NUESTRA SEÑORA DE ARANZAZU PAROCHIAL SCHOOL 1

Tel: 941-1269 Fax: 941-9966 Website: http://www.nsdaps.edu.ph

“I am an Aranzan, I C.A.R.E”

Elevating Agricultural Productivity with Sustainable

Food waste integration

A Science Investigatory Project

Presented to the Faculty of

Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu Parochial School

By: Group 2 from

Berhay, Reizia Marie V.

Chua, Rhyle Xavier

Lacno, Jilian

Lumapad, Herdy

Ong, Jestine Danielle

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Runes, Shanna

Salon, Xylia Samara L.

CHAPTER I

Introduction

This chapter presents the background of the study, the statement of the

problem, the hypothesis, the significance of the study, the scope and limitation,

and the definition of terms.

Background of the Study.

Plants may not have everything they need; however, our study teaches us to

reuse food waste, such as fruit peelings (e.g., banana, lemon, papaya, and

orange peels) and leftover meat bones or bone meal fertilizer (e.g., rib, shin, and

hip bones). It possesses the potential to go on a transformative process, wherein

it can be repurposed or converted into valuable sources through innovative and

sustainable methods, thereby reducing environmental impact and promoting a

more circular and eco-friendly approach to waste management. Every single day,

an extensive volume of waste is generated, with a substantial portion being

attributed to the disposal of fruit peels.

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Addressing this issue is imperative, as it poses a significant concern that requires

effective management strategies to ensure a pollution-free environment.

(Norman-Burgdolf | 2021) Fruit peels are a good source of nutrients since they

include Vitamin K, and a sufficient Vitamin K supply carries electrons from the

photosynthetic membrane, ranging to 332% on the fruit. Vitamin A plays a role by

helping to protect plants against disease and even some household pests.

Consists of for by 115%. Calcium (Ca) promotes a strong cell wall and overall

plant stability. Potassium (K) is essential since it promotes overall plant health,

enhances stress resistance, supports its quality, and improves plant functions—

typical fruit peelings with potassium consist of 115% extra potassium.

On the other hand, leftover rice contains starches and beneficial nutrients.

Leftover rice, a byproduct of cooking rice, is commonly generated in households.

Unfortunately, it's often thrown away, leading to unnecessary water wastage.

This is particularly concerning given the ongoing problem of water scarcity in

many countries. Rice has been identified as the most important crop in the

Philippines and thus, an important source for the Filipino farmers since its their

source of income (Bordey | 2010). It contains enough Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus

(P) and Potassium (K) fertilizers which are the essential nutrients needed by all

plants.

The strained water after boiling rice is also beneficial to plants and it contains

more nutrients than the rice water derived from only washing. Rice washing
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means fewer nutrients are available in rice which now enriched by these leached

nutrients, could be used as a liquid plant fertilizer and soil amendment.

Next is the Crushed eggshells, which could be a cheaper alternative for fertilizer

due to its nutrient content (Hamester et al., 2012; Faridi and Arabhosseini,

2018). Eggshells also contain both organic and inorganic components. The

primary constituent that contributes to the beneficial aspects for plants is calcium

carbonate. This compound, found in eggshells, can gradually release calcium

into the soil as it breaks down. Calcium is an essential nutrient for plant growth,

aiding in cell wall formation, root development, and overall plant health.

Additionally, eggshells contain other organic compounds that can enrich the soil,

such as proteins and amino acids, which may further support plant growth. By

incorporating crushed eggshells into the soil or using them as a natural fertilizer,

gardeners can provide plants with a slow-release source of calcium and other

nutrients, promoting stronger and healthier growth. (Hincke et al., 2012). The

crushed eggshells act as a barrier or for a simple meaning, it's like the protector

to deter certain pests. This natural pest control method can help protect

vulnerable plants from damage.

Statement of the Problem

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We students always have unanswered questions our entire lives, just like these

questions that are important for our research.

