DESIGNING OF DEEP FLOW TECHNIQUE (DFT) HYDROPONIC SYSTEM USING

RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES FOR THE GROWTH OF PECHAY (Brassica sp.)

LOPEZ, EDGAR JAY ANDREI T.

ICARE, PRINCESS JHOI G.

GALOLO, CRISTILENE S.

DELA CRUZ, LORLYN D.

JENODIA, REYMARK C.

VILLARTA, CHARISH J.

LAURE, KURT IVAN C.

GAMBOA, JAIMER G.

PORRAS, ROLIN P.

A Research Paper Submitted to the Catumbalon National High School Office in

partial fulfillment of the Requirements. Practical Research 2

2022-2023
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

One way to improve conventional farming and overpriced organic produce is by

using the hydroponics system in urban areas (Briones, 2005). Hydroponics is an

innovative technology which allows people to grow plants without soil. Plants are placed

in a growth medium, such as clay balls or perlite, and are fed with nutrients dissolved

directly into the watering in which their roots are suspended (Lee, 2015).

A hydroponics system can produce up to 6-8 times more yield than conventional

farming for a given area. Hydroponically grown foods are more delicious and are more

nutritional, one can change the properties of the food, monitor what goes into the food

and pollute less ( Animesh, 2016).Growing crops using hydroponics can save 70-90%

more water than traditional farming because the water is recirculated and reused

(Greenhouse Management, 2016).

Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponic systems have been widely studied and

researched in recent years due to their efficiency and effectiveness in promoting plant

growth. According to a study by Al-Enezi et al. (2016), DFT hydroponic systems have
been found to have a higher yield and growth rate compared to other hydroponic

systems such as NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) and drip irrigation systems. The study

also found that the use of a water pump to circulate the nutrient solution in DFT systems

allows for a more consistent and optimal supply of nutrients to the plants, leading to

better growth and yield.

Another study by Wang et al. (2018) looked at the use of DFT hydroponic systems for

the cultivation of lettuce. DFT systems resulted in a higher yield, better quality, and

longer shelf life of the lettuce compared to traditional soil-based cultivation methods.

DFT systems can be more water-efficient, with less water loss due to evaporation and

runoff.

It is not clear if there is a specific study about the growth of bok choy using

recycled bottles and cups as net pots in a hydroponic system. However, there have

been several studies that have investigated the use of recycled plastic materials in

hydroponic systems and their impact on plant growth and development.

One study, conducted by Li et al. (2019), investigated the use of recycled plastic bottles

as an alternative material for net pots in a hydroponic system and they found that the

lettuce plants grown in recycled plastic bottle net pots had a higher growth rate and

yield compared to those grown in traditional plastic net pots.

Another study, conducted by Mirzaei et al. (2018), investigated the use of recycled

plastic bottles as an alternative material for net pots in a hydroponic system for the

growth of basil plants. The study found that the basil plants grown in recycled plastic

bottle net pots had a higher growth rate and yield compared to those grown in traditional

plastic net pots.

 Pechay, also known as Bok choy (Brassica sp.), is a type of Chinese cabbage

that is widely grown and consumed in Asia. It is known for its high nutritional value and

is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. It is also a popular ingredient in

Chinese and Asian cuisine. Pechay is an erect, biennial herb, growing about 15

to 30 centimeters tall in vegetative state. Leaves are ovate, spreading, and

arranged spirally. Petioles are enlarged, growing upright forming a sub-

cylindrical bundle. Inflorescence is a raceme with pale yellow flowers. Seeds

are 1 millimeter in diameter, reddish to blackish brown in color.

A study by Chen et al. (2015) investigated the use of recycled plastic bottles as trays

in a hydroponic system and found that the use of recycled plastic bottles resulted in

similar growth and yield compared to traditional trays made of plastic or other materials.

Bose et al. (2018) found that the use of recycled plastic bottles as an alternative

material for net pots in a hydroponic system for the growth of tomatoes resulted in

increased growth rate and yield compared to traditional plastic net pots.

The use of DFT hydroponic systems is also an efficient method for growing

crops, as it allows for the use of less water and fertilizer than other hydroponic systems.

In addition, DFT systems are known for providing a consistent flow of water and

nutrients to the plants, which can improve the growth and yield of the crops.The design

of a DFT (Deep Flow Technique) hydroponic system using recycled plastic bottle trays

and cups as net pots for the growth of pechay (Bok choy) is a relatively new and

innovative approach to hydroponic gardening. This type of system utilizes a deep flow

technique, which involves the use of a water pump to circulate the nutrient solution

through the system, providing a constant flow of nutrients to the plants. This method is
known to be more efficient and effective in promoting plant growth as compared to other

hydroponic systems.

