Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

1.1 Introduction

Every day, an enormous amount of paper is thrown away and wasted.

That results to environmental pollution such as soil pollution, air pollution, and
water pollution.

According to BaleForce (2021) much attention is focused on plastic

disposal, the impact of paper waste is often overlooked. Yet, improper paper
waste disposal and recycling can impact the economy and the environment as
the other waste products. From 2010 to 2060, the global consumption of pulp
and paper is expected to double. The same will be the amount of paper
waste. An increased paper production will also add further to the pressure on
the world’s forests that are already in a critical state - and constantly getting
worse. (The World Counts, 2023)

With this issue, the researchers were inspired to devise a simple and
effective method of reducing its numbers in a way that would benefit the
community. The researchers came up with a method to reduce the amount of
paper that is thrown away and wasted by converting wastepaper into an
alternative organic fertilizer with the integration of banana peels. Since paper
is made up of biodegradable materials the researchers thought that instead of
throwing and wasting papers everywhere, we should take advantage of it.
So, making paper as an alternative organic fertilizer involves converting
wastepaper into a form that can be added to soil to provide nutrients for
plants. The process usually involves shredding or tearing the paper into a
smaller piece and soaking it in water to break it down, resulting in a slurry
substance. (J Wood Science, 2008)

Moreover, as the paper decomposes, it releases nutrients such as

carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the soil, which can improve soil fertility
and help plants grow. Waste paper can also help to improve soil structure,
water retention, and aeration, which can further enhance plant growth. In
addition, paper as an organic fertilizer is a sustainable and eco-friendly

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alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers, which can have negative impacts
on the environment and human health. It is also a way to repurpose school
wastepaper, reducing the amount of paper waste that ends up in landfills

Upon further investigation, recent studies have affirmed the feasibility

of school waste paper, the main materials used in this study, as an alternative
organic fertilizer. Some of these studies are the following: Utilization of
Wastepaper for an Environment friendly Slow-release Fertilizer by Khan, et al,
(2008), Waste Paper to Organic Fertilizer: 6 Simple Steps by Home Organic
PH administered by Yeo N.C., (2017), Printed Paper Waste as an Alternative
Growing Medium Component to Produce Brassica Seedlings under Nursery
Conditions by Chrysargyris, et al, (2020). Which will then be discussed in this
study.

Meanwhile, using waste paper in combination with banana peels as an

alternative organic fertilizer is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to enrich the
soil in the garden or agricultural fields. This approach helps recycle paper
waste and utilizes banana peels, which are rich in essential nutrients. The
integration of the waste paper and banana peels reduces waste by recycling
paper and kitchen scraps, it also provides a balanced nutrient mix for plants. It
involves the process of cutting and drying the peels and mix it with the waste
paper before spreading it with the garden soil. The study of Megan Slack in
her blog “Can you use banana peels as fertilizer? Experts reveal 4 ways to
boost your plants' growth” of 2023 and “Four ways banana peels can help
your plants” by Brisbane City Council, (2022) have given its way to affirm the
feasibility of banana peels as an integration to an alternative organic fertilizer.

Therefore, converting school waste (SW) paper and banana peels into
an alternative organic fertilizer, while enhancing its properties could further
prove its efficacy by the development gained from various plants. Their growth
will be closely observed.

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1.2 Theoretical Framework

In this study, the researchers anchor the study to the following theories:
Utilization of Wastepaper for an Environment friendly Slow-release Fertilizer
by Khan, et al, (2008), Waste Paper to Organic Fertilizer: 6 Simple Steps by
Home Organic PH administered by Yeo N.C., (2017), Printed Paper Waste as
an Alternative Growing Medium Component to Produce Brassica Seedlings
under Nursery Conditions by Chrysargyris, et al, (2020).

This research will be anchored on the study of Khan, et al, (2008)

regarding 'Utilization of Wastepaper for an Environment friendly Slow-release
Fertilizer.’ where they stated that “To help address the physical, chemical, and
biological degradation of agricultural soils resulting from indiscriminate use of
chemical fertilizers, we need to develop a slow-release fertilizer from
wastepaper and urea. This approach has the advantage of a slow-release
fertilizer for the reason that it avoids surface runoff or leaching of nutrients,
while providing an excellent medium for the recycling of wastepaper”.
Moreover, being able to prevent soil leaching, the use of wastepaper as an
alternative solution in generating organic fertilizer is a big economic and
societal contribution that could possibly enhance organic farming and waste
management regime.

