BANANA PEELS AS FERTILIZER TO SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM (TOMATO)

Presented to the Faculty of the Department of Natural Sciences

Senior High School Department
University of Cebu – Main Campus

In partial fulfillment of the course requirements in

Inquiry, Investigation, and Immersion

Presented by:

FERNANDEZ, DENIELLE
IWAY, FLERYLYN
MAGLASANG, CHRISTOFFER JOHN
ODEVER, KNARF JOHN
PATEÑO, GLEEVE MARIE
SANCHEZ, LEVEGAIL

STEM 12 3P Brilliance

March 2023
 APPROVAL SHEET

This Investigatory Project, submitted and prepared by Grade 12 students of STEM in

partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course Inquiry, Investigation, and Immersion,
have been examined and recommended for acceptance and approval for Oral Presentation.

Advisers

MR. KEVIN MIER ABLAYON MS. MELYBETH BERIDO

MS. MICHELLE V. CENIZA

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, praises and thanks to the God, the Almighty, for His showers of
blessings throughout our science investigatory project to complete this research
successfully. We have experienced your guidance day by day. We will keep on trusting you
in the future.

We would like to express our deep and sincere gratitude to our 3i and OJT adviser,
Ms. Michelle V. Ceniza for her patience and time in checking and rechecking our research
paper and for sharing suggestions and constructive criticisms which meant so much for the
completion of this study. Her sincerity, motivation, and patience have deeply inspired us to
make this research better and worthwhile. We have been blessed to have an adviser who
cared so much about our research and who responded to our questions and queries so
promptly.

To the authors of the books and academic journals, they brought enlightenment and
fill in the gaps in our literature review and studies.

We are extremely grateful to our parents for supporting us financially, morally, and
spiritually from the time we started conducting the study until its completion. We are
thankful for their undying support throughout the making of this research study. As well as
for their words of encouragement to all those nights that we’ve spent making the research
study.

This study would not have been possible without the guidance and help of several
individuals who, in one way or another, have contributed and extended their valuable
assistance for the success of this study.

iii
 Table of Contents
Page

Title Page i
Approval Sheet ii
Acknowledgement iii
Table of Contents iv
ABSTRACT 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1

Rationale 1
Review of Related Literature and Studies 2
Statement of the Problem 3
Hypothesis 3

CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY 3

Materials 3
Research Procedure 4
Testing Process 4

CHAPTER 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5

Table 1.1 Plants’ Height 5

Table 1.2 Leaf Color 6
Table 1.3 Stem Structure 6
Conclusion 7
Recommendation 7

REFERENCES 8

APPENDICES

Appendix A Transmittal Letter (Principal) 9

Appendix B Documentation 10

Curriculum Vitae 13

iv
 ABSTRACT

Banana peels are a rich source of essential nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus,
and calcium, which are essential for plant growth and development. As a result, banana
peels are increasingly being used as a natural fertilizer by gardeners, farmers, and
landscapers. The purpose of this research is to see how banana peel fertilizer contributes to
the overall quality of tomato plant. Banana peel fertilizer can benefit a wide range of plants,
including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and ornamental plants. In addition to providing essential
nutrients, banana peels can also help improve soil quality, promote healthy microbial
activity, and increase water retention in the soil. Using banana peels as fertilizer is a
sustainable and environmentally friendly option that can help reduce waste and
greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, banana peel fertilizer is a simple, inexpensive, and
effective way to enhance plant growth and promote sustainable agriculture.