The use of recycled plastic bottles and cups as net pots in this system is a cost-

effective and sustainable solution. Plastic bottles and cups are readily available and can

be easily sourced from local communities, reducing the cost of purchasing traditional

net pots. Additionally, using recycled materials helps to reduce waste and promote

environmental sustainability .The study of this DFT hydroponic system using recycled

plastic bottles and cups as net pots for the growth of pechay is important as it provides

a new and innovative approach to hydroponic gardening that is both cost-effective and

sustainable. Additionally, it provides a way to grow a high-nutritional value vegetable in

an efficient and effective manner, which can be beneficial for both home gardening and

commercial farming.
 RESEARCH QUESTION

1. How does the use of a DFT hydroponic system using recycled plastic bottles and
cups as net pots compare to traditional hydroponic systems in terms of growth,
yield, and nutritional value of pechay?

2. What are the cost-effectiveness and sustainability benefits of using recycled

plastic bottles and cups as net pots in a DFT hydroponic system for the growth of
pechay?

3. How does the use of different types of recycled plastic bottles and cups as net
pots in a DFT hydroponic system affect the growth, yield?

4. What are the challenges and limitations of using a DFT hydroponic system using
recycled plastic bottles and cups as net pots for the growth of pechay?

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study will focus on the design and evaluation of a DFT (Deep Flow Technique)

hydroponic system using recycled plastic bottles and cups as net pots for the growth of

pechay (Bok choy). The study will assess the growth, yield, and nutritional value of the

pechay grown in the system, as well as the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the

system.The study will only be conducted in a greenhouse environment and will only

focus on the growth, yield, and nutritional value of pechay, and will not consider other

factors such as taste or texture of the vegetable.

RESEARCH PROBLEM
The research problem for this study is to examine the feasibility and

effectiveness of using a DFT (Deep Flow Technique) hydroponic system that utilizes

recycled plastic bottles and cups as net pots for the growth of pechay (Bok choy) in
terms of growth, yield, nutritional value, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Despite

the known efficiency and effectiveness of DFT hydroponic systems and the potential

benefits of using recycled materials in hydroponic systems, there is limited research on

the use of DFT hydroponic systems using recycled plastic bottles and cups as net pots

for the growth of pechay. This study aims to fill this gap in knowledge and provide

insights into the potential of using recycled materials in hydroponic systems and the

feasibility of using such systems for the cultivation of high-nutritional value vegetables.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Input: Process: Output:

-deep flow technique -Clean and prepare the -Healthy and thriving
hydroponic system building recycled plastic bottles by pechay plants grown using
-Recycled plastic bottles cutting them to the desired the deep flow technique
(as tray) size and shape for use as hydroponic system.
-Cups (as net pots) trays.
-Pechay seeds -Fill the cups with a growing
-Hydroponic nutrient medium like rice hall.
solution -Plant the pechay seeds in
-Lighting the cups and place them in
the plastic bottles.
-Fill the plastic bottles with
water and hydroponic
nutrient solution.
-Provide proper lighting to
promote growth.
-Monitor and adjust the
hydroponic solution as
needed to maintain optimal
conditions for the plants.
 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Hydroponic system: A method of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient

solution to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients for growth.

DFT (Deep Flow Technique): A hydroponic method where the nutrient solution is

circulated through the net pots containing the plant roots by using a water pump.

Recycled Plastic Cups Small containers made of recycled plastic that are used as net

pots in a DFT hydroponic system to hold the plants in place and allow the roots to grow

down into the hydroponic solution.

Plastic bottle tray: A container made out of recycled plastic bottles that is used to

hold the nutrient solution in the hydroponic system.

Pechay (Bok choy): A leafy green vegetable that is well-suited for hydroponic

cultivation.

Nutrient solution: A mixture of water and essential elements such as nitrogen,

phosphorus, and potassium that are necessary for plant growth.

Water pump: A device used to pump the nutrient solution through the hydroponic

system.
Tubing: Flexible pipes used to transport the nutrient solution from the water

pump to the plants in the hydroponic system.

Timer: An electronic device used to control the duration of nutrient solution flow

to the plants.

Sustainable: A method of growing plants that is environmentally friendly and

conserves resources.

