EFFECTIVENESS OF VERMI-TEA ON THE GROWTH

AND YIELD OF HYDROPONICALLY GROWN

PECHAY (Brassica rapa)

BRYAN D. CONSTANTINO

HANNA MAE M. ELICOT

RODEL M. TAGNIPEZ

MARLON A. OMANG

JOY B. BUCTOT

A THESIS MANUSCRIPT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF

THE UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL SOUTHERN LEYTE STATE UNIVERSITY-

HINUNANGAN CAMPUS, HINUNANGAN SOUTHERN LEYTE IN

PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF

SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

MAY 2023
1
 APPROVAL SHEET

The thesis entitled “EFFECTIVENESS OF VERMI-TEA ON THE GROWTH AND

YIELD OF HYDROPONICALLY GROWN PECHAY (Brassica rapa)” prepared and
submitted by HANNA MAE M. ELICOT, BRYAN D. CONSTANTINO, RODEL M.
TAGNIPEZ, MARLON A. OMANG, AND JOY B. BUCTOT in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE- MAJOR IN CROP SCIENCE
is examined and recommended for acceptance and approval during the Final Defense.

SCIENCE REVIEW COMMITTEE

JOHN PAUL R. GAPASIN, Ph.D.

Chairman/Adviser

LEONISA H. CUPAT, MS IAN NAVARRETE, Ph.D.

Member-Faculty Member-Faculty

She accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE- MAJOR IN CROP SCIENCE.

Ms. MARIA EMMA SUZZETTE M. PERNITES, MS

Head, Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

JOHN PAUL R. GAPASIN Ph.D.

College Dean

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, the researchers would want to offer their heartfelt

appreciation to our thesis advisor, John Paul R. Gapasin, PH. D, for his undying support

and motivation. His advice was invaluable to us during our research and writing of our

thesis.

To Ma'am Maria Suzette Pernites, MS, and Ma'am Leonisa H. Cupat, MS, of our

review committee, for extensively reviewing our thesis and making thoughtful

suggestions and comments.

To our parents, who have always been financially supportive of us to complete

this research and for their advice, encouragement, love, support and understanding.

Thank you for being our inspiration to finish this research.

Above all, the researchers want to thank the Almighty God, most of all, for His

everlasting grace, direction, and protection that He has given us during this study.

ii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
ASDSDA
ABSTRACT vi
LIST OF APPENDICES vii
gu
CHAPTER I. RESEARCH OVERVIEW
Nature and Importance of the Study 1-3
Objectives of The Study 4
Time and Place of Study 4

CHAPTER II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Pechay (Brassica rapa) 5-6
Hydroponics 7-8
Advantages of Hydroponic system 8
Techniques in Hydroponic System 8-9
Organic Hydroponics 9-10
Liquid Nutrient Formulation (LNF) 10-11
Organic Nutrient Amendments (Vermi-tea) 11-14

CHAPTER III. MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental site 15
Research Design and Experimental unit 15-16
Preparation of Seedlings plugs 16
Preparation of Culture pots 17
Preparation of Cocopeat 17
Preparation of Nutrient Solution and Vermi-tea 18
Treatment application and Setting -up the Hydroponic 19
Care and Management 20
Harvesting 20
Statistical Analysis 21
Data gathered 21

CHAPTER IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Horticultural parameters 22-23
Yield and yield parameters 24-25

CHAPTER V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 25

CHAPTER VI. LITERATURE CITED 26-34

APPENDICES 35-46

iii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

1 Plant height of Pechay (Brassica rapa) as supplemented by different 22

application of LNF and Vermi-tea

2 Leaf size (Length and Width) and Total yield of Pechay (Brassica 24

rapa) as supplemented by different application of LNF and Vermi-

tea

iv
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

1 Hydroponics set-up at SLSU-HC Greenhouse 15

2 Experimental Design 16

3 Sowing, Transplanting, and Hardening for 2 days 16

4 Culture pots preparation 17

5 Preparation of Cocopeat 18

6 LNF and Vermi-tea amendments 19

7 Set-up of Hydroponic System 19

8 Care and Management 20

9 Harvesting of Pechay 20

v
 ABSTRACT

This was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of vermi-tea on the growth and

yield of Pechay in a non-circulating Hydroponics system and determines the effect in

terms of plant height, fresh weight per plant and leaf area. The experiment was laid out in

a randomize complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and replicated three

times. The results showed that plant height was significantly affected by influence of

T1=100% LNF followed by T3=75% LNF + 25% Vermi-tea. Moreover, plant weight and

leaf area were also significantly affected by T1 followed by T3= 75% LNF+25% Vermi-tea.