INTRODUCTION

Rationale
production was estimated at 2.36 million
Asia is the world's largest
metric tons. Almost 60% of banana
producer of bananas accounting for
biomass is left as waste. The waste from
50.82% of total production as stated by
banana peels is usually disposed of in
the Food and Agriculture Organization
urban landfills, which contribute to
(2023). Asia's largest banana producers
existing environmental problems. These
are India, which produces 29 million tons
wastes lead to environmental problems
per year and China, which produces 11
such as the excessive emission of
million tons. Due to the high volume of
greenhouse gases. Wastes from banana
banana production, a large amount of
peels pose increasing disposal and
banana peel waste has been generated
pollution problems as they represent a
causing CO2 emissions and thus
large fraction of the fruit.
significantly contributing to individual
climate footprints. Banana peel waste In a study conducted at Toledo City,
contains carbon-rich organic compounds Cebu by Olid et al. (2022), the waste
that can take up to two years to produced by a single banana plant can
decompose and biodegrade creating odor account for up to 80% of the plant’s entire
and producing excessive emissions of mass. It is roughly calculated that 220
greenhouse gases that contribute to tons of by-products are generated per
climate change. hectare annually, prompting an inventive
approach to convert these readily
Moreover, according to Philippines
available resources into value-added
Statistics Authority (2023), from July to
commodities. Fruit peel waste
September 2022, Philippines’ banana

1
accumulates in large quantities on a daily
basis in both domestic and industrial
sectors. These peels were often discarded
as waste by individuals. It’s one of the
most important issues that need to be
addressed appropriately, especially at the
industrial level to ensure that the
environment is pollutant free.
The overall purpose of this study is
to investigate the quality of tomato plants
when utilizing banana peels as fertilizer.
The researchers expect that by doing this
study, the findings will be useful to
farmers and gardeners in improving the
health of tomato plants or other plants.
Review of Related Literature & Studies
Fertilizer with potassium
A potassium-rich fertilizer helps
strengthen plants’ abilities to resist
disease and plays an important role in
increasing crop yields and overall quality.
Potassium acts to increase the root
growth through the following
fundamental physiological processes such
as increasing the root growth, activating
many enzyme system, maintaining turgor,
reducing water loss and wilting,
photosynthesis and food formation,
reducing respiration, preventing energy
losses, enhancing translocation of sugars
and starch, building cellulose, reducing
lodging, and helping retard crop diseases
(Johnson et al., 2022).
Potassium is a nutrient that
protects the plant when the weather is
cold or dry, strengthening its root system
and preventing wilt. Plants that are
2
potassium deficient typically show
symptoms such as chlorosis (yellowing of
leaf) followed by necrosis (wilting of
leaves) at the tips and along the margin of
leaves. Potassium deficiency reduces
growth, resulting in smaller leaves and
thinner stems (Ali et al., 2021).
Banana peelings as fertilizer
Banana peelings can be used as an
organic fertilizer since it contains
nutrients like potassium, phosphorus,
calcium, iron and more. These nutrients
present in banana peels are very effective
for the growth of plants especially in
tomatoes since tomato plant needs
potassium which increases the ability of
plants to produce fruit and flowers. In
addition, banana peel contains important
nutrients that degrade quickly to the
roots and it is essential for improving
plant development, health, disease
resistance, and pest resistance. Using
banana peel as fertilizer helps aphid
control because these pests dislike the
smell of bananas (Abella et al., 2022).
According to a study conducted by
Deb et al. (2022), to make a powdered
banana peel fertilizer, chop banana peels
into small squares. Dry banana peel
pieces by placing them directly in the sun
or use an oven. If using an oven, keep it at
a low temperature. Using a food
processor, coffee grinder, or blender,
grind dried banana peels into a powder.
Thereafter, mix the powder into the soil
to make the plants healthier.
Tomatoes station. This causes an odor problem due
to the decomposition of peel material in
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
the dumping location. By using banana
require three essential nutrients: nitrogen,
peels as fertilizer, everyone can reduce
phosphorus, and potassium. These
load of wastes and can get more benefits
nutrients are necessary for the healthy
than inorganic fertilizer (Olid et al., 2022).
growth of the tomato plant. Tomatoes
need potassium for the process of Statement of the Problem
photosynthesis, transport of assimilated
The study is about the usage of
products, enzymes, and minerals
banana peels as fertilizer to tomato plant
including water (Weinert et al., 2021). As
(Solanum lycopersicum) to achieve a
stated by Habiba et al. (2021), the green
healthy growth.
color of the leaves is an in dication of a
healthy plant. It means the plant is taking Specifically, the researchers seek
part in photosynthesis normally and there to investigate plant growth using the
are no health problems with the plant. following parameters: height, leaf color
The leading reason behind yellow leaves and stem structure.
is nutrient deficiency. It is required to
Hypothesis
provide potassium to tomato plants, such
as banana peel fertilizer, to prevent the The following hypothesis were
leaves from becoming yellow. formulated in this study:
Poor environmental conditions 1. Banana peels contain potassium
damage a plant directly. Environmental which can strengthen stem and protects
factors that affect plant growth include tomato plant from disease.
light, temperature, water and soil. Its
2. Banana peels can be used as an
exposure to sunlight and the healthy soil
alternative fertilizer for a healthy growth
where it was planted are the reasons the
of a tomato plant. It can also minimize the
plant grows tall (Contarini et al., 2021).
waste production causing excessive
Moreover, the curling of stem is an
emission of greenhouse gases.
indication of lack of nutrients in the soil
and not getting enough sunlight (Lv et al., METHODOLOGY
2022).
Materials
Fertilizers
A. Powdered Banana Peel Fertilizer
Fertilizers are any organic or  Banana Peels
chemically manufactured item that is  Scissors
applied to soil in order to provide one or  Blender
more plant nutrients required for growth.
Banana peels are usually discarded in the
B. Liquid Banana Peel Fertilizer
trash and taken to a solid waste disposal

