S A INT J O S E P H A C A DE MY

of S an J os e, B atang as , Inc orporated

S enior High S chool D epartment
P R A C T IC A L R E S E A R C H 2

INSTEAD OF UTILIZING SOIL TO PRODUCE PLANTS,A METHOD CALLED

HYDROPONICS USES A WATER BASED NUTRITIONAL SOLUTION

A Research Paper
Presented to the Faculty of Saint Joseph Academy
of San Jose, Batangas, Incorporated

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

Practical Research 1
By:
Atiienza, Al Lorenz E.
Delos Reyes, Reymer Cedrick M.
De Los Reyes, Gian V.
De Los Angeles, Jhonn Andrei B.
Dudang, Marvic James A.
Magnaye, Clyde A.
Puño, Jean Carla B.
Sagbang, Azriel R.
Tulio, Mark Nhelson M.
Vilela, Joshua Lloyd P.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) 1

 S A INT J O S E P H A C A DE MY
of S an J os e, B atang as , Inc orporated
S enior High S chool D epartment
P R A C T IC A L R E S E A R C H 2

CHAPTER I
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Introduction

The cultivation of plants in nutrient-rich water with or without the mechanical support
of an inert medium such as sand, gravel, or perlite is known as hydroponics, also known as
aquaculture, nutriculture, soilless culture, or tank farming. Plants have long been grown with their
roots submerged in water and fertilizer solutions for scientific studies of their nutrition. This
culture technique was used in early commercial hydroponics (from the Greek hydro-, "water,"
and ponos, "labor"). However, this technique was replaced by gravel culture, in which gravel
supports the plants in a waterproof bed or bench, due to the challenges in maintaining them in a
normal upright growing position and aerating the solution. Different agricultural or horticultural
fertilizer-grade chemical compounds with variable concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous, and
potassium make up the fertilizer solution.
When compared to soil agriculture, hydroponic systems have both benefits and
drawbacks. The main benefit is the labor savings from automatic watering and fertilizer.
Hydroponic systems have also been investigated as a potential method of agricultural production
aboard spacecraft. They can be installed indoors in locations where it would not be possible to
grow plants conventionally, such as in densely inhabited areas. Climate is irrelevant, because
hydroponic systems utilize significantly less water than conventional methods of plant cultivation.
The plants can be planted closer together because there is less competition for nutrients and
roots than there is with plants growing in soil, as well as a significant reduction in pests. High
installation costs and the requirement to test the system are drawbacks.
Five benefits of hydroponic gardening
Although it may seem difficult, there are several advantages to hydroponic plant growth. Among
the most notable are:
> prolonged growing season-Plant development is impossible in cold locations with short days
and chilly winter temperatures. But with a hydroponics system, the planter has control over the
temperature, light, and nutrient levels, allowing plants to be produced hydroponically all year
long.
> increased yield and growth-Plants grown in hydroponic systems often grow more quickly and
produce more. This is probably because of the elevated oxygen levels in the nutritional solution
and the well regulated ambient conditions. Increased oxygen levels in a plant promote root
development and improve nutrient uptake.
>increasing plant density-For plants to have equitable access to the soil's somewhat constrained
supply of water and nutrients, certain spacing rules must be followed. Plants can be grown closer
together without jostling for root space in hydroponics systems because they give a more
nutrient-rich solution to the root zone.
>Plants may flourish anyplace-. In conventional gardening, the soil is frequently watered to
ensure that the root zone receives enough moisture. Only a little portion of the water that is
travelling through the soil reaches the roots because it evaporates as it does so.In hydroponics,
the water reaches the roots right away and evaporation losses are minimal. Water efficiency is

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 S A INT J O S E P H A C A DE MY
of S an J os e, B atang as , Inc orporated
S enior High S chool D epartment
P R A C T IC A L R E S E A R C H 2

increased further in many systems by the fertilizer solution being circulated repeatedly before it is
rendered useless and thrown away.
Three Disadvantages of Hydroponics
> Costly to set up-A hydroponics system is more expensive to buy and construct than a
conventional garden. Costs vary based on the type, size, and whether the system is
prefabricated or assembled from separate components to create a bespoke design.
> susceptible to blackouts-The various parts of passive and active hydroponics systems,
including grow lights, water pumps, aerators, fans, etc., are all powered by electricity.
Consequently, the entire system will be impacted by a power loss. If a power outage in an active
system is not observed by the grower, it could be harmful to the plants.
> requires ongoing supervision and upkeep-Compared to conventional plant cultivation,
hydroponics demands a higher level of oversight and micromanagement. All system components
—lights, temperature, and numerous facets of the nutrient solution, such as pH and electrical
conductivity—need regular attention to create a meticulously controlled growing environment. In
order to avoid accumulation and clogging, the nutrient solution must also be flushed and
changed on a regular basis.
Absolutely. A fantastic method for producing healthy plants inside without using dirt is
hydroponics. Even though it can seem contradictory, hydroponic plants produce more and offer a
variety of other benefits. Just keep in mind to keep an eye out for any traps along the road.

