Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
National Capital Region
School Division Office of Quezon City
San Bartolome High School
67 Sinforosa St., Brgy. San Bartolome Novaliches Quezon City

The Efficacy of Using Coffee Grounds

to Naturally Enrich Soil and Fertility for Mustard Greens (Brassica Juncea)

A Research Study Submitted to

Ms. Princess Lorraine J. Balando

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Practical Research in Daily Life 2

by

Greño, Angelica S.

Pusing, Marcus Jether A.

Ramos, Nicolas G.

Valino, Raymond V.

Vega, David Carl O.

San Bartolome High School

October 19, 2023

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Chapter 1: The Problem and its Background

Introduction

Spent coffee grounds have long been touted as effective not only in enhancing plant

growth but also as a potential natural soil enhancer due to their rich nutritional content while

not having an environmental impact (Bomfim et al., 2022). However, critical data and analysis

of how effective they are are still needed, and to do that, more observations and scientific

investigation are required to fully determine their effectiveness, particularly in the context of

Brassica juncea. This cross-bearing plant, Brassica juncea, also known as "mustasa" in the

Philippines, is one of the crops that has rich essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as

well as minerals like calcium and iron. Its inclusion in the diet contributes to overall health and

well-being (Sylvia, 2017). Understanding the impact of spent coffee grounds based on the

growth and weight of a fully grown Brassica juncea could hold significant implications for

sustainable agriculture practices and potentially reduce reliance on synthetic or inorganic

fertilizers.

Previous studies on the use of spent coffee grounds in agriculture have yielded mixed

results, with some studies suggesting positive effects on soil enrichment and plant fertility

while others indicate potential drawbacks such as decreased soil drainage porosity (Cervera-

Mata et al., 2022). This study aims to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits and

potential limitations associated with using coffee grounds as a natural soil fertilizer for Brassica

juncea. Through controlled experiments and analysis of key parameters including plant

growth, weight, acidity, and soil moisture, the research endeavors to provide evidence-based

insights and observations that can potentially benefit individual home gardeners as well as the

broader agricultural industry.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether used coffee grounds have a positive

impact on the soil quality and fertility for mustard greens. The researchers opted to cultivate

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mustard greens for their experiment because it is commonly used in Filipino dishes and easily

accessible for us as student researchers. Furthermore, this study will contribute to the ongoing

search for sustainable agricultural practices, not only in our local context but also with broader

global efforts to find a better fertilizer that doesn't have any long-term effects.

Additionally, the researchers aim to find a substitute for inorganic fertilizers. Previous

studies show that synthetic and inorganic fertilizers have certain negative effects on plants

and soil in the long run. One of the researchers’ goals is to reduce our reliance on them or to

find a better substitute that is natural, effectively proven, easy to acquire, and most

importantly, cost-efficient.

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Background of the Study

As population pressure increases and fallow cycles are shortened, rapid depletion of

nutrients on smallholder farms is one of the major problems affecting food production. Soil

nutrient replenishment is therefore a prerequisite for halting soil fertility decline. Organic

sources of plant nutrients as organic amendments could remain the principal sources for the

maintenance of soil fertility and environmental quality, and this may also be accomplished

through the application of mineral and organic fertilizers (Aytenew & Bore, 2020).

Organic fertilizers are naturally available mineral sources that contain a moderate

amount of essential plant nutrients. They are capable of mitigating problems associated with

synthetic fertilizers. They reduce the necessity of repeated applications of synthetic fertilizers

to maintain soil fertility. They gradually release nutrients into the soil solution and maintain

nutrient balance for the healthy growth of crop plants. They also act as an effective energy

source for soil microbes, which in turn improve soil structure and crop growth. Organic

fertilizers are generally thought to be slow-releasing fertilizers, and they contain many trace

elements. They are safer alternatives to chemical fertilizers. However, the improper use of

organic fertilizers leads to overfertilization or nutrient deficiency in the soil. Hence, the

controlled release of organic fertilizers is an effective and advanced way to overcome these

impacts and maintain sustainable agriculture yield (Shaji, et.al., 2021).

In recent years, evidence has grown about the negative environmental and health

impacts of the use of inorganic chemical fertilizers. Concerns for the environment have also

sparked interest in the reduction of waste, with attempts to recycle or repurpose waste

products whenever possible. These recent shifts in opinion, combined with the fact that the

world produces SCG in large amounts (Campos-Vega et al., 2015), have led to research into

the use of spent coffee grounds as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers.

