The Nutrients and Effects of Various Liquids (Waste rice water, river water, salt

water, and soda) on Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy

Quezon ST., Central, City of Mati, Davao Oriental

Researchers: Group 3

Gerbabuena, Jelian G.
Taming, Jheane Welmar L.
Ferol, Princess Elija A.
Pornobi, Gabrielle Marie R.
Etorma, Keith Christina Barnes
Pangaya, Hannie

Ms. Naome Rendon Brao

Research Adviser

April 2024
 Abstract

This research investigates the effects of four different liquid solutions on the
growth patterns of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis, commonly referred to as Pechay
or Chinese Cabbage. The liquids subjected to examination include waste rice water,
sweet water (soda), river water, and salt water. The primary objective was to discern
the comparative impacts of these solutions on the morphological attributes and
overall vigor of the plant species.

A meticulously controlled experimental design was implemented to ensure

uniform environmental conditions across all treatment groups. Each liquid solution
was administered to separate cohorts of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis specimens,
with careful monitoring of growth parameters such as plant height, leaf development,
and general health status over a predetermined timeframe.

Preliminary findings reveal nuanced responses of Brassica rapa subsp.

chinensis to the diverse liquid environments. Initial observations suggest differential
effects on growth kinetics, with certain solutions exhibiting stimulatory or inhibitory
effects relative to others. These early insights lay the groundwork for in-depth
analysis to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving the observed variations.

Further scrutiny of the amassed data promises to yield valuable insights into
the specific modulatory roles played by each liquid solution in shaping the growth
trajectory of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis. Such knowledge stands to inform
agricultural practices aimed at optimizing crop productivity and sustainability, thereby
contributing to the advancement of horticultural science and food security initiatives.
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

There are three important things that a plant needs in order to grow; sunlight,
nutrients and water. If you were to alter any of these necessities in terms of quantity
and quality the plant would feel the effects. The uptake of water from the roots,
through the xylem and into the rest of the plant is an essential part of a plants ability
to photosynthesize. Also, water is necessary to create cell tension, which gives
plants their form. Lastly, some minerals, such as calcium are stored in water and the
plant can only access these minerals by up taking water (Graham 2006).

Due to the extreme importance of water in the life of a plant, we decided to

investigate the nutrients and effect of different liquids on the plant. We are more
concerned with the chosen liquids for our research endeavour. We have selected to
investigate the effects of tap water, river water, soda, and salt water on Brassica
rapa subsp. chinensis. Furthermore, researching this type of experiment will help us
understand why the particular liquids have the effects that they do in the plant.

Vegetables are important components in diets of rural families across the

world as they provide vitamins and minerals. Chinese cabbage (Brassica
rapa L. Chinensis) is one of the most popular vegetables in South Africa and one of
the most widely cultivated leafy vegetables in peri-urban smallholder farms in the
northern part of South Africa. Chinese cabbage originated in China, where it has
been cultivated since the fifth century and is the most widely grown vegetable in
China. It has since spread to other parts of the world, including Africa, and Taiwan
and Korea are other major producing countries. Smallholder farmers in South Africa
grow Chinese cabbage both for home consumption and as a source of cash income,
mainly by selling through local markets and chain stores. Chinese cabbage is rich in
dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It has a short growing season, and it requires
nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in relatively large quantities, to
sustain rapid growth, as compared to other vegetables (Maselesele 2022).

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis, commonly known as Pechay or Chinese cabbage, is

a leafy green vegetable widely cultivated and consumed across the globe for its
nutritional value and culinary versatility. Understanding the factors that influence the
growth and development of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis is crucial for optimizing
its cultivation and ensuring its nutritional quality (Maselesele 2022).
Water is an essential component for plant growth, and its quality can significantly
impact the health and productivity of crops. However, the composition of water,
particularly in terms of nutrients and contaminants, varies widely depending on its
source and treatment. Waste rice water, river water, salt water, and soda represent
distinct liquid mediums that may have diverse effects on plant growth and nutrient
uptake due to differences in their chemical composition (Gavrilescu 2021).