Waste Paper to Organic Fertilizer: 6 Simple Steps, is a method

introduced by Yeo N.C., (2017), using their online platform registered as
Home Organic PH. Where they convert kitchen waste (including paper) into
organic fertilizer using worms or vermicomposting. Vermicomposting
produces “vermicast” a dark, odorless, nutrient- and organically rich, soil mud
granules that make an excellent soil conditioner. This article is relevant to the
study of school wastepaper as an alternative organic fertilizer because it
provides a framework for assessing the methods of the production of school
wastepaper as an organic fertilizer.

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 This research was also based on the study of Chrysargyris, et al,
(2020) regarding 'Printed Paper Waste as an Alternative Growing Medium
Component to Produce Brassica Seedlings under Nursery Conditions'. Where
they stated, "The present study shows that low PW content can partially
replace peat for Brassica seedling production under a sustainable agriculture
and environmentally friendly scheme." Moreover, this study suggests that
using low PW content as a substitute for peat in growing media for Brassica
seedling production can have a positive impact on the environment through
recycling and sustainable agriculture practices. However, high PW content
may negatively affect plant growth and physiology, indicating the importance
of finding a balance between PW and peat in growing media composition.

This research will be anchored with the integration of banana peels

regarding ‘Can you use banana peels as fertilizer? Experts reveal 4 ways to
boost your plants' growth’ where Megan Slack (2023) quoted the comment of
Homes & Gardens' gardening expert Drew Swainston states that “Banana
peels contain lots of potassium, which is one of the three main macronutrients
that plants need, and also phosphorus. That makes them a good fertilizer for
specific circumstances. Potassium encourages both fruiting and flowers, so
that makes banana peels a great fertilizer for fruit and vegetables like
tomatoes or peppers, or any flowering ornamental plants. Bananas also
contain calcium, which is a vital nutrient in combating blossom end rot in
tomatoes”. Moreover, according to the experts, there are four main ways to
use your banana peels in the garden, including a water trick and a technique
for chopped peels: Make banana peel water; Put banana peel in the compost;
Bury banana peels in the garden; Put banana peel on a backboard. Overall,
using banana peel as fertilizer will boost some plants more than it does
others, particularly those that blossom and fruit. However, since it isn't high in
nitrogen, it's not going to be enough to help all plants grow to their best
potential.

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 This research was also based on the study of Brisbane City Council,
(2021), ‘Four ways banana peels can help your plants’ where they listed out
the nutrient content of banana peels and their potential benefit for plant
growth like: calcium, which promotes root growth helps add oxygen to your
soil; magnesium, which assists with photosynthesis; sulphur, which helps
plants develop strong roots and repel pests; phosphorus, which improves
fruiting and flowering and assists with pollination and seed germination and
viability; potassium, which improves general plant vigour, including building
resistance to pests and diseases and assists with fruit development. Basically,
banana peels are full of nutrients that will surely make plants grow healthier,
saves your money and reduce waste to landfill.

1.3 Conceptual Framework

The primary goal of this research was to produce an alternative organic

fertilizer using school waste pape and banana peels. The conceptual
foundation for producing school wastepaper and banana peels as an
alternative organic fertilizer and its efficacy on the growth and development of
vegetables.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

School waste
paper and banana
peels: An
alternative organic
fertilizer.
Development of
vegetables with
school waste
paper and banana
peels.

School wastepaper
and banana peels as
an alternative organic
fertilizer 5
 Figure A. Schematic Diagram

1.4 Statement of the Problem

Hence, the study conducted aims to lessen the massive number of papers
being thrown and wasted by turning the wasted papers and banana peels into
an alternative organic fertilizer. Specifically, it is intended to answer the
following questions:

1. How quickly do waste paper and banana peels decompose in

the soil?
2. Are waste paper and banana peels combined in an appropriate
ratio to provide a balanced nutrient mix for plants?
3. Does the size of the SWABP Fertilizer have any significance to
the growth rate of the seedlings?

1.5 Hypothesis(es)

H0: The utilization of school waste paper and banana peels as organic
fertilizer will not help reduce the environmental impact of waste and does not
promote the growth of plants.

H1: The utilization of school waste paper and banana peels as organic
fertilizer will help reduce the environmental impact of waste and promotes the
growth of plants.

