Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Background of the Study

Asia is the world's largest producer of bananas accounting for 50.82 % of

total production as stated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (2023). Asia's

largest banana producers are India, which produces 29 million tons annually, and

China, which produces 11 million tons. Due to the high volume of banana

production, a large amount of banana peel waste has been generated causing CO2

emissions and thus significantly contributing to individual climate footprints.

Banana peel waste contains carbon-rich organic compounds that can take up to

two years to decompose and biodegrade creating odor and producing excessive

emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Moreover,

according to Philippines Statistics Authority (2023), from July to September 2022,

Philippines’ banana production was estimated at 2.36 million metric tons. Almost

60% of banana biomass is left as waste.

The waste from banana peels is usually disposed of in urban landfills,

which contribute to existing environmental problems. These wastes lead to

environmental problems such as the excessive emission of greenhouse gases.

Wastes from banana peels pose increasing disposal and pollution problems as they

represent a large fraction of the fruit.

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In a study conducted at Toledo City, Cebu by Olid et al. (2022), the waste

produced by a single banana plant can account for up to 80% of the plant’s entire

mass. It is roughly calculated that 220 tons of by-products are generated per

hectare annually, prompting an inventive approach to convert these readily

available resources into value-added commodities. Fruit peel accumulates in large

quantities on a daily basis in both domestic and industrial sectors.

These peels were often discarded as waste by individuals. It’s one of the

most important issues that need to be addressed appropriately, especially at the

industrial level to ensure that the environment is pollutant free.

The overall purpose of this study is to investigate the quality of tomato

plants when utilizing banana peels as fertilizer. The researchers expect that by

doing this study, the findings will be useful to farmers and gardeners in improving

the health of tomato plants or other plants potassium deficient typically show

symptoms such as chlorosis (yellowing of leaf) followed by necrosis (wilting of

leaves) at the tips and along the margin of leaves. Potassium deficiency reduces

growth, resulting in smaller leaves and thinner stems (Ali et al.,)

Rationale

Tomatoes are major dietary source of antioxidant lycopene, which

has linked into various health benefits. Tomato plant is considered to be one of the

most important vegetable plants in the world. Due to the relative importance of

tomatoes, this has been bred with the use of chemical fertilizers to improve
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productivity and growth development. Tomato growers usually aim to feed with

an efficient number of chemical compounds for an effective growth to be

observed. Tomatoes are fruit using the terminology in the dictionary because they

are a seed-bearing structure that grows from the flower of the plant. Tomatoes are

wild about fertilizers. In agricultural concept, they are labeled as heavy feeders for

they require a lot of nutrients.

Potassium, Nitrogen and Phosphorus are considered as macronutrients

needed for the tomato plants to enhance its growth. Also, there are slow-release

nutrients that tomato plant needs that supplements its growth which includes

calcium and magnesium. Unlike any other chemical substance, potassium intake is

in substantial quantity needed. Potassium is an essential nutrient and is required in

large amount for proper growth of the tomato plant. There are lots of organic

sources that tomato plants need and one of that are the banana peels. Banana peels

being nutrient rich make an excellent source of organic substances which supports

the development of the plant.

Bananas are mineral rich and recycling the peels back into your garden

saves money and returns these nutrients to the soil where they can benefit other

plants. Potassium helps the roots grow stronger and helps regulate the enzymes

which supports the plant to have stronger stems. This nutrient is significantly

needed in the early stages of development. Phosphorus helps the roots and shoots

of the plant. It helps the plant to grow big and strong. Calcium plays its role for
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strength and development of the plant and maintains the quality of the soil.

Magnesium helps the plant achieve a healthy photosynthesis. Banana peels, as

major sources of organic substances supplement the need of a plant and also aids

the quality and moisture of the soil. 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 (Kimura and Sinha 2008).

Most plants need certain number of macronutrients however there are

plants that are needful of nitrogen, some needs more of phosphorus and some

plants needs substantial amount of potassium. Tomatoes, peppers, honey drew,

melon and passionflower are potassium loving plants and low need of nitrogen.

