TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL SHEET
INTRODUCTION 1
Background of the Study 1
Objectives of the Study 2
Significance of the Study 2
Scope and Limitations of the Study 4
Conceptual Framework 5
Hypotheses 5
Conceptual Definition of Terms 6

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 7

METHODOLOGY 11

Research Design 11
Research Locale 11
Research Participants 12
Raw Materials 12
Statistical Treatment 12
Data Gathering Procedure 12
Research Tool 13
Procedure 14

REFERENCES 15

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 INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Agriculture is one of the primary sources of income in the Philippines,

especially for poor rural people. Most of them rely upon subsistence farming for their
livelihood. However, the Philippines is experiencing a serious environmental problem
with some long-term implications for the sustainability of agricultural production
which is land degradation. Soil erosion decreases soil fertility, which can negatively
affect crop yields. An analysis made by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) on the state of the Philippine environment showed that, overall,
75 percent of total croplands is vulnerable to erosion of various degrees.  

With the current situation we are facing now, the farmers are the most
affected by it.  Hence, this study suggests an alternative method for cultivating and
growing plants without the use of soil. Francis Bacon’s 1627 book Sylva Sylvarum
was the earliest published work on growing plants without soil. Water culture quickly
became a popular research technique following the publication. In 1929, William
Frederick Gericke of the University of California at Berkeley began promoting the
idea that solution culture could be used for agriculture crop production. Gericke was
able to grow tomato vines to a height of 25ft in his garden using mineral nutrient
solutions instead of soil. In the present day, this technology is being used worldwide. 

The fact that farming is dependent on available land becomes even more
complex when the climate is changing drastically. From this perspective, soilless
system production is advantageous since it allows farmers to utilize land that has
been unproductive due to pollution or illness, while simultaneously reducing the
quantity of water consumed. Utilizing hydroponics is an essential concept of this.

Hydroponics is an agricultural method for growing vegetables that have been

studied in depth. Hydroponics research began at the University of the Philippines at
Los Baños, and several Filipino scholars are now at the top of their fields. What
hasn’t been done yet, and this is why this research is important, is to use
hydroponics in cities, anywhere, or on rooftops, and to come up with a competitive
business model that connects local production to local consumption, which lowers

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the costs of the food supply chain. This model is not only a good way to do business
in agriculture, but it is also a good way to do business that will last. Brassica rapa,
which is a common item sold on the market, was an important part of the study. Its
leaves can be eaten and are often used in soups and stews. (Angel et al. 2022)

Hydroponics depends on a water-based nutrient-rich solution. The water is

doing the work here and enabling the fast growth of plants. Using this method has a
number of benefits compared with traditional cultivation. In hydroponics, the roots of
the plant have constant access to an unlimited supply of oxygen, as well as access
to water. Growing plants in liquid nutrient solutions instead of soil. The basic parts of
hydroponics are Growing Systems; Growing Substrates; and Nutrient Solutions.  

This study will focus on the effectiveness of hydroponics with the different
amounts of Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient Solution and without Yamasaki
Hydroponics Nutrient Solution. The cost-effectiveness of a locally designed, simple
recirculating hydroponics system that used locally available materials such as a
water bottle was investigated in this study.

Objectives of the study

The main focus of this study is to:

1) To grow pechay utilizing hydroponics with different amount of Yamasaki

Hydroponics Nutrient Solution and without Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient
Solution
2) To observe the growth performance of pechay utilizing hydroponics with
different amount of Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient Solution and without
Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient Solution

 Height
 Weight
 Number of leaves
 Colour of leaves

3) To improve crop production

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 4) Determine the production cost

Significance of the study

The findings of this study will benefit the following:

Farmers

Planting utilizing hydroponics can lessen the expenses of farmers since

it does not need the use of soil and fertilizers. As well as it uses less water
than traditional farming. Materials can also be recycled, which may help in
reducing the cost,

Environment

Hydroponics is an environmental-friendly because it does not need the

use of soil and uses only less amount of water as well as without the use of
pesticides, which are used to the extent necessary in traditional soil planting.

