COMPARATIVE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CHINESE CABBAGE
(Brassica rapa) UNDER DIFFERENT HYDROPONIC SYSTEM DESIGNS
ANDREW GALON FAMADOR
PRINCE ARDEN AZUCENA AVANZADO
NATHANIEL ZEAN LARODA SESE
JESIE DEO SANCHEZ TOQUIB
KENT CEASAR SABUGA-A VELEZ
JAYVHINE MAE DELOS SANTOS LUMAPAS
A QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH PROPOSAL PRESENTED TO THE
FACULTY OF CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY LABORATORY
HIGH SCHOOL, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE
SCIENCE RESEARCH 1
MARCH 2021
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Recently, farming has become difficult, necessitating a large amount of land to produce a
large number of crops. According to Zavatta, G. (2014), over the last 50 years, agricultural
production has increased at a rate of two to four percent per year, while arable land has increased
at a rate of one percent per year. To address this problem, hydroponics is being used as the
method of farming where plants can be grown in nutrient-fortified water, instead of in soil.
Hydroponics has made it possible to cultivate and harvest crops in small spaces without the need
for soil. Given concerns of feeding a growing human population in a changing climate, scientists
believe hydroponic technology may be able to mitigate impending food shortages (Lagomarsino,
V., 2019). In addition, hydroponics is an agricultural technique that involves growing plants
without soil by using other growing media and nutrient additions in a solvent. In research from
Noblestudios (2018), the problem with allotting land has decreased significantly and has helped
yield higher quality crops in less time.
Various agricultural farming systems have been developed over the years, and the
majority of them have been effective in crop production, one of which is the Nutrient film
technique (Eric 2020). Nutrient film technique (NFT) is among the most popular systems for
commercial growing. It consists of channels that the roots are suspended in that allows nutrient
solution to flow through constantly. This system is recirculating and provides a shallow flow that
is referred to as a “film” of nutrients for the roots. This system is commonly used for leafy
greens, herbs, and even strawberries. Plants with quick-growing roots are not recommended as
they can cause too much resistance for the solution flowing through the channels (Espiritu, K.,
2018). The floating raft system has been used in large-scale or commercial aquaponics because
of its mass production capability and furthermore, it is considered one of the most efficient
aquaponic techniques Vergeer, A. (2019). In research from D’Anna, C. (2019), the Wick System
is the most basic form of hydroponics and is incredibly easy to set up. They are a great
introduction for beginners or students looking to learn the basic principles of hydroponics
without having to deal with the complex mechanisms of other systems. Nutrients are compounds
in foods essential to life and health, providing us with energy, the building blocks for repair and
growth, and substances necessary to regulate chemical processes.
Electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solution is one of the factors which affects the
success of the hydroponic systems. In a study conducted by (Hadid et al., 1996), With increasing
EC level of the nutrient solution the fresh weight of the three lettuce varieties was decreased. The
used EC levels of nutrient solutions and variation of used varieties had a little effect on mineral
composition of lettuce plants for some nutrients such as N, P and K. However, microelements in
lettuce plants were affected by EC levels and the varieties. On the other hand, pH level can
affect plant growth in many ways. Bacteria that change and release nitrogen from organic matter
and some fertilizers operate best in the pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 making this the optimum pH range.
According to (CustServ, 2021), a soil’s pH is directly connected to its concentration of major
nutrients, as well as its composition of microelements available for uptake by plants. When soil
pH is extremely high or low, the plants growing in it may suffer from nutrient deficiencies or
toxicities. In soils that are highly acidic or highly alkaline, key minerals and trace elements may
not be available in sufficient quantities for plants to grow properly. In addition, pH levels affect
the microbial processes that allow organic matter to decompose and deliver nutrients to the soil.
Objectives of the Study
This study generally aims to evaluate the growth performance of Chinese cabbages
(Brassica rapa) under different hydroponic system designs that will be built at home.
Specifically, the study aims to:
1. determine the growth performance of B. rapa under Nutrient Film Technique,
Floating Raft System, and Wick System.
2. compare the growth performance of B. rapa under Nutrient Film Technique,
Floating Raft System, and Wick System.
Hypotheses of the Study
Ho: There is no significant difference in the growth performance of Chinese cabbages
under different hydroponic systems.
Ha: There is a significant difference in the growth performance of Chinese Cabbages
under different hydroponic systems.