Among this macronutrient, tomato plant needs large amount of potassium for it

assists the development of tomato. Potassium nutrient aids the tomato in

wholesome growing. Potassium intake has a pivotal role in the entire process of

development. At present, organic growth enhancers are used to support the

development of plant that causes no harm to the environment unlike chemical

fertilizers. Organic fertilizers have immense benefits and advantages to the

condition of the soil as well as crop production. They add soil organic matter,

improve soil structure and preserve the essential macronutrients for the growth

development. Organic ways of enhancing plant growth will lessen harmful

damages it causes to the environment.

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Statement of the Problem

The research aspired primarily, to search for an alternative way of utilizing

banana peels so it won’t be placed into waste. Also, the study aims to disseminate

an information on how to augment a nutrient needed for tomato plants that is

environmental-friendly process so it sought answer to the following questions.

1. Is there a significant effect of the different fermented concentrations of

Banana peel on the growth performance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

plants in terms of:

a. Plant height

b. Length of the Leaf

c. Width of the Leaf

2. Is there a significant effect of the different fermented concentrations of

Banana peel on the growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants?

a. 10% Fermented Banana Peel Extract

b. 20% Fermented Banana Peel Extract

c. 30% Fermented Banana Peel Extract

d. 40% Fermented Banana Peel Extract

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Research Hypothesis

Optimizing Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Growth Through the Use of

Banana Peel as A Biofertilizer has no significant effect on the development of the

tomato plant.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The research study focuses of the Optimizing Tomato (Solanum

Lycopersicum) Growth Through the Use of Banana Peel as A Biofertilizer plant

conscionable observed in a proper place with enough sunlight. The research study

took one and half month to get the final result of research work using the method

of experimentation. Banana peels is so much convenient to utilize because of its

availability within the environment, but the banana peel was not exposed into

chemical, during in the experimentation banana peels is used as the organic

enhance fertilizer for the tomato plant. The tomato seedlings that were used should

not be acidic. Banana peels as the growth enhancer has distributed equally during

the growth development of tomato plant.

The study had undergone 4 set of trials for 4 different concentration levels.

The level of concentration is distinguished as 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of the

liquid fermentation. The controlled variables are the set of trials with no applied

growth enhancer, only water and sunlight exposure. The data were gathered

through a measurement and observation. Then, the data were treated statistically
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using One Way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Different treatments will be

applied to the research subject in order to evaluate the height of the plant, diameter

of the stem and the surface area of the leaves.

Importance of the Study

The outcome of the forenamed study is used to be very helpful in finding

alternative organic growth enhancer which was proven rich in potassium,

phosphorus, calcium and magnesium and low amount of nitrogen which are

essential macronutrients. The researchers’ credits that this study will give asset to

the following:

Backyard Farmers. The backyard farmers will be able to use this

fertilizer which can produce a quality tomato plant with fewer resources. The

backyard farmers will of course contribute to environmental degradation that can

lessen the chemical content of the soil caused by commercial fertilizer. Also, this

organic growth enhancer would not produce harmful chemicals to the soil.

Tomato Growers. The tomato growers will be educated that banana peel is

very essential to be use as an organic growth enhancer. This will help the tomato

growers not to spend much money to buy for commercial fertilizer which result to

reduce farming input costs. Tomato growers will have an alternative way of

enhancing the development of the tomato plant which at the same time is

environmental-friendly process.
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Community. The people in the community will know that this growth

enhancer is environmental- friendly because this doesn‟t bring ecological

contamination that they can use for their own farms or community farm areas. In

addition, this research experiment will serve as mind-opening avenue for abundant

tomato production.

Environment. Organic ways of applying growth enhancers will cause

positive effects in the surrounding environment. It improves soil strength,

increases soil moisture, adds nutrients that the tomato plant needs and it does not

harm its surrounding land.

Future Researchers. The future researchers can use this study for them

further experimentations which they can add more information and if ever they

can expand the use of this study. Future researchers will be in its great importance

that cultivates understanding and much complex idea that will further result in a

more efficient and effective experimentation.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are used in the study. For purposes of clarity and

understandability, these terms are defined either conceptually or operationally.