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 Spent coffee grounds compost is a compost made with raw materials such as SCG,

cow dung, and chicken manure, with the addition of Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp.

starters. The nutrients contained in the SCG compost are very good when implemented in

horticultural crops. These elements are used in relatively large amounts by the plant and are

called macronutrients. Using compost, particularly in intensive industries such as vegetable

production, has demonstrated the potential to reduce the need for fertilizer, irrigation, and

pesticides and to improve marketable yields. It can also improve soil fertility, water holding

capacity, organic matter content, and ultimately crop yields, improve product quality, and

extend shelf life. Therefore, it is necessary to study the benefits of SCG compost for plants.

One of the horticultural crops that is widely cultivated by farmers is mustard greens. According

to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, mustard greens are a type of vegetable with high

economic value. In addition, the harvest age is relatively short, namely 40–50 days after

planting. Demand for mustard plants always increases with an increasing population and

awareness of nutritional needs. Plant Growth-Promoting Fungi exhibit traits beneficial to

plants, and as such, their capacity to enhance plant growth and development is well

established. PGPF mediates both short- and long-term effects on germination and subsequent

plant performance (Afriliana, et.al., 2023).

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Statement of the Problem

This research seeks to investigate the influence of utilized coffee grounds on soil

enrichment and fertility for mustard greens (Brassica juncea). The outcomes of this study hold

the potential to offer farmers, gardeners, and the agricultural industry at large an

environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic or inorganic fertilizers for enhancing

mustard greens production.

Specifically, it is intended to answer the following questions:

1. What is the impact of using coffee grounds on the overall yield of mustard greens?

2. How much ratio of coffee grounds should be applied to see its positive effects?

3. What is the percentage increase in plant growth (measured in height and biomass)

when coffee grounds are used?

Scope and Delimitation

In order to enhance the fertility and growth of mustard greens (Brassica juncea), this

research aims to investigate the potential of spent coffee grounds as a natural soil

amendment. The study will focus on evaluating the impact of varying concentrations of coffee

grounds on soil quality parameters. Additionally, it will assess the growth parameters of

mustard greens such as plant height, leaf size, and overall yield in comparison to a control

group without coffee grounds. Expected results encompass a deeper understanding of the

most effective quantity of spent coffee grounds to improve soil fertility for mustard greens,

along with a thorough grasp of how soil composition transforms with the addition of coffee

grounds. It is poised to showcase the advantages of utilizing spent coffee grounds as an eco-

friendly and economical substitute for conventional soil amendments.

The study is delimited only on the usage of mustard greens as Dependent Variable

and spent coffee grounds as the Independent Variable. The researchers will specifically

measures the effects of spent coffee grounds on soil enrichment for mustard greens. It will

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not investigate the effects of other types of coffee waste or other crops. The research will

investigate various levels of spent coffee grounds, encompassing none to low, moderate, and

high concentrations, in order to assess their impact on both soil fertility and the growth of

mustard greens. Furthermore, the research will not delve into in-depth molecular or chemical

analyses of the components found within coffee grounds. Instead, the emphasis will be on

exploring their practical utility as a soil amendment. With a total of 400 seeds used, the

distribution are equally put in pot with 100 seeds of mustard greens per pot and varying

concentration of spent coffee grounds.

Pot 1: 100 seeds of mustard greens with 0% Spent Coffee Grounds

Pot 2: 100 seeds of mustard greens with 10% Spent Coffee Grounds

Pot 3: 100 seeds of mustard greens with 30% Spent Coffee Grounds

Pot 4: 100 seeds of mustard greens with 50% Spent Coffee Grounds

Hypothesis

Integrating spent coffee grounds into the soil is expected to boost soil fertility and

enhance the growth of mustard greens (Brassica juncea). It is anticipated that different levels

of coffee ground application will have a favorable impact on the overall yield of soil including

pH levels. Consequently, this is likely to result in taller plant growth, larger leaves, and

increased yield in comparison to the control group, which will not receive coffee ground

supplementation.

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Significance of the Study

Mustard greens are a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety

of ways. It is also rich in important plant compounds and micronutrients, making them a great

choice for those looking to boost their overall health and well-being. On the other hand, the

world's most widely consumed beverage offers more advantages than just providing a wakeful

boost. Used coffee grounds serve as a valuable soil enhancer and a component for compost.