3
  Banana Peels labeled as pot A (with banana peel
 Jar fertilizer) and pot B (without banana peel
 Water fertilizer). The researchers collected a soil
C. Potting from the backyard and put it in the 2 pots
evenly. After that, the soil was poured
 2 pots with hot water to kill some bacteria in the
 Soil
soil. After 10 minutes, each pot were
 Tomato seeds
 Water planted 2 tomato seeds. Next, the
 Hot water researchers watered the 2 pots.

Research Procedure Testing Process

Collection and Preparation of The effectiveness of banana peels

Materials as fertilizer is tested in terms of the
following parameters: plant’s height, leaf
A. Powdered Banana Peels color and stem structure.
Banana peels were collected from
 For plant’s height, the researchers
a market in Barili, Cebu that sells banana
measured the height of tomato
cue. Banana peels were washed with
plant using a ruler in pots A (with
water. The banana peels were then dried
fertilizer) and B (without fertilizer)
directly in the sun for 7 days. After drying,
every week to compare their
the dried banana peels were cut into
growth. It was measured from the
small pieces using a scissors. The banana
base up to the tip of the highest
peel pieces were then blended to create
leaf.
powdered banana peels.

B. Liquid Banana Peel Fertilizer  For leaf color, the researchers

checked or observed the hue of the
The researchers collected the
tomato leaves in pot A (with
banana peels from a market in Barili,
fertilizer) and pot B (without
Cebu that sells banana cue. Banana peels
fertilizer) every week to determine
were soaked in the water-filled jar with a
the health of the plant.
lid for 5 days. After soaking, the banana
peel juice was transferred into the spray
 For stem structure, the
bottle to spray it to pot A (with banana
researchers observed and
peel fertilizer) twice a week.
compared the firmness of the stem
C. Potting of tomato plant of pot A (with
fertilizer) and pot B (without
The researchers bought 2 pots and
fertilizer) whether the stem has a
tomato seeds. The 2 pots were then
straight or curl stem.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4
 With banana peel fertilizer Without banana peel fertilizer

Table 1.1 Plants’ height

1st week 2nd week 3rd week 4th week Mean of

measurement measurement measurement measurement Plant
P-value
(march 14) (march 21) (march 28) (april 4) Height

With 0.230
banana
3 cm 6 cm 8 cm 8.50 cm 6.3750
peel
fertilizer
Without
banana
2.50 cm 3.50 cm 5.50 cm 6 cm 4.3750
peel
fertilizer

Table 1.1 shows that the tomato
plant with banana peel fertilizer has a
mean height of 6.38 which is higher
compared to without fertilizer with a
mean of 4.38. Furthermore, the table
above shows that the P- value is 0.230
and it is greater than 0.05, so the null
hypothesis must be accepted. This means
that there is no significant statistical
difference between the two samples.
Accepting the null implies that there is no
sufficient evidence in support of the
alternative hypothesis, and therefore the
null hypothesis cannot be rejected
(Rouder et al., 2009).