Objective
This study aims to:

 Identify the different nutrients and effects of various liquids (Waste rice water,
river water, salt water, and soda) to Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis.
 To investigate and compare the nutrient compositions and physiological
effects of different liquids, namely waste rice water, river water, salt water, and
soda, on the growth and development of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
(Pechay), with a focus on understanding their impact on plant morphology,
nutrient uptake, and overall health.
 Review of Related Literature

According to Garcia , M. L.,(2023).Effects of waste rice water on the growth

and development of Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis. The result showed that
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis had access to essential nutrients from waste rice
water, particularly nitrogen, which is crucial for plant growth and photosynthesis.

The nutrient content was found to be higher in the first wash compared to the second
wash. The use of natural components, such as waste rice water and organic
fertilizer, is beneficial for reducing costs, promoting sustainable agriculture, and
lowering food expenses for families, especially those with limited income.

In line with Kaynak, M. A., & Yavuz, M. (2017). The Effects of Different Types of
Water on Seed Germination and Plant Growth.

This study presents the effects of different water sources on the germination and
growth of wheat, barley, and rye. The results showed that river water had a positive
effect on seed germination and plant growth compared to tap water and
groundwater.

in accordance with Grant, A.,(2021). Is Soda Pop A Fertilizer: Information About

Pouring Soda On Plants.

This study presents the effects of pouring soda on plants. The results showed that
even though the absorption of these nutrients encourages more rapid growth in the
plant, pouring soda on plants such as Coca-Cola is inadvisable. Coca-Cola has a
jaw-dropping 3.38 grams of sugar per ounce, which would certainly kill the plant as it
would be unable to absorb water or nutrients. As well as Coke Zero, Coca-Cola C2,
and Coke Black have little to no sugar, but neither do they seem to have any added
benefits over tap water, and they are significantly more costly than tap water. The
conclusion is that sugary sodas do not aid in a plant's development and can retard
the absorption of nutrients and water, resulting in death. Diet sodas may help
stimulate plant growth since the lack of sugar will allow the water molecules to easily
move to the roots.

in compliance with Ugaoo (2023) has cited about “Does Water Salinity Affect Plant
Growth? Understanding the Impact of Saline Water on Plants”. The study results
showed that if you water a plant with salt water, it will eventually die. This is because
the salt water is a hypertonic solution when compared to the plant cells, and water
inside the plant cells will diffuse by osmosis out of the cells to reduce the
concentration of the salt solution. Water salinity can significantly affect plant growth
by disturbing their water balance, causing ionic imbalances, and inducing toxicity.
However, some plant species have developed remarkable adaptations to tolerate
and thrive in saline environments. By incorporating organic matter and balanced
fertilization, the negative effects of salinity on plant growth can be minimized.
 CHAPTER 2

METHODOLOGY

Materials
The study needed a few materials to be successfully conducted. The materials
needed are the following:

 Chinese Cabbage

Fig 2.1

 Waste rice water

Fig 2.2
 Saltwater

Fig 2.3

 River water

Fig 2.4
 Soda

Fig 2.5

 Pot

Fig 2.6

 Hand trowel
 Fig 2.7

Procedure

Here are the steps we did to conduct this experiment.

Choosing the plant: The researchers chose a type of plant that is suitable for our
experiment. In choosing the plant, we considered the plant’s growth rate and
environmental requirements. Thus, we chose Raphanus Sativus as our plant.

Preparing the liquids: The researchers chose the liquids they wanted to test and
prepared them. In this case, we chose saltwater, tap water, rainwater, soda, and river
water.

Setting up the experiment: After choosing the subjects, the researchers decided on
the number of plants and treatments. After that, we labeled each plant to keep track
of the results.

Applying the liquids: The researchers applied each liquid to the plants according to
their respective pots.

Monitoring the plants: Record the growth and development of each plant over time.
The researchers measure the height of each plant every day for 23 days.

Analyzing the results: Once the experiment was complete, the researchers
analyzed the data to determine if there were any significant differences between the
plants treated with different liquids.