nutrient spray mist eject from the atomization
nozzles (Lakhiar et. al, 2018). The atomization is the method of breaking up liquid
molecules into fine droplets (Avvaru et al. 2006). Different atomizers are developed in
several disciplines along with different spray patterns and orifices to provide tiny liquid
droplets down to 1 micron. The atomization nozzles with small orifices could create the
problems such as nozzle clogging and cause to stop the water nutrient supply. In order, to
avoid the nozzle orifice clogging the mesh filters is used to prevent the nozzle clogging.
While the larger nozzles with bigger orifice decrease the chances of nozzle blockage but
conditions (Sonneveld and Voogt, 2009). A studies from Resh, (2004) and Chadirin et.
al (2007) reported that the pH and EC values of the prepared nutrient solution could not
exceed than 7 and 2.5ds m−1. The optimum EC and pH values of nutrient solution in
aeroponics system lie between 1.5 to 2.5 ds m−1and 5.5 to 6.5 and 5.0.
Nutrient Solution
In Aeroponics system the absence of soil is the main idea. It's nutrients needed by
the plants in this system is a vital concern that is needed for the growth of the plant.
According to Guang-jae et. al ( 2007) the nutrient composition depends on the plant
cultivation method, the kind of medium, growth stage, weather, method of applying
nutrient solution, etc. Rolot et al. (2002) reported the main necessary nutrient
components required for vigorous plant growth included phosphorus (P), sulfur (S),
potassium (K), nitrogen (N), and zinc (Zn). The carbon (C) and oxygen (O) is directly
supplied from the atmosphere. Knop and other plant physiologists revealed that K, Mg,
Ca, Fe, and P along with S, C, N, H, and O are all essential nutrient elements for plant
The main objective of the study is to design, fabricate and test an aeroponics system
light;
2. evaluate the onion quality in terms of growth, yield and yield components, and
The study will be conducted at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Sta. Maria,
To make this research clear and understandable the following words were
operationally defined:
food products.
Land conversion is the act or process of changing the current physical use of
piece of agricultural land into some other use or for another agricultural use other than
the cultivation of the soil, planting of crops, growing of trees, including harvesting of
produce.
rived plantlets or microtubers; the term refers to their sizes as they are smaller than
CHAPTER II
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conceptualized from the eagerness of coping up in modern and
agricultural sector. Agriculture has a huge impact to the economy and it is appropriate for
us to welcome new ideas and knowledge on how to advance our techniques in farming.
Aeroponics is known globally and it can be seen from the feedbacks of the people from
different countries all over the world who adapted the concept says that it was effective in
farming.
The researchers then came up with an idea to adapt the concept to create a study
for actual acclimation of the technology as first move to introduce the system in our
community. The figure below represents the continuous procedures in fabricating and
Design consideration and design factors were taken into account for the success of
the project. The main design factor that has been considered is the availability of the
materials and equipment that will be used in fabricating the system. Durability, strength
and usability of the different materials that will be used in the system have also been
considered.
In making the frame of the system, the researchers chooses angle bar to be used
for better holding capability for the system. The crop chamber will be made of PVC pipe
with a diameter of five (5) inches considering the length of the crop roots. It gives more
space and allows the roots to grow. PVC pipes having one (1) inch diameter will be the
passage ways or channel pipes of the nutrient solution placed inside the crop chamber
with six (6) spray nozzles having 360 degree angle in able to reach and deliver the
solution to the roots of the crop properly. The submersible pump is 0.5 hp in order to
regulate the flow of circulation of the nutrient solution. Measuring materials that will
need throughout the study were also taken into consideration. These were the design
After identifying the different functions and components of the system, a detailed
drawing of the system was made. Drafting the design was achieved using sketch-up
software. Before fabrication, the detailed design will be reviewed for minor adjustments.