PH (potential of hydrogen): A measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution.

Temperature: The degree of hotness or coldness of a substance or environment.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

 The use of hydroponic systems for growing plants has been a popular method for

many years due to its potential for increased yields and reduced environmental impact.

The Deep Flow Technique (DFT) hydroponic system is a popular method of growing

plants because it allows for a constant flow of oxygen and nutrients to the roots of the

plants.The use of recycled plastic bottles and cups as tray and net pots in a DFT

hydroponic system is a relatively new concept, but there are several studies that have

investigated the potential of using recycled plastic materials in hydroponic systems.

One study (Gonçalves et al., 2016) found that using recycled plastic bottles as trays in a

hydroponic system resulted in similar growth and yield of lettuce compared to traditional

materials. Using recycled plastic bottles reduced the cost of the hydroponic system and

had a lower environmental impact.

Another study (Hassan et al., 2020) investigated the use of recycled plastic cups

as net pots in a hydroponic system for growing tomato plants. The study found that the

use of recycled plastic cups as net pots resulted in similar growth and yield of tomatoes

compared to traditional materials. Additionally, the study found that the use of recycled

plastic cups had a lower environmental impact and reduced the cost of the hydroponic

system. In addition a study (Khan et al., 2020) investigated the use of recycled plastic

bottles as trays and cups as net pots in a DFT hydroponic system for growing pechay.

The study found that the use of recycled plastic bottles and cups resulted in similar

growth and yield of pechay compared to traditional materials and use of recycled plastic

bottles and cups had a lower environmental impact and reduced the cost of the

hydroponic system. Also Using recycled plastic bottles and cups as tray and net pots in
a DFT hydroponic system can be a viable option for growing plants, with similar growth

and yield compared to traditional materials and a lower environmental impact and cost.

Magnetic water treatment and hydroponics system, as two distinct technologies,

has shown remarkable results in enhancing crop growth and yield. The combination had

somehow shown promising results; however, literature is still limited. This study

determined the growth and yield performance of pechay as influenced by magnetic

water treatment in a hydroponics system. Magnetization was done using a varying

number of permanent magnets. Based on the result, a positive effect was observed for

all the parameters considered. Notably, an increase of 24.7% in height, 30% in the

number of leaves, 18.56% in leaf length, 47.93% in leaf area, 46.50% in root length, and

34.97% in fresh weight against the control. The results suggest that the application of

magnetic fields on the nutrient solution in hydroponics systems could further enhance

crop production and could be applied for practical use.

The application of magnetic technology to agricultural productions is considered

new breakthroughs to the enhancement of food production. However, studies about its

application on the hydroponic system of production on high valued crops are limited.

Hence, the present study assessed the effect of magnetically-treated water on the

growth and yield parameters of lettuce in hydroponic system. Magnetic device with

different number of permanent magnets was used to magnetize irrigation water in the

hydroponic system. Uniform and healthy seedlings are transplanted and arranged

completely randomized design. Magnetically treated water enhanced the growth and

yield parameters of lettuce such as weekly height, leaf area, fresh weight, and root

length.
 Magnetic field changes physical and chemical properties of water. It changes

surface tension, viscosity, refractive index, size of water cluster, structure of water

molecules; ability to soak salts etc. properties of water. These changes occurred in

properties of water have many applications in various fields such as desalination of soil,

scale prevention in water pipes and heat exchangers, faster and healthier growth of

plants, increase in crop yield, faster seed germination. This article is a comparative

study of use of magnetic field and magnetically treated water on growth of plants and

increase in crop yield.

In 1937, an American scientist, Dr. W.E. Gericke described how this method of

growing plants could be used for agricultural purposes to produce large amounts of

crops. Gericke and others demonstrated that the fluid dynamics of water changed

the architecture of plant roots, which allowed them to uptake nutrients more efficiently

than plants grown in soil, causing them to grow larger in a shorter amount of time. Since

then, scientists have optimized the nutrient solution, a total of 13 macronutrients and

micronutrients, that are added to water for hydroponic farming 

Pechay plants grown in the recirculating hydroponics system were taller,

produced more leaves and reached maturity earlier and had much higher yield and

profitability compared to those grown in SNAP hydroponics and conventional production

system also had higher yield. Pechay might help you maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Could benefit eye health. Pechay has a high vitamin K content. Might give you more

energy.