1. Among the food waste fertilizers, which is the least effective food waste?

2. Which food waste works best as a fertilizer for plants to help them grow healthier

and stronger?

3. How much food waste can we save and use as plant fertilizers?

Hypothesis

(1) We think that it's leftover rice because it can attract pests and it contains
starch which slows decomposition

(2) We believe the best homemade fertilizer is using fruit peels because it
contains a lot of nutrients like Vitamin K, calcium and potassium.

(3) As students, we believe we can have one plastic bag containing enough
homemade fertilizers that we can use for lessening waste and a good source for
our plants.

Significance of the Study

Our study aims to tell people that recycled leftover foods can be suitable for our

plants. Our study focuses on the development and application of homemade

fertilizer. We aim for individuals passionate about gardening by sustaining

gardening practices by offering insights into creating homemade fertilizer, a cost-

effective and environmentally friendly solution. Our study can help individuals
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who cannot afford a package of plant fertilizer to start making their homemade

fertilizer, empowering them with a sustainable and budget-friendly alternative to

nourish their plants and gardens and by promoting the use of readily available

kitchen scraps, emphasizing the significance of composting, and offering simple

DIY solutions.

Gardeners can use homemade fertilizer because it saves much money, makes

them valuable and helpful for plants, and allows them to use their creativity in

making their fertilizers.

Agriculture Vloggers can encourage their viewers that making homemade

fertilizer is a sustainable alternative to commercial and eco-friendly options.

Plant Tita/Tito can spend their time in the kitchen making their homemade

fertilizers and can do their likeness or follow the instructions on how to use their

homemade fertilizers so that their plants can grow more and be healthy.

Family members can use their creativity to decide which homemade fertilizers

they will use, tailoring the formulations to the specific needs of their plants and

making the gardening experience more personalized and enjoyable

Scope and Delimitations

Our research aims to experiment the effectiveness of homemade fertilizer to the

plants. The valuable things inside of a homemade fertilizer are that it has
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nitrogen that promotes plant development, phosphorus promotes root

development and potassium that helps to resist the plants diseases. Beyond

enhancing plant health, incorporating homemade fertilizers cultivates a creative

mindset in gardening. Crafting your own nutrient blends with natural ingredients

encourages a hands-on, imaginative approach to plant care. The study will be

performed on Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu by the grade 7A students this year.

Conceptual Framework
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Materials Procedure Output

· Ensures that using

· Banana peels 1. Make sure the pots are
homemade fertilizer
filled with soil.
· Leftover Rice
with frequent
2. Ensure good drainage in
· Crushed eggshells observance the plant
the container.
is expectedly looks
· Soil
3. position the seedlings in healthy and more
· Water can
the pots, leaving enough nourished

· Pots space between each plant.

· cabbage seeds 4.use the mini trowel to dig

small holes for planting.

· Shovel

· Plastic Bottles

5. sprinkle a small amount

· Funnel
of the homemade fertilizer

around the base of each

plant.

6. Water the plant

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thoroughly

7. Regularly observe your

plants for signs of growth

and adjust the frequency of

fertilizer application if

needed

Definition of Terms

Homemade fertilizer: created to provide essential growth and health for the

plants. This fertilizer can be made with kitchen scraps and yard waste which can

be composted together to create a nutrient-rich soil conditioner that enhances

plant growth effectively. This natural method fosters healthy soil and supports

vibrant plant development.

Chopped banana peels: serve as a natural and rich source in potassium. Parts

of the plant are rich in nutrients and can contribute to soil fertility.

Left-over rice: it releases organic matter to support plant growth. Offers a

natural and budget-friendly solution for nurturing plants, whether indoors or

outdoors. Its nutrient-rich composition can support healthy plant growth and

vitality, making it a valuable addition to your gardening routine.

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Crushed eggshells: provide a source of calcium which can contribute to the

whole plant's health. This homemade fertilizer is eco-friendly and cost-effective,

offering a sustainable way to nourish your plants.