1.6 Scope and Limitations

This research focuses on using school wastepaper centered in Our

Lady of Perpetual Help Academy as an alternative organic fertilizer for
developing seedlings that will be observed at the respective school of the
researchers, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy. The growth of the two (2)
eggplant and two (2) snow cabbage (pechay). This study will only cover the
data of growth rate of the plants and the significance of using waste paper

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and banana peels in making alternative organic fertilizer. Papers and banana
peels outside the said school and other plants except eggplant and snow
cabbage are not within the scope of this research. The objective of the
researchers is to analyze and study the wastepaper and banana peels as an
alternative organic fertilizer.

1.7 Significance of the Study

This study recognizes the massive numbers of papers being thrown and
wasted every day. The researchers aim to contribute to the knowledge related
to research. This study is significant to the following institutions:

Students. This research will help students in being more environmentally

conscious and aware of the rubbish that are wasted away, particularly
nowadays.

Schools. This research will assist the school in implementing trash

management and segregation policies.

The community. The research on using paper as an alternative organic

fertilizer is significant to them because it promotes cost-effectiveness,
community empowerment, and the production of healthier food.

The environment. This research can promote sustainable farming practices,

reducing pollution, mitigating climate change, and improving food safety and
quality. It can all benefit the agricultural and environment sectors, as well as
the human health.

Future Researchers. This study presents an opportunity to further explore

and expand on the potential benefits of using alternative organic fertilizers. It
provides a foundation for further research on the effectiveness, safety, and
practicality of using organic fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture will benefit greatly

from this study because one of its focuses is to help improve soil structure,
water retention, and aeration, which can further enhance plant growth without
using harmful chemicals and promotes cost-effectiveness.

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1.8 Definition of Terms

To understand the study more, the following terms are defined conceptually
and/or operationally based on how they are used in the study:

Water. A material in the study. It plays an important role in achieving the

researchers’ goal to convert school waste paper as an alternative organic
fertilizer since it dissolves the paper and lessen the amount of lead on printed
papers.

Waste. The school wastepaper.

Seedling. The researchers target especially in observing its growth

development with the school waste paper.

Reduce. One of the goals of this study in which the number of wasted papers
that are thrown away and wasted will be lessened.

Recycle. It is the process of making the school waste paper and banana
peels into a material with another purpose which as an organic fertilizer.

Pulp slurry. A mixture of wet and hard biodegradable material that is formed
when the school waste paper is soaked in water for a period of time.

Paper. The main material of the study, where this will be converted into an
organic fertilizer.

Growth and Development. The growth and development of the seedlings will
be analyzed to see if the school waste paper is truly effective in serving its
purpose as an alternative organic fertilizer.

Fertilizer. The product of this study. The aim of this study is to create a
school waste paper as an alternative organic fertilizer that enhances its
effects on various seedlings, as well as using it for observing the growth of
seeds.

Biodegradable. The materials that will be used.

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Banana peels. The source of organic material that will be integrated with
waste paper as a nutrient-rich component in organic fertilizers

Alternative. The aim of this study is to make waste paper an available

possibility to make fertilizer.

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

The chapter presents the different readings which will be deemed important
and related to the present study.

2.1 Related Literature

This acts as a bridge between the readers and the studies that have already
been conducted, informs them of aspects that the authors have already
established or concluded, and provides opportunities for them to appreciate
the evidence that has already been gathered by earlier studies. It also places
the current research work in the proper perspective. The chosen literatures
are listed below:

2.1.1 Organic Fertilizer

According to Britannica (2023). Fertilizer, natural or artificial substance

containing the chemical elements that improve growth and productiveness of
plants. Fertilizers enhance the natural fertility of the soil or replace chemical
elements taken from the soil by previous crops. Soil fertility is the quality of a
soil that enables it to provide compounds in adequate amounts and proper
balance to promote growth of plants when other factors (such as light,
moisture, temperature, and soil structure) are favorable. The concepts of
organic agriculture were developed in the early 1900s by Sir Albert Howard,
F.H. King, Rudolf Steiner, and others who believed that the use of animal
manures (often made into compost), cover crops, crop rotation, and
biologically based pest controls resulted in a better farming system. Howard,
having worked in India as an agricultural researcher, gained much inspiration
from the traditional and sustainable farming practices he encountered there
and advocated for their adoption in the West. Such practices were further

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promoted by various advocates—such as J.I. Rodale and his son Robert, in
the 1940s and onward, who published Organic Gardening and Farming
magazine and a number of texts on organic farming. The practical goal is to
determine how much nutrient material to add. Since the farmer wants to know
how much profit to expect when buying fertilizer, the tests are interpreted as
an estimation of increased crop production that will result from nutrient
additions. The cost of nutrients must be balanced against the value of the
crop or even against alternative procedures, such as investing the money in
something else with a greater potential return. The law of diminishing returns
is well exemplified in fertilizer technology.