Society

This study helps to solve issues immediately because rapid growth can
be seen and more high-quality harvests may be obtained, which may be
advantageous to those who were severely affected by disasters and who
need access to sufficient food supplies.

Students

The study will help the students gain more information and knowledge
about planting utilizing hydroponics. The study will help the students open
their eyes and look at the current condition of Mother Earth - the problem of
agriculture. The students can apply their learning so that they can help the
farmers to produce a nutritious plant at low cost.

Researchers
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 This study may serve as a foundation for the researchers' further
research. It might provide them with concepts for their research studies and
recommendations on how to conduct investigations similar to this one.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will only be limited to observe the effects of the different amount of
Yamasaki Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics Solution on the growth performance
(height, weight, number of leaves and colour of leaves) of Pechay (Brassica Rapa).

Two (2) milliliters, three (3) milliliters, and four (4) milliliters of Yamasaki
Nutrient Solutions A and B must be measured with the syringe before being poured
into the water used for the set-up. Each bottle of the hydroponics set-up must
contain one (1) Pechay plant.

This study shall also be observed for a maximum of forty-five (45) days, and
some of the instruments used are recycled materials, collected locally or at home,
and improvised. The location of the hydroponics set-up must receive sunlight but
must also be covered from rain.

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 Conceptual Framework

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

 Water with different amount of

Yamasaki Nutrient Solution
 Water without Yamasaki
Nutrient Solution

METHOD DEPENDENT VARIABLE

 Derived from Galura et al.  Growth performance of

Pechay (Brassica Rapa) in
terms of height, weight, colour
of leaves and number of
leaves.

PRODUCT

 Pechay plant grown utilizing

hydroponics

Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant difference between the height, weight, number of leaves,
and colour of leaves of Pechay between the application of the different amount of
Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient Solution and without Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient
Solution

Ha: There is a significant difference between the height, weight, number of leaves,
and colour of leaves of Pechay between the application of the different amount of

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Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient Solution and without Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient
Solutio

Conceptual Definition of Terms

Alternative- available as another possibility.

Dwindling Water- to become gradually less or smaller over a period of time until
almost nothing remains.

Foolproof- incapable of going wrong or being misused.

Hydroponics – a method of growing plants in liquid nutrient solutions instead of soil.

Impediment – a hindrance or obstruction in doing something.

Metropolitan Areas – a core area containing a large population nucleus, together

with adjacent communities that have a high degree of economic and social
integration with that core.

Nutriculture – the cultivation of plants in nutrient-enriched water, with or without the

mechanical support of an inert medium such as sand, gravel, or perlite.

Petchay – one of those leafy vegetables that can easily grow in containers.

Production – the process of making or manufacturing goods and products from raw
materials or components.

Ponos - means labor – literally “water-working”.

Utilizing – to use something in a way that contributes to the original goal.

Vulnerable- in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability,

or risk of abuse or neglect.

Waterborne Diseases- acquired by consuming contaminated food or beverages,

from contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread.

Yamasaki Hydroponics Nutrient Solution – it is a premium liquid fertilizer that is

non-toxic solution that helps the plant grow healthy intended for hydroponics method
of planting.

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 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Origin and history of Hydroponics

In relation to the article adopted by Rain Organization year 2022. In the late
1920s and early 1930s, Dr. William F. Gericke of the University of California
extended his laboratory experiments and work on plant nutrition to practical crops
growing outside for large-scale commercial applications. In doing so he termed these
Nutriculture systems “hydroponics”. The word was derived from two Greek words,
hydro, meaning water, and ponos meaning labor – literally “water-working”. His work
is considered the basis for all forms of hydroponic growing, even though it was
primarily limited to the water culture without the use of any rooting medium.

According to Timothy Tripp (2014), hydroponics is an ancient form of

cultivation that has roots that trace back thousands of years. The earliest recorded
use of hydroponic gardens was the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. This
growing technique was used extensively in Babylonian, Aztec, and Chinese cultures,
but formal studies on hydroponics didn't start until the 17th century with the
published works of Sir Francis Bacon and John Woodward. In the United States, the
hydroponic concept of gardening and commercial agriculture was brought to national
attention by scientists at the University of California at Berkeley. Hydroponic
gardening was featured in TIME magazine in 1938 and soldiers during the Second
World War used hydroponic gardening techniques to grow food while in battle.