Significance of the Study
This study could help to identify a system that would create high-quality crops. It
could support those who want to be a gardener or a farmer. This research can also be used
as a means of disseminating knowledge which can also be used in other fields of
agriculture. Apart from this, the study can also be used as a guide to researchers who are
interested in hydroponics. Not only does this study help find the suited hydroponic
system for Chinese cabbages, as well as to help places where there is not enough space to
farm, this study can also be helpful to those who are new to hydroponics and this could
introduce it to those who are interested. Because of how little space the systems take up
compared to farms, we are given access to a safe and natural food source that is near us.
In addition to this, it could also help with the problem of soil erosion whereas it would
reduce soil productivity resulting in the reduction of crops harvested. To sum up
everything stated, it could benefit the productivity of crops.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study mainly includes the growth performance of the Chinese cabbages (B. rapa)
which will be tested on three Hydroponic Systems namely; Nutrient Film Technique, Floating
Raft System, and Wick System. The study will only focus on comparing and measuring the
growth performance on Chinese cabbages and not its nutritional value among the Hydroponic
Systems. As much as possible, readily accessible materials would be used in the making of the
Hydroponic Systems. The location, where the hydroponic system would be observed and tested,
and would be a relatively safe environment. The Hydroponic systems would be tested until the
Chinese Cabbage will mature, where the growth performance will be recorded in the experiment.
Operational Definition of Terms
Chinese Cabbage is a subspecies of the turnip and belongs to the same genus as such
western staples as cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflower. This corresponds to the growth
performance which may vary in the different Hydroponic Systems.
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants that uses a nutrient-rich solution with a
water-base, which means that soil is not used at all in a Hydroponics System. These were used as
the material to identify if there were differences in the Growth Performances of the Chinese
cabbage.
Water is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical
substance, which is the main constituent of Earth’s hydrosphere and the fluids of all living
organisms. This is used as a carrier as it dissolves and transports nutrients for the Chinese
Cabbage.
Nutrient Film System is an active system, it relies on moving parts to work. Nutrient
Film System or NFT uses a pump to deliver fertilized water to the grow tray and a drain pipe to
recycle the unused nutrient solution. This is used as an independent variable in the study.
Floating Raft Systems are constructed from styrofoam or other lightweight material
lined with foam. Plants are placed in holes on the rafts, allowing their roots to dangle into the
water. This is used as an independent variable in the study.
Wick Systems are passive, meaning they have no moving parts. This makes them easier
and cheaper to maintain than active systems. The best plants to grow in this system are plants
that do not require a lot of water, like lettuces and some herbs. This is used as an independent
variable in the study.
Traditional Farming can be defined as a primitive style of farming that involves the
intensive use of indigenous knowledge, traditional tools, natural resources, organic fertilizer and
cultural beliefs of the farmers. This is used as an independent variable in the study.
Growth Performance refers to the process or act of growing, especially in organisms
following an assimilation of food. It relates to an increases in size, number, significance, etc.
This is used as the dependent variable in the study.
pH Level is a quantitative measure of the acidity or basicity of aqueous or other liquid
solutions. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. pH less than 7 indicates acidity,
while pH above 7 indicates basicity.
Electrical conductivity can be defined as how much voltage is required to get an
amount of electric current to flow. This is largely determined by the number of electrons in the
outermost shell; these electrons determine the ease with which mobile electrons are generated.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Hydroponic Systems
According to (Ferguson, 2014), Hydroponic Systems "are cost-effective and can
complement a sustainable leafy green production". This study shows that hydroponic agriculture
can bring forth efficiently produced vegetables with high quality for both rural and urban farms
through proper temperatures, nutrient solutions, and environmental conditions. However
Palermo (2012) found that the nutritional quality of soybean seeds regarding fats and dietary
fiber was improved by hydroponic cultivation; whilst Hydroponic Systems, with some
exceptions including the Hydroponic System they made, in research from Zhou, Wei, Li, Zeng,
and Liu (2019), are unsuitable for growing plants of the citrus group. This shows that, while
certain Hydroponics Systems may suit certain species of plant, there are numerous that prove
ineffective for others.
In research from Mancini, L. and Scarascia Mugnozza, G. (1994), it shows that growing
Chinese cabbages in NFT enables higher yields to be achieved as compared to sand culture and
its protein content is far higher in the tissues of plants grown in NFT than on sand culture.
However, in a study conducted by (LIRA et al., 2019), the use of different treatments
(groundwater) had negatively affected the growth and yield of the watercress and Chinese
cabbage plants. The calcium chloride water was the most suitable for the watercress production
and none of the groundwaters used could be recommended for the production of Chinese
cabbage.