Regardless of the precise figure, it represents a substantial quantity of coffee, consequently

generating a significant volume of spent coffee grounds. Employing these grounds in

gardening not only prevents their entry into waste streams but also offers gardeners an

alternative for nurturing plants and addressing slug-related issues. While some studies have

reported positive effects of using spent coffee grounds as a soil amendment, others have

reported negative effects. By using a controlled experimental design, the researchers came

up with an idea on how to determine the effects of using coffee grounds to naturally enrich

soil and fertility for mustard greens. Furthermore, the result of the study will be beneficial to

the following:

The Community. The people will be aware of the effects of spent coffee grounds and

provide necessary information that people should know about it. Through reusing this easily

accessible organic waste, members of the community can embrace sustainable gardening

methods, lessening their dependency on artificial fertilizers and, in turn, promoting a more

robust and eco-friendly local ecosystem.

The Environment. The study aims to lessen the usage of inorganic fertilizer and

reduction of waste through repurposing of SCG along with knowing the effects of it in the

plants, it also helps raise awareness using the provided information that the researchers

gathered. Additionally, this approach reduces the reliance on artificial fertilizers, which can

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lead to adverse environmental effects due to the emission of harmful substances and

greenhouse gases.

The Students. The research will generate sufficient data to inform individuals about

the substantial impact of spent coffee grounds on plants, with a specific emphasis on the

growth of mustard greens.

The Future Researchers. The ideas presented in the study can serve as a basis or

reference data for conducting new research. The study also serves as their overview of how

spent coffee grounds contributes on the growth of mustard greens. They can also refer to the

recommendations and gathered data.

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Definition of Terms

Important terms are defined below for the purpose of clarification in the context of

this study.

Adverse. Refers to something unfavorable, harmful, or detrimental.

Amendment. A substance, like organic matter or minerals, added to soil to enhance

conditions for plant growth and development.

Brassica juncea. Also known as “mustasa” is one of the vegetables belonging to the

Brassicaceae family. It is a cross-bearing and biennial plant mainly used for its edible leaves,

stems and seeds to make mustards.

Concentration. The amount of a particular substance that is present in a given

volume or mass of a mixture or solution.

Cultivate. Implies a deliberate and sustained effort to foster growth or improvement.

Depletion. Reduction in something or the act of reducing it

Experimental. Describes any situation or endeavor that involves systematic testing,

observation, or investigation to gain new insights or knowledge.

Fertility. Encompasses the management of essential elements necessary for plant

growth, typically to achieve selected management objectives

Nutrient. Substance that provides nourishment essential for the growth,

maintenance, and normal functioning of living organisms.

Porosity. Measure of open spaces or voids within a material, often expressed as a

percentage.

Spent Coffee Grounds. Leftover coffee grounds that remain after brewing coffee.

They are usually considered a waste product but can be useful in many ways.

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 References

De Bomfim, A. S. C., De Oliveira, D. M., Walling, E., Babin, A., Hersant, G., Vaneeckhaute, C.,

Dumont, M., & Rodrigue, D. (2022). Spent coffee grounds characterization and reuse

in composting and soil Amendment. Waste, 1(1), 2–20.

https://doi.org/10.3390/waste1010002

Sylvia, & Sylvia. (2017). Mustard greens, health benefits and nutritional value. Health Benefits

| Health Benefits of Foods and Drinks.

https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-mustard-

greens/?fbclid=IwAR25rL597p8YN_8TrDviHw-7wG57KI8-

B0c1RhQRWLRLaR_T7riM2KpC4FA

Pérez-Burillo, S., Cervera‐Mata, A., Fernández-Arteaga, A., Pastoriza, S., Rufián-Henares, J.

Á., & Delgado, G. (2022). Why Should We Be Concerned with the Use of Spent Coffee

Grounds as an Organic Amendment of Soils? A Narrative Review. Agronomy, 12(11),

2771.

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112771

Aytenew, M., & Bore, G. (2020). Effects of Organic Amendments on Soil Fertility and

Environmental Quality: A Review

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344782358

Shaji, H., Chandran, V., & Mathew, L. (2021). Organic fertilizers as a route to controlled

release of nutrients. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 231–245).

https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819555-0.00013-3

Campos-Vega, R., Loarca-Piña, G., Vergara-Castañeda, H. A., & Oomah, B. D. (2015). Spent

coffee grounds: A review on current research and future prospects. Trends in Food

Science & Technology, 45(1), 24-36.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2015.04.012

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Afriliana, A., Erawantini, F., Hidayat, E., Harada, H., & Subagio, A. (2023). Assessing the

Beneficial Effect of Spent Coffee Ground Compost under Mustard Plants (Brassica

juncea L). Asian J. Agric. Hortic. Res, 10(4), 310-321.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373069112_Assessing_the_Beneficial_Effe

ct_of_Spent_Coffee_Ground_Compost_under_Mustard_Plants_Brassica_juncea_L

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