This research aimed to determine the efficacy of Nutrihydro and banana (Damilig) peel extract as liquid
fertilizers for hydroponic lettuce growth. The study focused on several key objectives: identifying the
phytochemical compounds present in banana (Damilig) peel, determining the right amount of banana
(Damilig) peel extract for lettuce growth, and comparing its effectiveness to Nutrihydro. The research
aimed to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices and minimize reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This
research involved collecting banana (Damilig) peel and Nutrihydro, preparing the banana (Damilig) peel
extract, and applying varying concentrations of both fertilizers to hydroponically grown lettuce plants.
Plant height and weight were recorded throughout the experiment to assess the growth (weight and
height). The research findings have implications for sustainable agriculture practices, offering insights
into the potential of both organic waste and commercially available inorganic fertilizers in optimizing
plant growth.
This study aimed to investigate the potential of banana (Damilig) peel as a liquid fertilizer for lettuce
(Lactuca sativa L.), focusing on several key objectives. Firstly, it aimed to determine the phytochemicals
found in banana (Damilig) peel. Secondly, it sought to identify which fertilizer was more effective by
comparing banana (Damilig) peel and Nutrihydro liquid fertilizers based on their impact on the growth
characteristics of hydroponic lettuce, specifically the size of the leaves, the height, and the weight. The
Experimental Procedure involved obtaining direct-seeded lettuce, recording their initial heights, and
administering the treatments, which consisted of Nutrihydro and banana peel liquid fertilizer. The
fertilizers were replenished every five days, completing four cycles of fertilizer application. The
researchers monitored the growth characteristics of the lettuce, specifically tracking variations in height
and weight. The experimental setup required essential materials, including banana (Damilig) peel,
Nutrihydro, lettuce seedlings, water, and hydroponic systems. The banana (Damilig) peel extract was
prepared by cutting the peels into small pieces and soaking them in one liter of water for two days. The
extracts were then applied daily for twenty days, following the same schedule as Nutrihydro. Analysis
identified the presence of various beneficial phytochemical compounds in banana (Damilig) peel extract,
such as coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins. Treatment 5 exhibited the greatest height. This
study aimed to emphasize the potential of banana(Damilig) peel as an environmentally sustainable and
economically viable alternative to conventional fertilizers in agriculture.
Abstract
This study investigated the potential of banana peel extract as a sustainable and cost-effective
alternative to commercial fertilizers for hydroponic lettuce cultivation. The research aimed to determine
the phytochemical composition of banana peel extract and to evaluate its efficacy in promoting lettuce
growth compared to a conventional nutrient solution (Nutrihydro). Lettuce seedlings were grown
hydroponically and treated with varying concentrations of banana peel extract and Nutrihydro. Growth
parameters, including plant height, leaf area, and fresh weight, were monitored throughout the
experiment. Phytochemical analysis of the banana peel extract revealed the presence of various
beneficial plant compounds, including coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins which is essential for
plant growth. Results indicated that banana peel extract can effectively support lettuce growth, with
some treatment groups exhibiting comparable or even superior performance to the commercial nutrient
solution. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing agricultural waste as a nutrient-rich fertilizer
for hydroponic cultivation, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