Floating raft systems have been one of the most effective aquaponics techniques. In a raft
system, the nutrient-rich water circulates through the long canals, usually at a depth of 20 cm
while rafts float on top. The plant roots then hang down in the nutrient-rich, oxygenated water,
where they absorb oxygen and nutrients to grow rapidly Vergeer A. (2019). Plants in the floating
raft system can easily suffocate if there is a lack of oxygen in the root zone. To prevent this, the
grower must maintain a high level of oxygen in their solution. Since The Philippines has a
warmer climate plants may be prone to suffocating, so it is ideal to regularly check the
temperature every so often Stephens, O. (2019).
Wick System is the simplest hydroponic system requiring no electricity, pump, and
aerators (Shrestha and Dunn, 2013). The wick system is the most environmentally friendly
hydroponics system. When placed in a location where your plants will receive an adequate
amount of natural light, electricity would no longer be necessary. Recycled materials and
renewable materials can be used in building this system. A hydroponic wick system consumes
less water and nutrients than the other hydroponics system. The biggest concern in hydroponic
wick systems is that the plants do not receive a sufficient amount of nutrient solution, due to the
low volume at which the liquid is delivered by the wicks. Wick systems are highly susceptible to
toxic build-up of nutrients. However, this problem can be easily solved by rinsing it out every
week or two in freshwater (Smart Garden Guide, 2019).
Chinese Cabbage
Chinese cabbages can refer to two cultivar groups of Chinese leaf vegetables often used
in Chinese cuisine. These cabbages (also known as Chinese leaves or celery cabbage) are
broadly divided into the headed types and the loose-headed types, depending on their propensity
to produce tight, compact heads of internal leaves. The crop originated in China and is believed
to have been derived from a cross between the Chinensis from the south and the turnip from the
north. While Chinese cabbage grows in both annual and biennial forms, it is only cultivated as an
annual. It grows in an upright head of closely overlapping leaves or a looser head of more spaced
leaves (R. Fordham, P. Hadley, 2003). Chinese cabbages are also called “napa”. Grown as an
annual crop, most cultivars are biennial and produce tight, compact, cylindrical heads (J.W.
Fahey, 2016). According to (Cabbage: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, Dosage &
Interactions, 2019), cabbages have been used for stomach pain, excess stomach acid, stomach
and intestinal ulcers, and a stomach condition called Roemheld syndrome.
Cabbages are also used to treat asthma and morning sickness. It is also used to prevent
weak bones (osteoporosis), as well as cancer of the lung, stomach, colon, breast and other types
of cancer. However, consuming an excess amount of Chinese cabbages may affect a person's
thyroid. Substances called goitrogens in cabbage can inhibit iodide transport to the thyroid, a
process necessary for normal thyroid function (Sobel, 2019). Furthermore, this vegetable, as well
as other cruciferous species, is characterized by high ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats
and growing conditions (Larkcom 2003; Maršalkienė et al. 2014). Chinese cabbage thrives best
during the cooler periods of the growing season. Although the optimal temperature range of
Chinese cabbage development is between 13 and 15 °C, certain cultivars tolerate the higher
temperatures of midseason providing there is ample soil moisture (Bureau of Plant Industry,
n.d.).
Hydroponic Solution
Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) is a low-cost hydroponic system for
soilless vegetable production. It is best for home-based vegetable production and ideal for small
spaces typical in urban areas. It is simple to set up, maintain and operate since it only requires
enough sunlight, air movement, and protection from the rain. Aside from this, SNAP does not
need electricity compared to other hydroponics systems since it incorporates passive aeration of
the nutrient solution used. The system is also inexpensive since about 90% of the supplies
needed to set up the system comes from recycled materials and it requires low manpower. Return
of investment can be realized as early as in the first year of operation (Simple Nutrient Addition
Program (SNAP) HYDROPONICS, n.d.).
pH level
The optimal pH level for most crops is between 5.5 to 6.0. The wrong pH level can
result in too little or too much of certain nutrients. When the pH level drops below 5.0, plants can
develop magnesium and calcium deficiencies or copper and iron toxicity. A pH level above 6 or
6.5, however, can cause iron deficiency (Judith, 2019).
Soils developed from basic rocks generally have higher pH values than those formed
from acid rocks. Rainfall also affects soil pH. Water passing through the soil leaches basic
nutrients such as calcium and magnesium from the soil. They are replaced by acidic elements
such as aluminum and iron. For this reason, soils formed under high rainfall conditions are more
acidic than those formed under dry conditions. Ground agricultural limestone is used in making
soils less acidic. Thus, different soils will require different amounts of lime (Kluepfel et al.,
2020).