2.1.2 Benefits of Organic Fertilizer

According to George Silva, Michigan State University Extension (2018).

Improved soil structure, a season-long supply of nutrients, and an increased
water-holding capacity are just some of the benefits of using organic
fertilizers. The gradual release of nutrients would ensure a season-long
supply. Being less soluble means minimum nutrient losses to the environment
and less salt injury to plants. They add organic matter contributing to soil
health increasing both the water-holding capacity and cation exchange
capacity. They stimulate microbial activity and improve soil structure. Organic
fertilizers also are valuable sources of micronutrients to plants. The
fundamental process of nutrient absorption by plants is well established.
Irrespective of whether nutrients originate from organic or inorganic sources,
plants are only capable of absorbing nutrients in certain forms. For example,
nitrogen is only absorbed as nitrate (NO3-) ions or ammonium (NH4+) ions
and potassium only as K+ ions. Thus, plants do not differentiate between
nutrients derived from organic and inorganic fertilizer sources.

2.1.3 The Principal Role of Organic Fertilizer on Soil Properties and

Agricultural Productivity -A Review

According to Sisay Assefa, Debre Berhan University, College of Agriculture

and Natural Resource Sciences, Ethiopia (2019). The main organic fertilizers
were sourced from peat, animal wastes (often from slaughterhouse), and
plant wastes from agriculture and sewage sludge. Naturally occurring organic

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fertilizers include animal wastes from meat processing, peat, and slurry.
Organic fertilizers were carbon-based compounds that increase the
productivity and growth quality of plants. The use of organic fertilizers has
advantage of being cheap, improving soil structure, texture and aeration
increasing the soils water retention abilities and stimulating healthy root
development. Organic fertilizer has many sources such as minerals, animal
source, sewage sludge and plant. Vegetables, animals and residue materials
had a contribution to improve soil organic matter content in soil. Therefore, it
is recommended that, using integrated nutrient management is a continuous
improvement of soil productivity on longer term basis through appropriate use
of organic fertilizers (i.e., animal manure, plants residue and sewage sludge)
and their scientific management for increments of optimum growth, yield and
quality of different crops. Among the problems inherent to tropical soils, soil
acidity, characterized by low pH, excessive aluminum, deficient calcium, and
low organic matter is the most serious. Tropical soils are often unproductive
because some of these soils are prone to strong phosphate fixation that
renders phosphorus unavailable to plant. Soils that are prone to strong
phosphate fixation (absorption to oxides and clay minerals) often require
extremely high phosphate fertilization application in order to alleviate the
effect of phosphate fixation. Soil acidity and mineral deficiencies can be
corrected by lime and fertilizers. Unfortunately, lime and fertilizers are not
always easy options available to small and resource-poor farmers.

2.1.4The Advantages of Organic Fertilizers Over Chemical Fertilizers

According to Kellogg Garden Products (2022). In organic gardening, the

overall health of the soil and plants is the main concern, so while synthetic
chemical fertilizers may do a job today, organic fertilizers ensure the health of
the garden tomorrow. Organic fertilizers work slowly. For organic fertilizers to
work, the soil must first break down. This means that both the soil and the
plants in it get the nutrition they need when they need it. Synthetic fertilizers,
although speedy, often overfeed the plant, do nothing for the soil, and can
damage plants by burning them. Organic fertilizers improve the soil. Organic

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materials and fertilizers improve the soil texture, allowing it to hold water
longer, and increase the bacterial and fungal activity in the soil. So, they not
only assist your plants, but they also help the soil. Synthetic fertilizers, on the
other hand, deplete the soil of its nutrients, making it unproductive. Good luck
growing those juicy tomatoes in unproductive soil. Organic fertilizers are safe.
You can rest assured that organic fertilizers are safe for the environment, your
family, and your pets. Synthetic fertilizers require a significant amount of fossil
fuels to produce and process and often runoff into nearby water sources like
streams and lakes. Organic fertilizers are easy to apply. Organics are just as
easy to apply as their synthetic, non-organic counterparts. Adding them to soil
or spraying them on leaves — however you use them, they add countless
benefits to your garden while providing the same amount of convenience and
ease as chemical fertilizers.