For people who live in large metropolitan areas where fertile land isn't
available and space can be very limited, hydroponics can provide fruits, vegetables,
plants, and herbs with minimal space. Hydroponic gardens can be located on patios,
bedrooms, and closets. People who may have physical limitations and may be
wheelchair-bound can also benefit from hydroponic gardening and farming. Since
the planting beds are contained at a height that is easily accessible, anyone can
experience the joys of hydroponic food production. (Tripp, 2014)

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 Many challenges face the human species. As the human race advances
further into the 21st century, some of the crises and issues we face include a rapidly
expanding world population, increasing air pollution in our water supply, dwindling
water resources, and climate changes. Another growing issue that we as a race
need to address is finding ways to sustain our food supply. As farmable land
becomes scarcer with increasing populations and a scarcity of farmers to help
cultivate our lands for crops, finding alternative methods for growing crops to sustain
life becomes a pressing concern (Tripp, 2014)

As more traditional methods of farming and food production are declining,

people are starting to embrace alternative food growing methods adaptable in both
urban and rural areas. Additionally, these alternative forms of farming use all
available and sustainable natural resources and help conserve and preserve our
environment. One such alternative farming method that has been increasing in
popularity is the use of hydroponic technology. Whether used to feed single families,
neighborhoods or entire communities, farming by use of hydroponic technology is a
highly adaptable and sustainable method of producing healthy food crops. (Tripp,
2014)

As claimed by Morganthaler, hydroponics can grow crops where the soil is

unsuitable, more control, faster growth rate, increased crop yields, use less water
than soil-grown crops, reduce soil-related diseases and insects, and lastly, no
weeding are the advantages of hydroponics. She also stated that initial cost can be
higher than soil culture, additional knowledge is needed, constant monitoring, the
disease spreads to all plants once it appears, water-based micro- organisms, and
vulnerability to power outrages are the disadvantages of hydroponics.

History of Pechay
In the Philippines, it is popularly known as Pechay or Petsay. It was one of the
most often used vegetables in many Filipino dishes. Petsay is added to Filipino
stews such as nilagang baka (boiled beef) or bulalo (boiled beef shank). People who
choose to eat it raw can enjoy it tossed in a salad mixed with other greens, (Pinoy-
Entrepreneur, 2010).

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Growth Requirements of Pechay
The optimum temperatures for the growth and development of pechay are
from 18– 20 °C. Pechay thrives in well-drained, moisture-retentive, loamy soils well
supplied with organic matter. It does not grow well in highly acidic soil. The ideal soil
pH ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 and it should not be allowed to drop below 4.5., (East
West, 2017).
Management of nutrient solution
Wang et al. (2017) studied the practical buffer agent capable of effectively regulating
the pH level of hydroponic nutrient solution and promoting plant growth. The study
concluded that among the five treatments, the mixed acids treatment followed by the
HNO3 treatment had the highest plant height and fresh weight of water spinach.
Rodriguez-Ortega et al.(2017) observed the combined influence of the toxicity,
osmotic effect, and nutritional imbalance seems to have been responsible for the
yield loss. Chen et al. (2008) [6] the reservoir solution pH was adjusted by manually
adding base (NaOH) or acid (H2SO4) solutions. The results of the designed
experimental setup revealed that, during these experiments, there was no overfilling
of the reservoir tank, no spills from drip emitters, fewer maintenance, and no algae
growth thus improvements solved the problems with the previous system and
enhanced the overall performance of the hydroponic research system. Tellez and
Marino (2012) showed that in the nutrient solution parameters such as temperature,
pH, electrical conductivity, and oxygen content, among others can be manipulated. If
these parameters are not controlled properly and in timing, advantages can be
translated into disadvantages.