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Chapter II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter contains a review of local and foreign literature and studies.

Related Literature

Foreign Literature:

According to (Kativha et al 2023) “Homemade fertilizers are prepared using

kitchen scraps or waste like grass, eggshells and more. Homemade 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

plants, but they help the soil. Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, deplete the

soil of its nutrients, making it unproductive (Bonti and Yiridoe, 2006).

Homemade fertilizer is safe for using for the plants and will not break up the

things were planting.

Local Literature:

Fertilizers are used to improve soil fertility but intensive inorganic fertilizer usage

in agriculture causes so many health problems and unrecoverable environmental

pollution. Thus, to reduce and eliminate the adverse effects of Synthetic fertilizers

on human health and environment, now-a-days a new agricultural practice have

been developed called as healthy agriculture, sustainable agriculture or

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ecological agriculture (Aksoy, 2001). Nitrogen (N) promotes rapid growth,

increases leaf size and encourages shoots growth. It is a component of

chlorophyll and gives plants their greenness. Phosphorus (P) or phosphate

encourages seed germination and early growth, stimulates blooming, enhances

bud set, aids in seed formation and hastens maturity. Only small quantities are

needed. A deficiency in phosphate shows stunted growth. Potassium (K) or

potash is associated with the size and quality of fruit and flowers. It toughens up

plants and protects them from pests and diseases. (Sullivan et al 2004).

Related Studies

Foreign study:

Homemade fertilizers provide important nutrients to plants and make the soil

healthier. Using these homemade options can be cheaper and better for the

environment compared to store-bought fertilizers. So, in different parts of the

world, people are learning that homemade fertilizers can be a great way to help

plants grow well and take care of the environment at the same time. The

application of organic fertilizer also dramatically enhanced the bacterial and fungi

diversity, which may contribute to better soil respiration. The results obtained in

this study reveal the insightful effect of organic fertilizer on improvement of fruit

quality and soil health and can supply technical assistance to organic cultivation

of fruit peels. (Wang, 2022).

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Local study:

According to studies by Faria et al. (2016) Most plants require specific amounts

of the top three macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Banana

peels also contain manganese which aids in the process of photosynthesis,

sodium and more which are necessary for some plants and others. According to

the studies of (Hiral et al 2016), powdered fruit peels from fruits like bananas,

oranges, pomegranates, and others can be used as fertilizer for the ground,

regulating pH level sand adding nutrients like zinc, iron, and calcium. They also

stressed that using these peels in fertilization does not come at a high cost,

making it more affordable and assists in turning trash into useful commodities.

Both have been explained and it has recently become widespread to use fruit

and vegetable peels as fertilizer for the soil. This is because using various

formulations of homemade fertilizers with fruit peels has increased efficiency.

These studies often focus on the agricultural practices of local farmers who rely

on readily available materials to create their own fertilizers, such as compost,

organic matter, and locally sourced nutrients. The impact of using homemade

fertilizers lies in their potential to enhance soil fertility, promote sustainable

farming practices, and reduce dependency on expensive commercial fertilizers.

Homemade fertilizers not only provide essential nutrients to plants but also

contribute to improved soil structure and water retention.

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Chapter III

Research Design

This chapter contains the experimental design, the method used, and

procedure (which can be modified depending on the procedure conducted for the

study)

Research Design and Methodology The basic material for experiments is

the soil. Cabbage seed is the plant we’ll be testing. We’ll be comparing the

ingredients to see if we can find the best fertilizer for plants, such as chopped

banana peels, leftover rice, or eggshells, the water can be potted for watering the

plants every day. To clean up the soil and plants that have fertilizer everyday with

a small hoe, shovel or tiny rake. Our methodology is observation, so we are

going to observe its growth, health and leaf color

Sampling

We gathered various plant samples and divided them into groups. Some of the

plants have natural fertilizers such as banana peels, left over rice, egg crushed,

and a plant that doesn't have fertilizer. This helped the researcher to see how the

naturals fertilizers worked and the plant without fertilizer for the plant's growth.