Banana peels, often discarded as waste, are actually quite versatile and

have a variety of uses. Here are some of the most common and interesting

applications:
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In the Kitchen cooking: Banana peels can be used to add flavor and nutrients to

various dishes. They can be boiled, roasted, or even fried. Some people even eat

them raw. Baking: Banana peels can be used as a natural food coloring or

flavoring agent in baked goods like cakes and breads. Preserving: Banana peels

can be used to wrap and store other fruits to help them ripen more slowly. In the

Garden: Composting: Banana peels are a great addition to compost piles, as they

are rich in nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. Fertilizer: Banana peels can be

soaked in water to create a liquid fertilizer that can be used to feed plants.

Pest Control: Placing banana peels around plants can help deter pests like

aphids and ants. For Health and Beauty: Skincare: Banana peels can be used to

soothe skin irritations, reduce wrinkles, and lighten dark spots. They can also be

used to make face masks. Hair Care: Banana peels can be used to condition hair,

add shine, and reduce dandruff. They can be mashed and applied directly to the

scalp or used to make a hair rinse. Other Uses: Shoe Shine: Rubbing the inside of

a banana peel on your shoes can help polish them. Cleaning: Banana peels can be

used to clean silver and copper. Water Purification: Banana peels can be used to

filter water and remove impurities.

It's important to note that while banana peels have many benefits, they

should be washed thoroughly before use to remove any pesticides or other

contaminants. Additionally, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare

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professional or dermatologist before using banana peels for medicinal or cosmetic

purposes.

Biofertilizers are substances containing living microorganisms that, when

applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of

the plant and promote growth by increasing the supply or availability of 1 primary

nutrients to the host plant.

Benefits of Using Biofertilizers, Sustainable agriculture: Reduces reliance

on chemical fertilizers. Improved soil health: Enhances soil fertility and structure.

Increased crop yield: Boosts plant growth and productivity. Reduced

environmental impact: Minimizes pollution and water contamination. Cost-

effective: Lower input costs compared to chemical fertilizers.

By harnessing the power of microorganisms, biofertilizers offer a

sustainable and eco-friendly approach to enhancing crop production and protecting

the environment.

Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts carbohydrates, such as

sugars or starches, into alcohol or organic acids, using microorganisms—yeasts or

bacteria—under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen). This process has been

used for thousands of years to preserve food and produce beverages.

Benefits of Fermentation Food Preservation: Fermentation inhibits the

growth of harmful bacteria and extends the shelf life of food.

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Nutrient Enhancement: Fermentation can increase the bioavailability of

nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Flavor Development: Fermentation

creates unique flavors and aromas in foods and beverages. Probiotic Benefits:

Many fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. In

conclusion, fermentation is a versatile process with a long history. It plays a

crucial role in food production, beverage making, and even industrial processes.

By understanding the science behind fermentation, we can appreciate the diverse

range of products that rely on this ancient technique.

Tomatoes are incredibly versatile fruits, often used as vegetables in

culinary dishes. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,

making them a healthy addition to any diet. Nutritional Benefits Lycopene: A

powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Vitamin C: Essential for immune function and skin health. Potassium: Important

for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Vitamin K: Aids in blood clotting and

bone health. Culinary Uses Tomatoes are used in a wide variety of dishes,

including: Sauces and Pastas: Tomato sauce, marinara sauce, and pasta sauces.

Salads: Fresh tomato salads, caprese salad, and gazpacho. Soups: Tomato soup,

minestrone soup.

Stews and Chilis: Adding flavor and acidity to these dishes. Pickles and Preserves:

Tomato ketchup, salsa, and pickled tomatoes.

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Potassium (K): Abundant in banana peels, potassium is a vital

nutrient crucial for various physiological processes in plants, including cell

enlargement, water uptake, and enzymatic activation.

Phosphorus (P): Banana peels serve as a notable source of

phosphorus, an essential element for energy transfer, root development, and

the facilitation of flowering in plants.

Calcium (Ca): The presence of calcium in banana peels is

noteworthy, as this mineral is fundamental for cell wall structure and

stability. Adequate calcium levels contribute to enhanced cell division and

overall plant growth.

Magnesium (Mg): Banana peels contain magnesium, a central

component of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is integral to the process of

photosynthesis, wherein plants convert sunlight into energy.

Trace Elements: In addition to the major nutrients, banana peels also

harbor trace elements like zinc, copper, and iron. These trace elements play

crucial roles in various enzymatic reactions that support overall plant health.