Manuscript Mixed Part 3 PDF

Preview

Summary

Using alternative fertilizer in hydroponics system....

Description

THE EFFICACY OF FERMENTED FRUIT JUICE AND FERMENTED PLANT JUICE AS ALTERNATIVE NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS IN ORGANIC HYDROPONICS USING BRASSICA RAPA SUBSP. CHINENSIS INTRODUCTION The Topic The word ‘Hydroponics’ comes from the English word “hydro” which means “water” and the Greek word “ponos” which means “to labor or toil”. Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, which is the growing of plants in a soil less medium, or an aquatic based environment. Hydroponics uses mineral nutrient solutions that are mixed into the water to feed the plants. There are two types of hydroponics: Inorganic Hydroponics and Organic Hydroponics. Inorganic hydroponics use commercialized nutrient solutions while organic hydroponics use organic sources which includes but are not limited to old vegetation, animal and fish by-products such as duck manure, fish waste, worm castings and many more. Big-scale commercial growers prefer inorganic hydroponics over organic hydroponics because commercialized nutrient solutions have adjusted nutrient concentrations essential for a specific plant. This confirms and assures the growth of the plants grown hydroponically. Organic hydroponics is less preferred because it introduces a number of challenges that aren’t easily resolved such as differentiation of nutrient concentrations and the possibility of disease transmissions. The newly formulated Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ) and Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), which are considered as effective organic fertilizers for the natural farming method, have the essential nutrients needed for plant growth such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. These 1

organic fertilizers, if used as a nutrient solution, can also cancel out the disadvantages of the known sources of organic nutrient solution as it will not form in clumps in the solution system, and lessens the possibility of causing diseases to both the plants and the human consumers. Thus, it is essential to conduct a research concerning FFJ and FPJ as a nutrient solution for organic hydroponics. The Research Problem Hydroponics technology has been confirmed as an effective gardening method throughout the world. Most hydroponics users prefer to use commercialized inorganic nutrient solution because these solutions were already scientifically formulated and tested. However, inorganic hydroponics technology uses chemicals when formulating inorganic nutrient solutions. This fact questions the nutritional value of hydroponically grown plants and the health of the consumers. On the other hand, using organic nutrient solution in hydroponics is considered safer for human consumption but this method was mostly neglected by agriculturist and agri-business companies due to its complexity and lack of validity for its effectiveness. These organic nutrient solutions are mostly made from organic components such as animal and fish manure, worm castings, guanos plant extracts, potash, kelps, fish meal, seaweed meal and etc . With these components as organic solution, accurate maintenance and constant monitoring is required due to the fact that there are possibilities that these components would form in clumps within the solution system and disrupt the flow of nutrients. Organic production can also cause more problems with pests, diseases and emission or foul odors than inorganic production. Thus, there is a need for formulating a new and effective organic nutrient solution that can expel these disadvantages of organic hydroponics yet maintain the assurance of the plant’s nutrient value.

2

Background and Justification of the Study Hydroponics is a technology for growing plants in nutrient solutions (water containing fertilizers) with or without the use of an artificial medium (sand, gravel, vermiculite, rock wool, perlite, peat moss, coir, or sawdust) to provide mechanical support. A plant gets its food source by turning Co2, light and water (or hydrogen) into carbohydrates through a process called photosynthesis. With hydroponics growing, plants are grown without soil so they must get their nutrients from the nutrient solutions added to water. The absence of soil in growing means that hydroponics systems must have some way of supporting the plants while still allowing the bare root system maximum exposure to the nutrient solution. Often a “growing medium” is used for support and to aid in moisture and nutrient retention in hydroponics growing. Because they lack media to store water and nutrients, water culture systems need a continuous flow of nutrients to prevent

drying

out

the

(http://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Brochures/prodGuideHydroVeg.pdf).