The researcher made sure to take a picture for us every week to see its growing

condition and effectiveness.

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Sampling Technique

The researchers use a simple technique to select a type of plant for our research.

In this way, the researchers can make sure that the plant can experience the

different types of fertilizers on how it affected its growing condition for our study.

By using this simple technique, it helps researchers to determine the effect of a

natural fertilizer on a plant

Materials

Cabbage seeds, soil, egg crushed fertilizer, chopped banana peels, Funnel,

leftover rice, plants tools and plastic bottle

Procedure

Data Gathering

The experimentation is still ongoing, however, after a few days we saw the

differences in how the different types of homemade fertilizers affect the plants.

First, plant with the chopped banana peels. The researchers saw how the

cabbage grew fastly compared to the other homemade fertilizers, however, the

peels aren’t high in a variety of nutrients, and they won’t provide those nutrients

to plants. Since it isn’t high in nitrogen, it's not going to be enough to help all

plants grow to their best potential, yet it still helps the plants develop strong roots

and repel pests. This information is all that researchers have for now. Second,
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Left over rice. After 2 weeks, as it decomposes, the bacteria and fungi break

down the rice into organic matter, which provides some essential nutrients for the

plant. The rice will break down slowly over time, releasing its nutrients into the

soil. This will help your plants grow stronger and healthier. However, it's

important to note that rice should be used in moderation, as too much can attract

unwanted pests and lead to over-fertilization. If the leftover rice is not

decomposed properly, it can create an unpleasant odor and attract unwanted

animals. It's also important to note that leftover rice should not be the sole source

of nutrients for plants as it does not contain all the essential nutrients required for

healthy plant growth. Lastly, crushed eggshells. After two weeks, the crushed

eggshells will start to decompose and release the nutrients into the soil. As the

eggshells break down, they release some nutrients which are slowly absorbed by

the plant's roots.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The researchers analyzed the data to understand how natural fertilizers impact

plant growth. They use math to understand the data collected while testing the

different kinds of fertilizers. First, we compared the plants' height after a week or

two to see how it grew and how much cabbage it grown. Then, we compared the

numbers to see if the difference is big between the plants that got fertilizer and

the ones that don’t. This helps the researchers to determine on what the impact

of it to the plants.
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The height of the Cabbage is 8 inches if it’s used with banana fertilizer. Two

Cabbages has grown. The height of the Cabbage is 6 inches if it’s used with

crushed egg shells. Two cabbages had also grown.

In rice fertilizer, we sadly didn’t have a result but we researched on what is the

height on the Cabbage when used with rice fertilizer, Cabbage will grow 6 to 10

inches after two weeks. Banana fertilizer was the most effective one since it’s

height is taller and has the same amount of cabbages grown using crushed

eggshells.

Till this day, we still continue on studying the plants.

Chapter IV

Data Analysis and Interpretation

This chapter contains presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data.

Presentation

Type of Fertilizer: Weeks of Growing: Trials we do: Result:

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Banana Fertilizer 4 weeks 2 trials The plants with

banana peels is
the fastest to
grow

The plant with

left-over rice had
Left-over rice 5 weeks 2 trials a longer week
and it did not
have a result

The fertilizer
helped prevent
Eggshells 5 weeks 2 trials the cabbage from
rotting

Analysis

The table shows about our planting with different three fertilizers to compare

what is the best for the plants: banana fertilizer is 4 weeks before growing and

its so good for the plants, it makes the plants to be healthy; We did 2 trials

because our first try has failed. The procedure that involved is soil then put the

seeds and then watering it before putting it on a safe place. On the other hand,

left-over rice fertilizer we took 2 trials to get a perfect fertilizer for the plants. It

was unexpected that left-over rice didn’t work it was on a great condition before

but as days go by, it has gotten weak and left with no cabbages was planted.