In research from (Yadav, 2020), the pH level of the nutrient solution should be in the
range of 5.5 to 6.0, to grow Chinese cabbage. This is to ensure better availability of macro and
micronutrients. To maximize the garden's potential, pH must be measured often. pH fluctuations
are a regular part of Hydroponic gardening, so the pH of the hydroponic nutrient solution needs
to be adjusted often. To adjust the pH a product that is specifically made to adjust the pH of
hydroponic nutrient solution like, pH meter and pH up and down will be used (NoSoilSolutions).
Elctrical Conductivity
According to Sensorex (2020), the electrical conductivity of water is a term that refers to
how well or otherwise water is able to conduct electricity. Pure water has an extremely low
electrical conductivity because of the lack of impurities within it. For water to properly conduct
electricity, there must be ions contained within it. When various chemicals and salts dissolve into
the water, they will turn into negatively charged and positively charged ions. The positively
charged ions that can affect water include potassium, magnesium, and sodium. On the other
hand, negatively charged ions include carbonate, chloride, and sulfate. A higher amount of a
substance like sulfate can cause scale buildup to occur, which can damage boilers and other
pieces of industrial equipment. For environmental and industrial applications, measuring the
electrical conductivity of water is a very straightforward and inexpensive method of identifying
how many ions are present in the water. Once these measurements have been taken, the water
can be properly treated if necessary.
Crops cultivated in the high EC–low pH solution approached a bigger final height, but
relative growth rate was not different from the low EC–high pH solution, according to a study
done by (Wu & Kubota, 2008). As the pH level rises, electrical conductivity falls, which
connects to how it affects the growth performance of hydroponic crops.
Conceptual Framework
Fig. 1. Conceptual framework
Figure 1 shows the relationship between the variables. The growth of the Chinese cabbage
will differ from each method in growing them. Determining the difference in the growth of
Chinese cabbage is important in recognizing the growth performance of the cabbages. Lastly, the
methods in growing the cabbages will determine which is superior in growing the cabbages.
Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
Research design
This research is a Quantitative Research which gets results from the use of quantifiable
statistical data. It is an experimental and comparative study that compares the results of the
different nutritional components of Chinese cabbage in the Hydroponic Systems used in the
Research.
Location and Duration of the Study
The location of the study will be conducted in Purok - 15, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.
The systems will be placed in an open space where there will be no disturbance. Data gathering
will take 1 month
Experimental Treatment
Hydroponic solution will be distributed into the following treatments of different
hydroponic system designs: System 0 = Control (natural soil); System 1 = Hydroponic Solution
using Nutrient Film Technique; System 2 = Hydroponic Solution using Floating Raft System;
System 3 = Hydroponic Solution using Wick System. The experiment will be conducted
following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and will be replicated
System 0 = Control (natural soil)
System 1 = Nutrient Film Technique
System 2 = Floating Raft System
System 3 = Wick System
Experimental Procedure
The materials for the different hydroponic systems will be prepared, and once gathered, the
various hydroponic systems will be built. The seedlings will then be germinated and once fully
germinated, will be transferred into the various hydroponic system designs.
Preparation of Nutrient Film Technique
The materials needed for the construction of Nutrient Film Technique will consist of a
storage box for the reservoir, air pump, airline tubing, airstone, water pump and tubing, timer,
channel, net pots. Espiritu, K. (2018).
Fig.2. Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponic System Dimensions.
Figure 2 shows the dimensions of the Nutrient Film Technique which was adapted from
the study of Guzmán-Valdivia et al. (2019).
Preparation of Floating Raft System
Materials such as one styrofoam board, storage box and seedling bags. (Aquaponics,
n.d.).
Fig.3. Floating Raft System Hydroponic Design
Figure 3 illustrates the Floating Raft System concept that the researchers adapted from.
However, the Floating Raft System design that the researchers used did not have an air pump.
Preparation of Wick System
For the Wick System, the materials needed for the construction are a bucket, wicks,
growing medium and seedling bags. (Smart Garden Guide, 2019).
Fig.4. Wick System Hydroponic Design
Figure 4 shows the design of a Wick system and is adapted from the design of Home Hydro
Systems (n.d.).
Hydroponic solution
SNAP solution was bought online and was used as the hydroponic solution for the three
hydroponic systems.
Fig.5. SNAP Solution A&B
Figure 5 illustrates the Hydroponic solution that was used which was developed by scientists
from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Data Collection Procedure
Regular monitoring of the pH level and temperature of the Chinese cabbages will be
observed and will be measured for the analysis of the growth performance of the cabbages grown
in different hydroponic systems.
Data Analysis
The data collection will be tabulated and analyzed using the analysis of variance
(ANOVA) in a complete randomized design (CRD). Any observation on statistical differences
among treatment means will be further compared using Least Significant Difference Test
(LSD-test).
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