plant The

word

roots hydroponics

comes from two Greek words ‘hydro’ meaning water and ‘ponos’ meaning labor. This word was first used in 1929 by Dr. Gericke, a California professor who began to develop what previously had been a laboratory technique into a commercial means of growing plants. The U.S. Army used hydroponic culture to grow fresh food for troops stationed on infertile Pacific islands during World War II. By the 1950s, there were viable commercial farms in America, Europe, Africa and Asia. The advantages of hydroponics are the following: it can be used in places where in-ground agriculture or gardening is not possible (for example, dry desert areas or cold climate regions), there is lower water and nutrient costs associated with water and nutrient recycling, faster growth due to more available oxygen in root area, elimination or reduction of soil related insects, fungi

3

and bacteria, it yields much higher crops, no weeding or cultivation required and crop rotation/fallowing is not necessary (Shrestha, Dunn, 2013). Nutrient Solutions Inorganic Nutrient Solutions The formulation of hydroponic solutions is an application of plant nutrition, with nutrient deficiency symptoms mirroring those found in traditional soil based agriculture. However, the underlying chemistry of hydroponic solutions can differ from soil chemistry in many significant ways. Unlike soil, hydroponic nutrient solutions do not have cation-exchange capacity (CEC) from clay particles or organic matter. The absence of CEC means the pH and nutrient concentrations can change much more rapidly in hydroponic setups than is possible in soil. Selective absorption of nutrients by plants often imbalances the amount of counter ions in solution. This imbalance can rapidly affect solution pH and the ability of plants to absorb nutrients of similar ionic charge For instance, nitrate anions are often consumed rapidly by plants to form proteins, leaving an excess of cations in solution. This cation imbalance can lead to deficiency symptoms in other cation based nutrients (e.g. Mg2+ ) even when an ideal quantity of those nutrients are dissolved in the solution. Depending on the pH and/or on the presence of water contaminants, nutrients such as iron can precipitate from the solution and become unavailable to plants. Routine adjustments to pH, buffering the solution, and/or the use of chelating agents is often necessary (Douglas, 1985). Nevertheless, generally acceptable concentrations for nutrient solutions exist, with minimum and maximum concentration ranges for most plants being somewhat similar. Most nutrient solutions are mixed to have concentrations between 1,000 and 2,500 ppm (Gericke, 1940). Acceptable concentrations for the individual nutrient ions, which comprise that total ppm figure,

4

are summarized in the following table. For essential nutrients, concentrations below these ranges often lead to nutrient deficiencies while exceeding these ranges can lead to nutrient toxicity. Optimum nutrition concentrations for plant varieties are found empirically by experience and/or by plant tissue tests. The essential macronutrients are Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfur while the essential micronutrients are Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Boron, Molybdenum and Nickel (Douglas, 1985). Organic Nutrient Solutions Organic fertilizers can be used to supplement or entirely replace the inorganic compounds used in conventional hydroponic solutions. However, using organic fertilizers introduces a number of challenges that are not easily resolved. Organic fertilizers are highly variable in their nutritional compositions. Even similar materials can differ significantly based on their source (e.g. the quality of manure varies based on an animal's diet), organic fertilizers are often sourced from animal byproducts, making disease transmission a serious concern for plants grown for human consumption or animal forage, organic fertilizers are often particulate and can clog substrates or other growing equipment. Sieving and/or milling the organic materials to fine dusts are often necessary and some organic materials (i.e. particularly manures and offal) can further degrade to emit foul odors. Nevertheless, if precautions are taken, organic fertilizers can be used successfully in hydroponics (Douglas, Advanced guide to hydroponics: Soil less cultivation, 1985). FFJ (Fermented Fruit Juice) is a nutritional activation enzyme and is very effective in natural farming. FFJ is a kind of FPJ (Fermented Plant Juice) that only uses fruits as its main ingredients. FFJ is used as a foliar spray to enhance fruit quality "as a feed supplement for animals" and as a food supplement for humans. In general, FFJ is generally used more during the flowering and fruiting stage. Nutrients found commonly on fermented fruit juice were 5

phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Fermented Fruit Juice or FFJ is made from sweet ripe fruits, fruit vegetables and root crops. Thoroughly blended with crude sugar or molasses and stored for a short period of time, the fermented extract is applied to the plants to promote flowering and fruit setting. Fermented plant juice (FPJ) is a fermented extract of the plant’s blood and chlorophylls. Brown sugar is used to extract the essence through osmotic pressure. Therefore, FPJ is a rich enzyme solution full of these bacteria; invigorating plants and animals (Cho 2009). FPJ is rich in nitrogen. It is made from axillary buds and young fruits, fast growing plants, young leaves of plants and grasses. Mixed with crude sugar or molasses, the juice is extracted and fermented after storing for a period of time. The liquid is applied to plant’s leaves and growing points, soil around the plant, compost heap and animal beddings to fortify microbial activities. (B.D. 2017). Deficiencies in the Evidence There are existing studies for organic hydroponics using the known organic fertilizers such as fish and animal waste, guanos and worm castings. There are also studies of fermented fruit juice and fermented plant juice’s effect on the grown of other vegetables such as tomatoes and pechay. According to (Alam, 2017), the treated plants with FPJ and FFJ produced early flowers and fruits compared to untreated plants due to the enhanced production of auxin and essential nutrients. An experimental research was also conducted in Cotabato using FFJ and FPJ as bioorganic fertilizers through normal planting method (Tagotong & Corpuz, 2015). There are no existing studies concerning the usage of Fermented Fruit Juice and Fermented Plant Juice as nutrient solution for organic hydroponics. So in order to assure the efficacy of FFJ

6

and FPJ being a nutrient solution in organic hydroponics, a quantitative experimental research has to be done. Audience This research would benefit citizens of all types especially gardening hobbyists living in both urban and rural communities. First, this study would benefit the urban citizens because organic hydroponics dramatically reduced a farm-to-table method of gardening. This research can give them the capability to grow in the middle of the urban jungle; in condos, office-spaces, rooftops or patios. Hotels and restaurants can have easy access to fresh ingredients by building or making their own low space area hydroponic garden. Second, it benefits people living in rural areas as the study gives them an alternative use of ripened and wasted fruits and plants in the province. This study can also give rural citizens a cheaper nutrient solution than the more expensive and rarely available inorganic nutrient solution. Specifically, this study would benefit agriculturists, commercials and local growers/farmers, home gardeners, and local businessmen. Consumers can also be aware which healthier product of hydroponics has more nutrient value. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this experimental study is to determine whether or not FFJ and/or FPJ is an effective nutrient solution in organic hydroponics for leafy vegetables specifically the Pechay plant. This study is also made to create an economic value for the often put to garbage overripe fruit and plant. Research Questions

7

The central question: Can Fermented Fruit Juice and Fermented Plant Juice be used as a nutrient solution for organic hydroponics? The following are sub questions: 1. What are the characteristics, effects and nutritional content of FFJ and FPJ fertilizer in normal planting method? 2. Can the same characteristics and effects surface when FFJ is used as a nutrient solution in organic hydroponics? How about when FPJ is used? 3. Are the main nutrients found in FFJ and FPJ (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) be enough for the growth of the Pechay plant? 4. Can FFJ and FPJ nutrients work together to supply the plant when directly mixed with each other? 5. What is the difference in plant characteristics when using hydroponics technology organically (FFJ and FPJ) and inorganically? 6. Is this type of organic hydroponics better than the well-known inorganic hydroponics in terms of plant growth? 7. Can this type of organic hydroponics contribute greatly to the local community? How about the urban community? Hypothesis of the Study

8

1. Using FFJ and FPJ as nutrient solutions for organic hydroponics is more convenient than using animal by-products. 2. FFJ & FPJ organic fertilizers have Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K) which are the major nutrients that are essential for plant growth. 3. FFJ& FPJ are effective nutrient solution for the growth of Brassica Rapa. 4. Organic hydroponics with FFJ and FPJ as nutrient solutions are better in plant quality and nutritional value than inorganic hydroponics.