2.1.5 The Impacts of Paper on The Environment

According to Cartly (2022). The invention of paper caused our civilization to

thrive. It gave rise to currency, bureaucracy, and modern communication and
even caused panic over technological change; from the Egyptians and
Romans to our current civilization, the necessity of paper has been critical,
even in today’s digital era. But the negative impact of paper cannot be
ignored, no matter how vital paper still is in our lives. Trees are the primary
material for producing paper-based products; they are harvested for their
cellulose fibers. Every day, we use paper in different forms, from notebooks,
newspapers, laminated documents, to toilet paper. Unfortunately, our
consumption requires billions of trees to be cut down every year, which
continues to increase the rate of deforestation throughout our planet. A lot of
damage has already been done; however, we can still influence and control
the production and use of paper-based products by modifying our lifestyle
habits and educating companies and individuals on more sustainable
alternatives. Our single most significant challenge is taking the first step in
acknowledging reality and changing how we think and define our relationship
with mother nature.

2.1.6 Banana Peels: A Waste Treasure for Human Being

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According to Wafaa M. Hikal, et al. (2022). Agricultural waste has gained
more attention from scientists in recent years, and instead of being treated as
an unimportant waste, it is now fascinating to investigate and exploit.
Researchers have been interested in banana peels because of their bioactive
chemical components, so we concentrated on this review article on the
antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of banana peels that can be used for
pharmaceutical purposes in treating various diseases as well as good sources
of natural antioxidants. A member of the Musaceae family and an edible fruit,
bananas are grown in tropical and subtropical climates. In the locations where
they are grown, banana peels are fed to cattle as supplemental feed. By
recycling agricultural waste, its huge by-products serve as a great supply of
high-value raw materials for other sectors. Therefore, the objective is to utilize
banana by-products as sources of natural bioactive chemicals and in diverse
food and nonfood uses. The usage of banana peel in the food,
pharmaceutical, and other industries can be concluded to be successful. As a
result, banana leftovers might open up fresh possibilities and fields of study in
the future.

2.1.7 Effects of banana peel compost rates on Swiss chard growth

performance and yield in Shirka district, Oromia, Ethiopia

According to Zawde Tadesse Teshome (2022) Solid waste, particularly

domestic garbage, is released as a result of increasing urbanization and
population increase, polluting the environment. However, these wastes can be
converted into components for organic agriculture. The study was done to find
out how banana peel compost rates impact Swiss chard growth and
productivity. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with a 1.42m2
surface area and a 628cm2 pot area at the Kulumsa Agricultural Research
Centre. Treatments and replication were made random using the Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)
using the general linear model (GLM) of the SAS statistical package version
9.0 was carried out to see whether any statistically significant differences
existed between field and laboratory data.

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2.1.8 Effectiveness of Banana Peel-Based Liquid Organic Fertilizer
Application as Potassium Source for Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Growth and Yield

According to Hariyono, et al. (2021). Banana peel is an organic waste, which

has nutrients that are useful for plants. This study was aimed to determine the
effectiveness of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) made by banana peel(BP) as a
potassium source for eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) growth and determine
the right balance between the use of BP-LOF and an organic KCl fertilizer.
The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD),
which consisted of 6 treatments namely (1) 100% BP-LOF, (2) 80 % BP-LOF
+ 20% KCl fertilizer, (3) 60% BP-LOF + 40% KCl fertilizer, (4) 40% BP-LOF +
60% KCl fertilizer, (5) 20% BP-LOF + 80% KCl fertilizer, and (6) 100% KCl
fertilizer as control. Banana peels contain 15% potassium and 2% higher
content of phosphorus than the one in the banana flesh. Besides containing
P and K, banana peels also contain elements of magnesium, sulfur, and
sodium. Banana peel waste belongs to wet organic waste. Organic fertilizer is
beneficial to improve agricultural production both in quality and quantity,
reducing environmental pollution, and improving land quality in a sustainable
manner. The application of BP-LOF as a source of potassium was found to be
potential as the substitute for KCl fertilizer indicated by the plant response in
terms of growth and yield. Each comparison of the tested BP-LOF showed
comparable growth and yield performance in eggplant.