Figure 6. Left View of the System Figure 7. Right View of the Sytem
Materials
Items Purpose
PVC Pipes ( 5” ) It serves as the crop chamber and for the spray nozzles of water
solution
PVC cup ( 5’’ ) It covers the PVC pipes in both sides
PVC Pipes ( 1“ ) It will serves as passage of water solution
Elbow ( 1“ ) It connects the pipes
Angle Bar ( 1” ) It serves as the frame of the system
Drum Chamber of the nutrient solution
Submersible Pump It is to regulate the circulation or flow of the water solution
(0.5hp)
Spray nozzles Use as the outlet of the water solution delivered to the crop
Net Pot Use to hold the crop
LED Light It will help the crops to grow
pH meter To measure the pH level of the water solution
EC meter To determine the salinity of the water
Temperature Use to regulate and maintain the temperature of the system
Controller
Sponge It serves as the growth medium of the crop
Bolts and Nuts Use to attached the chamber to the frame
PVC Pipe Adhesive It will seal all the connections of the pipes to avoid leaks
Tools
Items Purpose
Electric Drill Use to drill holes for the holder of the crop, for the connections
of the pipes and for the installation of the spray nozzles.
Welding Rod Connects the angle bars
2” Drill Bits Use to hole the chamber
Welding Machine Use for welding
Cutter Use to cut the materials into specified measurements
Seedling Preparation
Items Purpose
Seedlings It will be used as the crop for the study
Seedling Bed/tray Used as the basement of the germination of the seedlings
Cow manure Serves as the growing media of the seedlings
Sprayer Use to apply water in the seedlings
Fabrication
Upon the approval of the design, the necessary materials, tools and equipment
needed in the fabrication will be purchased from a local hardware store in the locality and
if it is not available, it is possible to purchase in other places. After preparing all needed
materials, tools and equipment, the fabrication activities of the system will start.
aeroponics system:
3. Drilling. This process requires electric drill to make a hole in the container for
4. Welding. The angle bars will be connected to construct the frame of the
corresponding places. The pipes will be connected using the elbows. The
system. This will be; pipes to the container, pipe to the submersible pump, and
The completely Randomized Design (CRD) will be employed in the test using
different sizes (orifice) of spray nozzles. There will be three treatments with five
replications per treatment. The following sizes of the spray nozzles that will be used in
TRT1 = 0.2 mm
TRT 2 = 0.3 mm
TRT 3 = 0.4 mm
Cultural Management
The usability of the fabricated Aeroponics System will be tested on high value
crop such as onion leeks. The cultural management practices for onion production under
Seedling Preparation. Seed will be planted in cow manure in seedling tray and
will be supplied with a small amount of water. After sprouting, sunlight will be needed to
Implanting. Only the vigorous onion seedling with well-developed roots will be
solution will be allowed to circulate through the channel pipes and to the basin.
Lighting. The distribution of light will be done using the visible light spectrum. It
Maintenance. If the water gets absorbed by the plants, there is a need to replace
the nutrient solution to prevent becoming toxic to the plant it may stunt plant growth or
Water pH/ Water EC. The water pH and water EC will be determined using a
pH meter and EC meter, respectively. The pH level of water should be ranges 6.0-7.0 and
the water EC should be range up to 1.4-1.8. In every 10 liters of water, add 10mL of
Testing Procedure
Preliminary Testing
Final Testing
After performing the preliminary testing and upon the adjustments and
modification of the design, final testing and data gathering will be done for the
performance of the system. The following procedures will be followed during the final
1. Prepare the system. Be sure that all materials and the nutrient solution are in
condition.
2. Perform safety checks before starting the system. Including the light that will be
4. After the specified period of time of the study, harvesting will be performed.
Data to be Gathered
The following parameters will be gathered to determine the responses of the onion
in aeroponics system. Growth and yield of the onion will be measured using five selected
Number of leaves per plant: Fully developed leaves of five randomly selected
plants will be counted at physiological maturity and the average will be computed for
each plant.
Leaf length (cm): The length of the longest leaves of five randomly selected
plants will be measured using measuring tape at physiological maturity and their averages
will be computed.
Plant height (cm): Plant height will be measured from the ground level up to the
tip of the longest leaf using a measuring tape. It will be measured using five randomly
selected plants at physiological maturity of the crop and the average values competed.
Leaf diameter (cm): It will be taken from the widest parts of leaves of five
randomly selected plants by using veneer caliper (model 141) at physiological maturity
Percent of survival. The percent of the survival will be determined by the ratio between
using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Significant findings will be further tested using
Profitability Analysis. All the materials and labor inputs in the study will be recorded
Net Income
ROI= ×100
total production costs
Economic Analysis using payback period to determine the feasibility of utilizing the
system.
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