Table 1.2 Leaf color

5
 1st week 2nd week 3rd week 4th week
observation observation observation observation
(march 14) (march 21) (march 28) (april 4)

With banana peel

Pale green Green Green Green
fertilizer
Without banana
Pale green Pale green Pale green Pale green
peel fertilizer

Table 1.2 shows the color
outcomes of tomato leaves when using
and not using banana peel fertilizer. The
color of tomato leaves on the first week is
pale green on both with and without
banana peel fertilizer. However, the color
of tomato leaves with fertilizer turned
into dark green on the second week until
the fourth week. On the other hand,
tomato plants that did not receive any
fertilizer remained pale green. Therefore,
banana peel fertilizer can improve the
color of the plant’s leaves or shoots, as
revealed in our analysis. As stated by
Habiba et al. (2021), the green color of the
leaves is an indication of a healthy plant.
It means the plant is taking part in
photosynthesis normally and there are no
health problems with the plant. The
leading reason behind pale green or
yellowish leaves is nutrient deficiency.

Table 1.3 Stem structure

1st week 2nd week 3rd week 4th week
observation observation observation observation
(march 14) (march 21) (march 28) (april 4)

With banana peel

Straight stem Straight stem Straight stem Straight stem
fertilizer
Without banana
Straight stem Curl stem Curl stem Curl stem
peel fertilizer

Table 1.3 presents the stem
structure of tomato plants when using
and not using banana peel fertilizer. The
tomato plants with banana peel fertilizer
resulted to a straight stem which means
tomato plants with banana peel fertilizer
are growing firmer and healthier
that the plant is receiving enough
nutrients from the soil. The tomato plants
without banana peel fertilizer resulted
into a curl stem which means that it lacks
nutrients from the soil. Therefore, the
compared to the tomato plants with no
fertilizer. Moreover, the curling of stem is

6
an indication of lack of nutrients in the The investigation of utilizing
soil and not getting enough sunlight (Lv et banana peels as fertilizer to tomato plants
al., 2022). showed successful results. However,
improvements are still necessary to
Conclusion
acquire accurate results.
Based on the observation of the
For future progress and
researchers, the study showed that
development on the study, researchers
banana peels can be used as an organic
would like to recommend on conducting
fertilizer to plants especially to those that
further studies about the utilization of
need potassium nutrient. Banana peel
banana peels as fertilizer in enhancing the
fertilizer has been shown to provide
growth of the plants. Due to the short
firmer stem and healthier leaf color
duration of time, the researchers wasn’t
compared to the plant that was planted
able to monitor mature tomato plants,
on ordinary soil although there was no
therefore we suggest to the future
significant difference observed in the
researchers to monitor plant growth
growth of plants. These findings can be
throughout the study period to determine
beneficial to gardeners and farmers as
the impact of banana peel fertilizer on
this can improve the health and
plant growth.
productivity of their crops, resulting in
better yields and quality.

