SCIENCE INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
Using chicken eggshells (Pee Pee Poo Poo)
and chopped-up saba banana peels
(Musa acuminata balbisiana) as a natural
fertilizer for lemons (Citrus limon)
Study By :
SOPHIE LEXINE A. COPRADA
Submitted To :
MRS. CATHERINE V. OBRA
I. Purpose of The Study
The purpose of the crushed egg shells and the chopped-up
banana peels are to act as a natural fertilizer for plants. Since
so many people are using chemical fertilizers nowadays, it will
harm not only the plant, but also whoever consumes it.
This study was also created to save money. Lemon, the fruit
used in the research, is around 25 php per piece or higher.
Lemons are a good source of vitamin C and of flavonoids, or
antioxidants, which are thought to boost health and wellbeing
in several ways. Being able to grow your own lemons quickly will
save a lot of money and provide you an endless amount of
healthy fruits, also, it is free.
Not only will this idea help you save money, it can also help
provide for you and your family. You can sell your lemons and
earn money. What’s even better is, you can also grow many
other fruits and vegetables with the eggshells and banana peels.
II. Related Literature
A. Properties/Characteristics
Egg
Chemical Properties
Eggshell is made almost entirely of calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
crystals. It is a semipermeable membrane, which means that air and
moisture can pass through its pores.
Banana Peels (Musa)
Minerals and Nutrients
Mineral content in a banana peel is primarily consistent of
potassium (78.10mg/g) and manganese (76.20mg/g). Other minerals
present are sodium, calcium and iron at 24.30, 19.20 and 0.61 mg/g
respectively. The peel’s high potassium content, if taken orally, aids
in maintaining normal blood pressure.
About 91.50 percent of a banana peel is organic nutrient matter
consisting of lipids, proteins, crude fiber and carbohydrates. About
31.70 percent of total mass is fiber with carbohydrates accounting
for 59 percent and protein and lipids accounting for 0.9 and 1.7
percents respectively. The high fiber content is useful as a natural
laxative.
Phytates
Phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphate) content of a banana
peel is 0.28mg/g, lower than in most whole grains. The only risk
associated with phytate and dietary consumption comes from a
lack of it. Low phytate consumption increases risk for osteoporosis
and adding it to the diet increases bone density.
Saponins
Saponins are known for their foaming property and are another
potentially dangerous constituent of a banana peel. The levels are
high in banana at 24 percent, greatly exceeding the 3.00 percent
level marked safe for consumption by animals.
Oxalates
Oxalates are organic acids associated with kidney disease and
are known to decrease the absorption of minerals, such as calcium,
in the body by binding with them decreasing their availability.
Hydrogen Cyanides
Of the anti-nutritive constituents the most poisonous is hydrogen
cyanide. It is present in the peel at 1.33mg/g. The chemical can
cause immediate death if taken in high dosages and in small
dosages may cause stiffening of the throat and chest, heart
palpitations and weak muscles. Amounts in a peel fall into the 0.5 to
3.5mg/g safe range.
B. Plant
Lemon (Citrus x limon)
Benefits
- Lowering stroke risk
- Maintaining blood pressure
- Cancer prevention
- Maintaining a healthy complexion
- Preventing asthma
- Increasing iron absorption
- Boosting the immune system
III. Method
How the fertilizer was made and how to add it to your soil can be
known by following these steps :
1. Gather your materials
First, get the eggshells by cracking open an egg and collecting the
eggshells. Then, gather some banana peels from the bananas in your
house. Also, prepare your lemon seeds and pot or the area you will
place your seeds and fertilizer in.
2. Crush the eggshells
Then, get your eggshells and crush then into small pieces, but not too
small. Make sure that you put in on a plate or container so that it
doesn’t get everywhere and so that you don’t waste any eggshells.
3. Cut the banana peels
Cut your banana peels using a knife. They should be cut into squares
of rectangles, so that they’re not too big nor small.
4. Prepare the pot
Get your pot then put soil inside. After that, dig a big hole in the middle
then place the eggshells inside. Add a layer of soil then the put a layer
of banana peels. Finally, add another layer of soil.
5. Plant the seed
From the lemons, take out the seeds that are inside. Poke your finger
into the soil and plant the seed. Cover it up by sweeping some soil
onto the seed.