Statement of the Problem

This study intends to ascertain if a technique known as hydroponics employs a water-
based nutritional solution to grow plants rather than using soil to do so.
Specfically,the research was conducted to determine the following:

1.What is the utilization of nutrient solution in hydroponics?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics in utilizing the soil?
3,Is hydroponics is more useful than other methods in producing plants in soil?

Hypothesis
We believe that using hydroponics will increase our supply of crops and potentially can
help our country's agriculture. Hydroponics may revolutionize the world of agriculture by using
advance technology to grow our crops and to reduce the price of crops and to advance the use
of technology in agriculture here in the philippines.

Purpose of the Study

This study Finding out how hydroponics might benefit our farmers while also benefiting
customers. We want to understand how hydroponics can increase our crop supply and how it will

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 S A INT J O S E P H A C A DE MY
of S an J os e, B atang as , Inc orporated
S enior High S chool D epartment
P R A C T IC A L R E S E A R C H 2

benefit farmers, particularly in rural areas where it is difficult to cultivate crops. We are interested
in finding out if hydroponics can withstand typhoons and other potential local disasters. We also
want to demonstrate how hydroponics may benefit our neighborhood farmers, who struggle with
pests, a lack of fertilizer, and growing in unfavorable soil.

Scope, Limitation and Delimitation

Building a system called hydroponics, to use as an alternative for growing plant is the
focus of this study. It concentrates on the study about the agriculture of our school Saint Joseph
Academy, how can we develop it for the benefit of our school.

The research will be carried out inside the school of Saint Joseph Academy so that the
school learners, faculty, and specially the canteen who can greatly benefit from the results of
this research.

This study is delimited to area outside the Saint Joseph Academy and only
academicians, faculty and staff can gain from this research

Significance of the Study

This study aims to provide an easier way to produce plants since its a water-based
method we skip the soil and deliver nutrient-rich water directly to the roots.The result of the
study would be beneficial to the following:

Learners: Hydroponic farming will provide fresh, healthy, and nutritious food to learners
and promotes a better eating habits.

Researchers: It presents many learning opportunities because the researchers

themselves will build the hydroponic system.

Future researchers: This study will become instrumental for them to use if their
research is related.

School Administrators: The outcome of the research will help the school administrators
to improve the school agriculture system.

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 S A INT J O S E P H A C A DE MY
of S an J os e, B atang as , Inc orporated
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P R A C T IC A L R E S E A R C H 2

Cafeteria: The results of the study can be use by the school canteen as a source of
ingredients like cabbage, carrots, tamatoes, and etc.Not only the plants is fresh but it is also low-
cost.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined conceptually and operationally for clarity and better
understanding of the research study:

Hydroponic: It is a agricultural system that do not plant on soil instead it uses water-based
mineral nutrient to make the plants grow ( https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-
productionsystems/hydroponics#:~:text=Hydroponics%20is%20the%20technique%20of,%2C
%20hobbyists%2C%20and%20commercial%20enterprises). In this study it explains that a
method of growing plants without soil, using a water-based solution containing nutrients that are
delivered directly to the plant's roots
Utilizing soil: It is difined as making the soil more useful and farmable.
(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227557214_Soil_Definition_Function_and_Utilization
_of_Soil).In this study it defines what is soil utilization and what are the studies and function
about soil utilization
Nutriculture: It is defined as using nutrient - enriched water without using soil in farming crops
( https://www.britannica.com/topic/hydroponics )https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-
agricultural-production-systems/hydroponics#:~:text=Hydropon
. In this study the term refers to how is nutriculture works and explain what is nutriculture

Water Based: Water based uses water instead of soil

Soil: the natural, organic material that covers the surface of the earth and supports the growth
of plants.
Nutrients: essential elements and compounds that are necessary for plant growth, such as
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium.
Water-based solution: a liquid mixture containing water and nutrients that is used in
hydroponic systems to deliver nutrients to plants.
Hydroponic system: a system of growing plants using a water-based solution instead of soil.
Hydroponic systems can be either passive or active and can range from simple to complex
setups

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 S A INT J O S E P H A C A DE MY
of S an J os e, B atang as , Inc orporated
S enior High S chool D epartment
P R A C T IC A L R E S E A R C H 2

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