2.1.9 Why You Shouldn’t Use a Banana Peel as Fertilizer for Houseplants

According to Andrea Beck (2023) Banana peels contain nutrients, just like any
other plant material, including potassium and phosphorous, which are crucial
nutrients in fertilizer.2 However, unless the peels are dried, they are primarily
made of water (more than 80%), so the amount of nutrients they have
compared to regular fertilizer is quite low. Soaking the peels won't significantly
improve the water's nutritious content, whether they are fresh or dried. More
nutrients will be added to your potting soil if you bury a banana peel rather
than soak it. The peels, however, will decompose so slowly that they probably
won't supply enough nutrients when your plants require them. The use of

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banana peels as fertilizer has the additional drawback of attracting pests such
fruit flies, fungus gnats, and even cockroaches due to the decaying organic
matter.

Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODS

This chapter presents the research methods used in the study. It also
discusses the research design, research sampling, research instruments, and
their data gathering procedures.

Research Design

The research design used by the researchers in evaluating the results

of the school wastepaper and banana peels as an alternative organic fertilizer
is quasi-experimental design. Which aims to determine the cause and effects
of the interventions between independent and dependent variables, Thus,
provides a better understanding in utilizing school wastepaper and banana
peels as an alternative organic fertilizer and its prospective effects on the
growth rate of seedling sprouts.

Research Sampling

The study was conducted in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy of

Linamon, located in the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines. The primary
objective of this research is to explore the potential of using school waste
paper and banana peels as an alternative organic fertilizer for the school

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community in Our Lady of perpetual Help Academy. The research aims to
identify and evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of school waste paper
and banana peels as a viable alternative; and to investigate the environmental
implications of using it in growing eggplant and snow cabbage.

Research Instrument

In this research, various instruments have been used the following are
research standardized instruments that will be used in this study:

Ruler. To measure the growth rate of seedlings in inches (in).

Moreover, an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) statistical technique is

used to compare means of a dependent variable across different groups,
while statistically controlling for the effects of one or more covariates.
Furthermore, with this method used, the researchers are allowed to test the
product in terms of growth rate, and ideal measurement of the fertilizers ratio.

Data Gathering Procedure

The SWPABP fertilizer was created to lessen the number of

wastepaper being thrown in landfills with the integration of banana peels as
an alternative fertilizer. Hence, the researchers followed a series of
procedures that served as a guide in this study. In addition, the researchers
had observed the seedlings in a span of two weeks, in which are assessed
using the metric system. Consequently, with the total number of seedlings that
successfully progressed, depending on the specific type of seeds, the
average growth rate will be calculated by adding all the recorded data via
length of sprouts and divided by the total number of progressed seedlings.

Steps in Data Gathering of Growth Rate of Seedlings:

Step 1: After two-three weeks, record the seedlings from the control and
experimental plot.

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Step 2: Using a measuring tool (12-inch ruler or measuring tape), estimate the
sprouts and record the gathered data.

Step 3: Calculate the gathered data using the formula shown in Statistical
Tool

Statistical Tool

The statistical tool used in this research will depend on the growth of
the seeds achieved within two-three weeks. The number of specific seedling
species which are 2 eggplants and 2 snow cabbage will be computed using
the ANOVA formula. Hence, the average growth rate of the seedling will be
used to analyze the data for the given problems. The formula used is shown
below

Yij=β0+β1Xij+β2Zi+ϵij

Where:

Yij = is the dependent variable for individual i in group j

Xij = is the treatment condition

Zi = is the covariate

β0 = is the intercept

β1 = is the coefficient for the treatment condition

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β2 = is the coefficient for the covariate

ϵij = is the error term.

Chapter 4

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

As evaluated, the researchers had intended to test the growth rate of

the seedlings treated with SWPABP fertilizer and natural conditions in a span
of 2 weeks. In addition, there will be two types of seedlings each quantified to
a number of 2 seeds that are to be used for this experiment, the seeds are
namely; two (2) eggplant and two (2) snow cabbage totaling overall to 4
seedlings each plot. Furthermore, there will be no chemical fertilizers included
in the process, water is the only material used in sustaining the growth of the
seedlings.

Table 4.1 This shows the recorded length in inches of the eggplant and
snow cabbage sprouts under different treatments after two (2) weeks.