Definition of Terms Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ) - is an artificial honey. It is a nutritional activation enzyme and is very effective in natural farming. FFJ is a kind of FPJ that only uses fruits as its main ingredients. It is used to revitalize crops, livestock and humans. As the main fruit ingredients we can use Banana, Papaya, Mango, Grape, Melon, Apple etc (the fruits must be sweet). Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ)- is a fermented extract of a plant’s sap and chlorophyll's. It is a rich enzyme solution full of microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria and yeast that invigorates plants and animals. FPJ is used for crop treatments. Nutrient Solution- is a carefully proportioned liquid fertilizer used in hydroponic gardening. Nutrient solutions are available as a commercial product or in some cases hydroponic gardeners may mix their own. The nutrient solution is the primary nutrition plants receive in hydroponics, so it is essential that the solution is properly proportioned to maximize success. Pak Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) - Also known as Shanghai buk choy, Baby buk choy. Pak choy is really a green stemmed variety of buk choy. However, it is quite different in texture 9

and flavour; the stems are more flattened and less juicy than buk choy, the leaves are more tender and the whole vegetable has a milder flavour.Pak choy prefers warm climates but can grow under many different environmental conditions. It is increasingly common for commercial farmers to grow it hydroponically, which ensures that the stem bases are soil-free. They are naturally shallow rooted, fast growing, and need to be kept well watered. Fresh pak choy will store for up to a week in the fridge if it is kept in a plastic bag and the temperature is less than 5°C Hydroponics - the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil NPK- Nitrogen (N) – nitrogen is largely responsible for the growth of leaves on the plant. Phosphorus (P) – Phosphorus is largely responsible for root growth and flower and fruit development. Potassium (K) – Potassium is a nutrient that helps the overall functions of the plant perform correctly.

10

METHODOLOGY Research Approach This research is both quantitative and qualitative. This research has a quantitative approach because it mostly involves gathering and examining facts and observations that deals with empirical data and numbers. This study has a qualitative approach because there are qualities of the Pechay plant-such as the texture of the leaves and color of leaves- are observed, described and recorded through words. List of Variables Independent Variables: The independent variables in the experiment research are FFJ, FPJ for organic hydroponics and the SNAP nutrient solution for inorganic hydroponics. Dependent Variables: The dependent variables that were observed in the different treatments are height of the plant, weight of the plant, number of leaves, length of the leaves, width of the leaves, the texture of the leaves, the width of the stem, the length of the roots, width of the roots and the type of root growth. Confounding Variables:

11

In this research, there are variables that can strongly influence the study but does not give in to the researcher’s control. This is weather condition during the experimental set-up and the actual experimentation. Type of Experimental Research This experimental research is a true experimental research. There are two groups involved in this research. The experimental group that receives treatment were the hydroponic systems that had different formulated organic solution reservoirs applied to the samples. The control group which does not receive any treatment was the hydroponic system that had the SNAP inorganic solution reservoir applied to the samples. The samples used in the research were selected and assigned randomly as it composed both the experimental group and the control group. It is also a quasi-experimental research as it adopts a comparative analysis in order to determine the significant differences between subjects applied with and without treatment. Data Collection Procedure Apparatus: Transparent Ruler Weighing scale Styrocups (8 oz.) Box Styrofoam

12

Strainer Plastic Cover Masking Tape Seedling Tray Seratted bread knife or saw Barbeque stick Tin can with the top removed and the circular edge sharpened Polyethylene plastic bag Sampling: The sampling technique used was non-probability sampling. The researchers fermented their own FFJ and FPJ from selected fruit and plant sources. The test samples used were the FFJ and FPJ. FFJ was fermented using ripe banana bought from the local market and ripe papaya fruits from the garden, FPJ was fermented using vine spinach (alogbate), swamp cabbage (tangkong) and sweet potato (gay sa kamote) which are both bought from the local market and harvested from the garden. Specific amounts were gathered in order to compose the sufficient amount for each fermented mixture. Instrumentation The data collected from the experimentation is made through direct observation. Data and information are obtained through the use of sense organs, specially the eyes and the hands, as the

13

researchers gather information about the growth of the Brassica Rapa and other visible effects on the plant. The following were personally observed and gathered: root growth (e.g. the length of the roots, and the width of the roots and the type of root growth) and plant growth (height of the plant, weight of the plant, number of leaves, length of the leaves, width of the leaves, and the texture of the leaves). The root and plant growth were measured using a transparent ruler. The data gathered were re...