3

METHODOLOGY

A. CREATION OF THE HYDROPONIC NUTRIENT SOLUTION (HNS)

Materials:

Aloe Vera gel and Banana Peels

Aloe vera gel and banana peels were used as the main components for the solution

infused within the water in the hydroponic system.

Hot plate

The hot plate was used to extract the nutrients from the banana peels through a boiling

process.

Blender

The blender was used to break down the aloe vera plant and prepare it to strain its gel

content.

Strainer

The strainer was responsible in ensuring that impurities were removed from the banana

water and aqueous aloe vera gel through a filtering process.

Method:

Preparation of the banana peels and aloe vera gel.

To start with, the materials were assembled. The banana peels were removed from the

bananas while the aloe vera was prepared to be subjected within the blender. The peels and

gel were then transferred into different containers.

 4

Extraction of the banana water and aqueous aloe vera gel.

Using the hot plate, 250 grams of banana peels infused in a 4-L of water was subjected to

275 degree Celsius. After 45 minutes, the boiling banana peels were removed and cooled

down for 30 minutes. Afterwards, the cooled down banana peels were strained to collect its

aqueous form containing its nutrients. It then got transferred into a different container.

On the other hand, the aloe vera plant was broken down through a blender in order to

produce its aqueous gel substance. It then got strained and transferred into a container.

Formulation of the Solution

After the extraction of the banana water and aqueous aloe vera gel, the 200-mL solution

is finally ready. This solution would be incorporated to a 1-L of water to make the hydroponic

nutrient solution. This solution derived from banana peels and aloe vera gel would then be

used as a liquid-based fertilizer to be infused within the hydroponic system.

B. CREATION OF THE HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

Materials:

(1) Plastic bottle

A 7-liter plastic bottle was used to house the hydroponic system.

(6) Plastic cups

Six plastic cups measuring 6-oz were used to contain the plant.

Stick glue

By using a stick glue, the plastic cups were attached within the middle part of the plastic

bottle housing of the system.

 5

Sponge

Cube shaped sponges would be used to allow the plants absorb the nutrients from the

hydroponic nutrient solution even better.

Method:

Assemblage of the hydroponic system’s parts.

To start with, the 7-L plastic bottle was used to house the whole system. Afterwards,

using a cutter, 6 holes must be engraved on its center body part with three holes lined up

vertically on both sides. It should also be ensured that the plastic cups must fit perfectly within

the holes.

Consequently, the plastic cups were attached within the plastic bottles using a stick glue

to make sure that it will not fall out. Meanwhile, the Brassica rappa plant was placed within

each of the plastic cups containing the sponge. The bottom most part of the plant must be

pierced through the sponge in order to allow its roots to take advantage of the solution in a

consistently and more efficiently.

And then, the whole hydroponic system is already done and ready to use.

The utilization of this system would commence by pouring the hydroponic nutrient

solution into the plastic bottle through its head. Following to that, the plant will be put inside

the plastic cups in order to acquire the nutrients provided by the solution. Meanwhile, in order

for the plant to undergo a process of photosynthesis, the researcher ensured that the plant still

gets sunlight from the outside.

 6

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The hydroponic system was used to subject plants in a hydroponic nutrient solution.

This study specifically identified the progress and changes that occurred to the plant as it attains

its nutrients from the water-based fertilizer.

The seed of the Brassica rappa plant was first planted into the soil to begin the

sprouting process. Afterwards, the sprouted seed was transferred into the hydroponic system.

Major changes have already occurred after only 2 days of the plant’s exposure within the

system.

On the leaves, its number increased while it also exhibited fast leaf development with

15-mm being the leaf with the highest proportion.

On the roots, it showed better growth and propagation.

In addition, the height of the plant reached up to 90-mm.

Overall, the Brassica rappa plant which was subjected to the hydroponic system

showed significant developments from its parts to its whole plant structure.
 7

CONCLUSION

In the light of the results of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. This developed hydroponic system poses potential applications to areas where

farming is less cultivated as a result of extreme weather events and pest-infested farming

environments. With the help of this kind of farming, it will not only be able to maintain an

alternative way of traditional farming but also improve the sustainability through a water-

based nutrient source fertilizer derived from an organic waste which are banana peels and

highly available aloe vera plant.

2. With the sustainability and efficiency of hydroponic farming, it can generate

many possible customer benefits. This will allow individuals to incorporate farming within

their homes. Given the fact that this hydroponic system is not only limited to Brassica rappa

plant, it could also work on other plants and therefore have a permanent source of vegetables

or healthier preservation of various plants.

3. This innovative development poses a significant impact in solving

environmentally-induced plant stress problems that could possibly worsen in the next

generations. However, this study does not claim that soil-based farming should no longer be
 continued and improved, the main goal of the study is to create ways in growing plants that

would be most fitted on particular environments.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher of this study would like to express its deepest and sincerest gratitude

to the Almighty God, for allowing the success of the study be made possible through the support

of helpful individuals and the provision of adequate necessary resources.

Gratitude is likewise expressed to the following:

Mrs. Sarrah T. Dollete, the researcher’s coach, for her untiring supervision,

irrefutable effort, and conducive support which played vital roles in the success of the study.

Granja-Kalinawan National High School, the researcher’s school, for the provision

of the resources needed in the completion of the study.

Department of Education, for allowing scientific events that allow researchers to

transform science, technology, and engineering knowledge into innovative machineries.