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Table 4.2 This graph shows the difference of growth in plants under the
different treatments after two (2) weeks.

Table 4.3 ANCOVA Analysis

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 The table above contains the result of the ANCOVA analysis, showing

the comparison between the two groups. For instance, in the second group

the F value is high in indicating a significant difference between the two

groups, and the p-value is less than 0.001, further confirming the statistical

significance of the difference. It is also observed that the treatment involving

more waste paper in the 1st week shows an F-value of 3.961 and a p-value of

0.103, indicating a moderate effect that is not statistically significant at the

commonly used significance level of 0.05. While the treatment involving more

banana peels in the 2nd week shows the highest F-value of 365.828 and a p-

value of less than 0.001, indicating a highly significant effect on the dependent

variable. This data suggests that the higher the amount of banana peels, the

more it is effective whereas the more wastepaper, the more it slows down the

process of decomposition.

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Chapter 5

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

Every day, an enormous amount of paper is thrown away and wasted.

That results to environmental pollution such as soil pollution, air pollution, and
water pollution. With this issue, the researchers were inspired to devise a
simple and effective method of reducing its numbers in a way that would
benefit the community. The researchers came up with a method to reduce the
amount of paper that is thrown away and wasted by converting wastepaper
into an alternative organic fertilizer with the integration of banana peels.
Hence, by using biodegradable materials that are easily accessible, creating
fertilizer with the said materials could provide the advantage of lessening the
amount of wastepapers being thrown in landfills while sustainably helping the
growth of plants.

Moreover, by innovating this idea into a product that can help benefit
farmers, community, Department of Agriculture and people who are interested
in cultivating their own plants, consumers can now use school wastepaper
and banana peel fertilizer instead of purchasing a commercialized version of
such product. Therefore, it is much more preferable as it is cost-effective and
environment friendly due to how it is utilized especially in recycling.

Implications

This study implies that the School Wastepaper and Banana Peel as an
alternative organic fertilizer for developing seedlings is a good alternative
compared to the purchased commercialized versions of the said fertilizer. The

21
SWABP Fertilizer is cost-effective in terms of material costs and it allows the
users to be more nature friendly as they are helping their plants grow and also
contributing to the minimizing of wastepapers in the planet.

Conclusion

The utilization of school wastepaper and banana peels as an

alternative organic fertilizer presents promising opportunities for sustainable
agricultural practices. Throughout this study, the researchers have explored
the feasibility, efficacy, and environmental benefits of this innovative
approach. The following key points summarize the findings and implications of
our research:

1. Soil Health Improvement. The application of SWPABP Fertilizer

promotes soil health by enhancing microbial activity, improving soil
structure, and increasing water retention capacity. This leads to better
nutrient uptake by plants, and overall soil health improvement.

2. Waste Reduction. by converting school wastepaper and banana peels as

an alternative organic fertilizer, it contributes to waste reduction to the
school. And addresses the pressing issue of waste management while
simultaneously providing a sustainable solution for agricultural needs.

3. Cost-Effectiveness. Compared to chemical fertilizers, which often incur

high costs, the production and utilization of organic fertilizers from school
wastepaper and banana peels offer a cost-effective alternative. This is
particularly beneficial for small-scale farmers and resource-constrained
agricultural systems.

Moreover, it is evident that the utilization of school wastepaper and banana

peels as an alternative organic fertilizer holds significant potential for
enhancing agricultural sustainability and addressing environmental
challenges. However, further research is needed to optimize production
techniques, assess long-term impacts on soil health and crop productivity.

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Recommendations

1. The researchers of this study would like to recommend the future

researchers who plans on proceeding this study to include a
satisfaction rate from the target market such as farmers, community,
Department of Agriculture and to people who are also interested in
cultivating plants. Therefore, the efficacy of the product can be tested
without bias.

2. The researchers of this study would like to recommend the future

researchers who plans on proceeding this study to test the sun
exposure of plants while using the treatment as it may have different
result.

3. To the future researchers who will use this study as a reference, it is

suggested that they should have a comparison between seedling
sprouts with treatments from SWPABP Fertilizer, Chemical Fertilizer,
and Traditional Fertilizer

4. The researchers would recommend the use of School Wastepaper and

Banana Peels as a growing medium for selected plants, to further
promote the minimization of wastepapers being thrown in landfills.

23
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