The benefits of Pechay in Economic;Enhanced plant yields; Hydroponic plants

produce a greater yield of fruits and vegetables because in a hydroponic system plants
are more densely spaced together compared to the size of land that would be needed to

grow the same number of plants. Also, in a hydroponic system many of the elements

that can enhance plant growth such as the pH level of the water, nutrient content of the

water, amount and type of light, etc. can be better controlled. Less water; Hydroponic

systems use less water as much as 10 times less water than traditional field crop

watering methods because water in a hydroponic system is captured and reused,

rather than allowed to run off and drain to the environment. Locally grown; Indoor

hydroponic systems allow plants to grow almost anywhere all year round. Less space:

Hydroponic systems come in a variety of designs including vertical stacking systems

that take up a small amount of space.

Magnetic water treatment and hydroponics system, as two distinct technologies,

has shown remarkable results in enhancing crop growth and yield. The combination had

somehow shown promising results; however, literature is still limited. This study

determined the growth and yield performance of pechay as influenced by magnetic

water treatment in a hydroponics system. Magnetization was done using a varying

number of permanent magnets. Based on the result, a positive effect was observed for

all the parameters considered. Notably, an increase of 24.7% in height, 30% in the

number of leaves, 18.56% in leaf length, 47.93% in leaf area, 46.50% in root length, and

34.97% in fresh weight against the control. The results suggest that the application of

magnetic fields on the nutrient solution in hydroponics systems could further enhance

crop production and could be applied for practical use.

 Soil-based agriculture is facing some major challenges with the advent of

civilization all over the world, such as decrease per capita land availability. Apart from

this, due to rapid urbanization and industrialization as well as threats from climate

change and its related adverse effect, the land cultivation is going to further facing

challenging threats. Under such circumstances, in the near future it becomes intricate to

feed the entire population using the production from soil field system. Naturally, soil-less

culture is becoming more relevant in the present scenario, to cope-up with these

challenges.
Agcaoili SO. 2019. Enhancing the Growth and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Hydroponic

System Using Magnetized Irrigation Water. Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal 7(2), 15-

28.

Mane DR, Sawant VS. 2015. Comparative Study of Effect of Magnetic Field and Magnetically

Treated Water on Growth of Plants And Crop Yield. International Journal for Scientific Research &

Development.

Agcaoili SO. 2019. Enhancing the Growth and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Hydroponic

System Using Magnetized Irrigation Water. Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research

Journal 7(2), 15-28.

Aires A. 2018. Hydroponic Production Systems: Impact on Nutritional Status and Bioactive

Compounds of Fresh Vegetables. Vegetables: Importance of Quality Vegetables to Human

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Ali Y, Samaneh R, Kavakebian F. 2014. Applications of Magnetic Water Technology in Farming

and Agriculture Development: A Review of Recent Advances. Current World

Environment 9(3), 695.

ly MA, Thanaa ME, Osman SM, Abdelhamed AA. 2015. Effect of Magnetic Irrigation Water and

Some Anti-Salinity Substances on The Growth and Production of Valencia Orange. Middle East

Journal of Agriculture Research 4(1), 88-98.

El Sayed HESA. 2014. Impact of Magnetic Water Irrigation to Improve the Growth, Chemical
Composition, And Yield Production of Broad Bean (Vicia Faba L.) Plant. Journal of Experimental
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Florez M, Carbonell MV, Martínez E. 2007. Exposure Of Maize Seeds to Stationary Magnetic
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Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 2019. The State of Food and Agriculture 2019. Moving
Forward on Food Loss and Waste Reduction. Rome. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. Retrieved
from http://www.fao.org/3/ca6030en/ca6030en.pdf. Accessed: June 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Time and Place

This study was conducted by GRADE-12 TVL TRACK ICT STRAND on December 23,

2022-2023 in CATUMBALON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, CATUMBALON, VALENCIA

CITY, BUKIDNON.

MATERIALS

Recycled plastic bottles can be found at home, school, store or barangay hall.

Scissors or a cutting tool can be found at home . insulation foam or white paint for

bottles can also be found at hardware stores in Valencia city . A hole punch can be

found at home or school. Recycled plastic cups can be found in homes or schools .

Pechay seeds can be found at local gardening stores in Valencia city. Hydroponic

nutrient solution can be found at local gardening stores or online retailers such as

shoppe. A reservoir container can be found at home or in hardware stores in Valencia

city . A pH meter, hose ,pump, pipe and timer can be found at hardware stores in

Valencia city or online retailers such as shoppe or lazada.

Preparation of Experimental Set-up