Last but not the least, Eggshells. Like Left-over rice, it took five weeks for it to

grow. As we analyze the plant, it was healthy like the banana fertilizer.
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Interpretation of data

1. According to Dr. Elizabeth Royte (2005), fruit peels are often regarded as

the least effective food waste for fertilizer due to their slow decomposition

rate and lower nutrient content compared to other food waste types.

2. According to Jessica Ball, M.S., RD (2021), coffee grounds, eggshells,

and fruit peels are the food wastes that work best as fertilizer for plants

because they are rich in nitrogen, calcium, potassium and can repel bugs.

3 . According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), (2013), its

estimated that up to one-third of all produced for human consumption is lost or

wasted annually, which amounts to approximately 1.3 billion tons. This vast

amount of food waste can potentially be repurposed as plant fertilizers

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Chapter V

Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendation

This chapter presents the summary of the findings of the research based

on the indicated data set for the statement of the problem. This also includes the

conclusion and recommendation.

Summary

After studying, researching, and testing the banana fertilizer, crushed

eggshells, and left-over rice, We have learned that banana fertilizer

contains plenty of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium,

which can improve your plant's growth development, quality, and more.

Banana fertilizers are easy to make; just get a banana peel, cut it, then

grab any type of bottle, put some water, put the peels on the bottle, wait

for 2-3 days till it turns like a brown liquid, then that's the right time to

drizzle the liquid to the plant that has cabbage seeds. Crushed eggshells

can deter some pests due to their sharp edges. It also has calcium,

essential for the plant's nutrients and moderates soil acidity. Eggshells are

an ideal supplement for the plants you plan to grow. It's easy to make.

Just grab 1-2 eggshells, crush them however you like, and then put them

around to plant. Left-over rice is not essential for most plants but contains

nutrients that are important to other plants. Using rice fertilizer can help

reduce waste. You need two water bottles, a strainer, and rice to make
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rice fertilizer. You first need to put some water in the bottle, then put the

rice, then wait 2-3 days for it. Then, you use a strainer to separate the rice

and water. You must use another bottle where you can put the water, and

then when finished, you can put the water on the plant.

Conclusion

Banana peel (Musa sapientum) contains many nutrients and minerals.

Banana peels contain nutrients, including potassium, calcium and

phosphorous, those are the essential nutrients in fertilizer. Banana peel

fertilizer or our product can make the plants grow faster. Banana peels

contribute to soil health by promoting microbial activity and improving

soil structure. Additionally, banana peels can help deter pests and

diseases due to their antimicrobial properties. To utilize them

effectively, banana peels can be chopped or blended and then added

to compost piles or directly buried around plants as a natural and

sustainable fertilizer option. This makes banana peels an excellent

choice for sustainable gardening practices, reducing the need for

synthetic fertilizers while recycling kitchen waste effectively.

Recommendation
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According to our research, Let's make a significant upgrade by replacing

the problematic material with a much safer and healthier alternative to

achieve maximum growth and yield; focus on a fertilizer schedule high in

potassium, with additional supplementation from organic nitrogen

sources; we recommend the use of banana fertilizer. Using banana peel as

fertilizer will boost some plants more than others, particularly those that

blossom and fruit. (Drew Swainston, 2023). It has potassium and

magnesium, which contribute to growth and stronger stems. We can avoid

using chemical fertilizer since it's not mandatory for the plants. Banana

fertilizers are affordable; you can buy them anywhere and are easy to

make.

Enter

Xylia Samara L. Salon

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4 Clemente santos, Dulong bayan 2, SMR

xyliasamaralipatasalon@gmail.com

III. Personal Profile

Date of Birth: July 20, 2011

Place of Birth: Maly San Mateo, Rizal

Citizenship: Filipino

Sex: Female

Age: 12

Religion: Roman Catholic

Father’s Name: Rowell DR. Salon

Mother’s Name: Kathleen Joy L. Salon

IV. Educational Background

Junior High School: Nuestra Senora De Aranzazu Parochial School

Elementary: Dulong Bayan Elementary School