Recommendation

7
REFERENCES
Abella, J. L., Buyco, C. L., Merano, K., Ortojan, C.
L., & Payawal, J. C. (2022). An experimental
study on the effectiveness of Lacatan Banana
(Musa Acuminata) peel extract as a pH level
neutralizer for acidic soil. Science and
Education, 3(9), 23-36.
Ali, A. M., Awad, M. Y., Hegab, S. A., Gawad, A.
M. A. E., & Eissa, M. A. (2021). Effect of
potassium solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus
cereus) on growth and yield of potato. Journal
of Plant Nutrition, 44(3), 411-420.
Contarini, M., Rossini, L., Di Sora, N., de Lillo,
E., & Speranza, S. (2022). Monitoring the Bud
Mite Pest in a Hazelnut Orchard of Central
Italy: Do Plant Height and Irrigation Influence
the Infestation Level?. Agronomy, 12(8), 1982.
Deb, S., Kumar, Y., & Saxena, D. C. (2022).
Functional, thermal and structural properties
of fractionated protein from waste banana
peel. Food Chemistry: X, 13, 100205.
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2023).
https://www.fao.org/economic/est
/estcommodities/oilcrops/bananas/bananaf
act s/en/#.Y_OZLnZBw2w
Habiba, S. U., & Islam, M. K. (2021, February).
Tomato plant diseases classification using
deep learning based classifier from leaves
images. In 2021 International Conference on
Information and Communication Technology
for Sustainable Development (ICICT4SD) (pp.
82-86). IEEE.
Hussein, H. S., Shaarawy, H. H., Hussien, N. H.,
& Hawash, S. I. (2019). Preparation of nano-
fertilizer blend from banana peels. Bulletin of
the National Research Centre, 43, 1-9.
APPENDIX A
8
Johnson, R., Vishwakarma, K., Hossen, M. S.,
Kumar, V., Shackira, A. M., Puthur, J. T., ... &
Hasanuzzaman, M. (2022). Potassium in
plants: Growth regulation, signaling, and
environmental stress tolerance. Plant
Physiology and Biochemistry, 172, 56-69.
Lv, Danju & Zi, Jiali & Huang, Xin & Gao,
Mingyuan & Xi, Rui & Li, Wei & Wang, Ziqian.
(2022). Feature Extraction on the Difference
of Plant Stem Structure Based on Ultrasound
Energy. Agriculture. 13. 52.
10.3390/agriculture13010052.
Olid, M. R., Dakay, R. K., Canedo, J. E., Madrid,
H. J., & Barontoy, K. J. (2022). Ecofriendly
development: Exploring the effectiveness of
using banana peel fertilizer. Science and
Education, 3(9), 49-62.
Philippine Statistics Authority | Republic of
the Philippines. (2023).
https://psa.gov.ph/fruits-cropsbulletin
Rouder, J.N., Speckman, P.L., Sun, D. et al.
(2009). Bayesian t tests for accepting and
rejecting the null hypothesis. Psychonomic
Bulletin & Review 16, 225–237.
https://doi.org/10.3758/PBR.16.2.225
Salihin, A., Nur, A., & Ain, H. (2020). Research
And Development Of Organic Fertilizer From
Banana Peels: Halalan Tayyiban Perspective.
Journal Ekonomi Dan Bisnis Islam, 5(1), 101-
116.
Weinert, C. H., Sonntag, F., Egert, B., Pawelzik,
E., Kulling, S. E., & Smit, I. (2021). The effect of
potassium fertilization on the metabolite
profile of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum
L.). Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 159, 8.
 UNIVERSITY OF CEBU
Senior High School Department
J. Alcantara St., Cebu City

February 14, 2023

DR. ABELARDO T. TEJO JR.

Senior High School Principal
University of Cebu – Main Campus
J. Alcantara St., Cebu City

Sir:

Greetings!

We, the researchers from Grade 12 STEM 3P Brilliance of Senior High School Department would like to ask for
your permission/approval in conducting our investigatory project entitled, “Banana Peels as fertilizer to Solanum
Lycopersicum (tomato)”. The purpose of this investigatory project is to determine how beneficial banana fertilizer is
for farmers and gardeners.

Hoping for your positive response.

Respectfully yours,

GLEEVE MARIE R. PATEÑO

Group Representative

Noted by:

MS. MICHELLE V. CENIZA

3I-OJT Adviser

Approved by:

DR. ABELARDO T. TEJO JR.