Importance and Benefits

The most important health benefits of pechay are vitamins and minerals. It
also contains calcium for stronger bones; phosphorus for bone formation, digestion,
excretion, and hormonal balance; potassium for muscle control, blood pressure
regulation, and hypertension prevention; iron which carries oxygen in the blood,
magnesium for body detoxification, zinc for improving the immune system against
infection and even cancer, vitamin A for promoting growth, reproduction and
improvement of vision; vitamin C for glowing skin and vitamin B-6 folate for the better
functioning heart, muscle, and body nervous system (Blackstew23,2013). The raw
leaves have a nutritional value of energy 20 kcal/kg; Carbohydrates is 3.2g., dietary
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fiber is 1.2., Fat 0.2 g., protein is 1.2 g., vitamin C 27 mg, sodium is 9 mg per 100
grams, (Jimenez et, al., 2016).

Brassica rapa is an herb that grows back every year and grows best in
temperate climates. In many countries, it is grown as a vegetable that can be eaten
and to make vegetable oil to feed the growing population. But changes in
temperature have a big effect on how plants grow and develop and how they make
bioactive compounds. A study of how cold stress affects the germination of seeds,
the growth of biomass, and the amount of biosynthesis in medicinally important
Brassica rapa (IIyas et al., 2022).

Brassica rapa yield production exhibits stronger growth and development

responses, particularly in plant yield, as the number of the plant layer net increases.
However, the study discovered that increased net layers showed not only
accelerated plant growth but also improved plant quality, particularly in terms of
compactness. Also, there were significant differences between the effects of
nutritional solution on plant yield, fresh weight, water utilization, and the number of
nutrients in leaves. The investigation demonstrated that the recovered nutrients are
suitable for use as fertilizer. This means that less mineral fertilizer can be used in a
hydroponic system. Droughts, which are anticipated to worsen and occur more
frequently due to climate change, have the greatest impact on the economy. (Angel
et al., 2022) Consequently, managing good yields should be the first priority when
mitigating agricultural drought risk (Foster et al., 2015). Likewise, the study by Yan et
al. (2019) demonstrates that low temperature is one of the most significant non-living
elements that inhibit growth, productivity, and spread.

Benefits of Yamasaki Nutrient Solution

Yamasaki Nutrient Solution is a premium liquid fertilizer. Dissolved and blended

from Yamasaki Nutrients part A 14.8-0- 20.5 and part B 8.8-9.2-28.2, with the exact
formula for potted plants and hydroponics. It is a non-toxic solution, free from excess
salts and chemical impurities that can affect plant growth. Filled with chelate
micronutrients and minerals for effective delivery of nutrients to the plants, Yamasaki
solution helps plants grow to its full potential. Plants that are grown with Yamasaki
grow thicker stems, healthier leaves and grows fast compared to regular potted

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plants. It improves series plant especially vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. It
completes macronutrients and micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu (Glenn E.
2021).

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents and discusses how the researchers gather the Data using
methods. It includes the research design, research locale, participants of the study,
instrumentation, statistical tool, and research procedure.

Research Design

This research is Quantitative research. The researchers will be using

experimental research design which is used to test causal relationships involving
manipulating an independent variable and measuring its effect on a dependent
variable. The researchers will be going to study the effects of the different amount of
Yamasaki Nutrient Solution and without the Yamasaki Nutrient Solution on the
growth performance of Pechay utilizing hydroponics.

Moreover, a descriptive research approach (observational method) will be

utilized to further explain the effectiveness of Yamasaki Nutrient Solution to the
growth performance of the Pechay.

Research Locale

The product will be processed in the garden of Grade 12- STEM Einstein at
Bukidnon National School of Home Industries, Purok-2 North Poblacion Maramag,
Bukidnon since it is the area where the researchers can conduct the experiment with
the resources that the researchers have.

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 Participants of the Study

The participants of the study are the researchers who will be the ones that are
going to perform the experiment.