Senior High School Principal

APPENDIX B

9
 DOCUMENTATION

Making of powdered banana peel fertilizer

Labeling of pots
Pot a (with banana peel fertilizer)
Pot b (without banana peel fertilizer)

First week

10
With banana peel fertilizer Without banana peel fertilizer

Second week

Third week

11
 Fourth week

CURRICULUM VITAE

12
 GLEEVE MARIE R. PATEÑO
Maghanoy, Barili, Cebu
gleevepateno@gmail.com
0927-867-5644

Personal Information

Date of Birth: October 31, 2004

Age: 18
Gender: Female
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Nationality: Filipino

Educational Background

Senior High School: University of Cebu – Main Campus

J. Alcantara St., Cebu City
2021-2023

Junior High School: Shelomith Learning Center, Inc.

H. Alquizola Street, Poblacion, Barili, Cebu
2017-2021

Elementary Level: Shelomith Learning Center Inc.

H. Alquizola Street, Poblacion, Barili, Cebu
2011-2017

13
 DENIELLE F. FERNANDEZ
338 Tres de abril St. Punta Princesa, Cebu City
Fernandezdenielle0@gmail.com
0916-825-7962

Personal Information

Date of Birth: November 27, 2003

Age: 19
Gender: Female
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Nationality: Filipino

Educational Background

Senior High School: University of Cebu – Main Campus

J. Alcantara St., Cebu City
2021-2023

Junior High School: Salazar Colleges of Science Institute of Technology

N. Bacalso St., Cebu City
2016-2020

Elementary Level: Punta Princesa Elementary School

Tres de Abril St., Punta Princesa Cebu City
2010-2016

14
 FLERYLYN F. IWAY
E. Sabellano Street Pardo, Cebu City
flerylyni@gmail.com
0915-4933-005

Personal Information

Date of Birth: August 1, 2004

Age: 18
Gender: Female
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Nationality: Filipino

Educational Background

Senior High School: University of Cebu – Main Campus

J. Alcantara St., Cebu City
2021-2023

Junior High School: University of the Visayas – Pardo Campus

Dela Victoria St. Pardo, Cebu City
2018-2021

Elementary Level: Pardo Extension Elementary School

A. Gabuya St. Pardo, Cebu City
2011-2017

15
 LEVEGAIL L. SANCHEZ
Aspire Homes Condominium Upper Pailob Barangay Sambag 2, Cebu City
levegail12sanchez@gmail.com
0991-451-3870

Personal Information

Date of Birth: June 06, 2005

Age: 17
Gender: Female
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Nationality: Filipino

Educational Background

Senior High School: University of Cebu – Main Campus

J. Alcantara St., Cebu City
2022-2023

Junior High School: University of Cebu – Main Campus

Sanciangko St., Cebu City
2020-2021

Elementary Level: Southwestern University

Aznar Coliseum,. Urgello St. , Cebu City
2016-2017

16
 CHRISTOFFER JOHN B. MAGLASANG
Maharlika Street, Sambag 2, Cebu City
Christofferjohn123@gmail.com
0998-198-2252

Personal Information

Date of Birth: July 30, 2005

Age: 17
Gender: Male
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Nationality: Filipino

Educational Background

Senior High School: University of Cebu – Main Campus

J. Alcantara St., Cebu City
2021-2023

Junior High School: Abellana National School

Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, Cebu
2017-2021

Elementary Level: Pasil Elementary School

L. Flores St, Cebu City, Cebu
2011-2017

17
 KNARF JOHN Q. ODEVER
Doña Maria Village 1
knarjohn66@gmail.com
0949-974-0606

Personal Information

Date of Birth: December 29, 2003

Age: 19
Gender: Male
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Nationality: Filipino

Educational Background

Senior High School: University of Cebu – Main Campus

J. Alcantara St., Cebu City
2021-2023

Junior High School: University of Cebu – Main Campus

J. Alcantara St., Cebu City
2016-2020

Elementary Level: Matilda L. Bradford Christian School, Inc.

85 Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City
2010-2016

18