Raw Materials

The researchers used a recyclable 1.5 L bottles of coke that will serve
as the pot for the Pechay, a cutter and scissors to cut the plastic bottles, and a
measuring cup to measure the soil used for planting. The researchers also used
laptop to record every detail of the effects of the different amount of Yamasaki
Nutrient Solution and without the Yamasaki Nutrient Solution on the growth
performance of Pechay utilizing hydroponics.

Statistical Treatment

For the statistical treatment of data, the gathered data will be analyzed using
descriptive statistics

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers were given permission by their adviser to conduct this

research. On the day of experiment (November 19,2022) until the last day, the
researchers are focus to observe the effects of the different amount of Yamasaki
Nutrient Solution and without the Yamasaki Nutrient Solution on the growth
performance of Pechay utilizing hydroponics.

There are four trials for this study. The first trial is two (2) milliliters amount of
Yamasaki Nutrient Solution, the second trial is three (3) milliliters amount if

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Yamasaki Nutrient Solution, the third trial is four (4) milliliters amount of Yamasaki
Nutrient Solution and lastly, without the Yamasaki Nutrient Solution.

The researchers will compare the collected data and analyze the factors of
the effects of the different amount of Yamasaki Nutrient Solution and without the
Yamasaki Nutrient Solution on the growth performance of Pechay utilizing
hydroponics.

Research Tool

The study used the following instruments to measure the growth performance
of Pechay (Brassica Rapa):

 Ruler. It was used to measure the height, length, and width of the leaves and
roots of Brassica Rapa.
 Timer. It was used to regularly monitor the collection of data.

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Procedure

1. Cut in half the 1.5L plastic bottle of coke.

2. Make a hole on the lid of the 1.5 plastic bottle of coke.
3. Measure one (1) gram of soil (mud press) and place it in the upper half of the
1.5 plastic bottle of coke, this will serve as the pot for the Pechay plant.

4. Fill at least 1L of water in the bottom half of the 1.5 plastic bottle of coke.

5. Place the upper half of the 1.5 plastic bottle of coke in the top of the bottom
half of the 1.5 plastic bottle of coke.
6. After 8 days, measure the Yamasaki Nutrient Solution with the syringe with a
different amount by each trial. Trial 1, two (2) milliliters, trial 2, three (3)
milliliters, trial 3, four (4) milliliters.

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 REFERENCES

Diputado, M. T., Jr. (2005). Evaluation of a simple recirculating hydroponics system

for sweet pepper and pechay. AGRIS: International Information System for
the Agricultural Science and Technology.
https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=PH2005000588#:
%7E:text=Pechay%20plants%20grown%20in%20the,to%20those%20under
%20the%20two

Farms, A. (2015, October 30). The Advantages of Investing in Hydroponics. SNAP.

https://www.academia.edu/17502161/The_Advantages_of_Investing_in_Hydr
oponics

Grower, H., Grower, H., & M. (2019, February 24). pechay Archives. SNAP
Hydroponics Nutrient Solution. https://snaphydroponics.info/tag/pechay/#:
%7E:text=Grow%20Plants%20that%20Can%20Take,during%20the
%20hottest%20summer%20months

The History of Hydroponics ·. (2018, January 9). The Natural Farmer.

https://thenaturalfarmer.org/article/the-history-of-hydroponics/

Hydroponics Advantages and Disadvantages. (n.d.). Google Books.

https://books.google.com.ph/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=CYPoCwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT3&dq=hydroponics+advantag
es+and+disadvantages&ots=oOD

Hydroponics: the future of farming. (n.d.). Food Processing Technology.

https://www.foodprocessing-technology.com/features/featurehydroponics-the-
future-of-farming-5901289/

Okafor, J. (2022, May 28). Environmental Benefits of Hydroponics. TRVST.

https://www.trvst.world/sustainable-living/environmental-benefits-of-
hydroponics/

Renee, J. (2018, December 6). The Nutrients of Pechay. Healthy Eating | SF Gate.
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrients-pechay-1538.html

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Sharma, N. (n.d.). Journal of Soil and Water conservation. Google Scholar.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?
hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=hydroponics&btnG=#d=gs_qabs&t=165318079522
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What are the Environmental Benefits of Hydroponic Gardening? (2019, January 23).
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