However, the application of Vermi-tea combined with nutrients solution could also lead

the best growth of Pechay by determining the best appropriate ratio of LNF and Vermi-

tea.

vi
 LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Title Page

1 The initial height of Pechay 7 Days from sowing 35

2 Plant height of Pechay on 2nd Day as influenced by vermi-tea 36

3 Plant height of Pechay on 4th Day as influenced by vermi-tea 37

4 Plant height of Pechay on 6th Day as influenced by vermi-tea 38

5 Plant height of Pechay on 8th day as influenced by vermi-tea 39

6 Plant height of Pechay on 10th Day as influenced by vermi-tea 40

7 Plant height of Pechay on 12th day as influenced by vermi-tea 41

8 Plant height of Pechay on 14th Day as influenced by vermi-tea 42

9 Leaf height of Pechay on harvest day 43

10 Leaf width of Pechay on harvest day 44

11 Weight of Pechay per plant on harvest day 45

vii
1
2
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

It is essential to engage in agriculture given that it is a significant sector of the

global economy. It has evolved and the application of new tools, techniques, and

procedures in farming has been discovered. One of these is the Hydroponic system, which

uses an inert substrate for growing plants in nutrient solutions. In addition, it is not only

a way that focuses on using inorganic and organic nutrient solutions, but it can also be

done by integrating the two solutions.

Different agriculture systems are effective in production yet inefficient in nutrient

and water use. Progress has been rapid, and results obtained in various countries have

proved it to be thoroughly practical and to have very definite advantages over

conventional methods of horticulture, especially in water and nutrient use. The two chief

merits of the soilless cultivation of plants are that, first, Hydroponics produces much

higher crop yields and second, Hydroponics can be used in places where in-ground

agriculture or gardening is not possible.

Pechay, Bok Choy, and Bati Shak belong to the same vegetable (Brassica rapa), a

fast-growing, young, leafy vegetable popular in China, the Philippines, Eastern Asia, and

Southeast Asian nations. For optimal growth and development, this highly profitable,

nutritious vegetable needs a calm, moist environment (Gonzales et al., 2015). In Manila,

Philippines, it is known as a vegetable and is popularly called Pechay. Pechay is a leafy,

shallow-rooted cool-season crop that can withstand hotter temperatures if provided with

enough moisture, according to Janet (2018).

1
 Vermi-tea is a type of compost tea derived from soaking or brewing

vermicompost (Balfanz et al., 2011). Vermi-tea, also known as "worm tea" in everyday

usage, is another understudied vermiculture product. A nutrient-rich liquid that drains

through vermicompost wastes, bedding materials, and worm populations in worm beds.

According to research, vermi-tea is high in the nutrients that plants require to thrive, and

it also aids plant growth and mineral absorption (Garcia-Gomez et al., 2008).

LNF is a nutrient management technique that combines inorganic and organic

nutrients and a liquid nutrient solution formula for use in a soilless hydroponic system.

Additionally, LNF is thought to support higher crop output, efficient water usage, and

effective use of local resources and is thus suitable as a climate change mitigation strategy.

Given the present global health and climate crises, using LNF technology to address

challenges with food and health security in the region has enormous promise (Salas F. M.

2021).

In line with Sharma et al., Al. (2018), the use of an inert medium (such as sand,

gravel, vermiculite, rock wool, perlite, peat moss, coir, or sawdust) to give mechanical

support while growing plants in nutrient solutions (water-containing fertilizers) is

known as Hydroponics.

A technique called Hydroponics uses artificial media such as sand, gravel,

vermiculite, rockwool, perlite, peat moss, coir, or sawdust to assist the mechanical growth

of plants in nutrient solutions (water-containing fertilizers). Because of its simplicity, the

technology for simple nutrient addition process (SNAP) Hydroponics has been developed

in the Philippines (Santos and Ocampo, 2002).

In addition, Hydroponics is the most intense crop production technology in

today's agricultural business, primarily employed in industrialized and developing

2
nations for food production in small places. It is very productive, environmentally

friendly, and can operate on a small amount of land and space (Aurosikha et al., 2021).

Organic hydroponic nutrients are an excellent alternative to conventional

fertilizers since they are a complete source of plant nutrition and do not discharge

hazardous pollutants into the environment like chemical fertilizers. As the market for

organic food continues to expand, interest in organic Hydroponics has recently surged

(Ezziddine et al., 2021). Vegetables may be grown using an organic nutrition solution

(ONS), according to several studies (Kawamura-Aoyama, C. et al., 2014;

Phibunwatthanawong, T. et al., 2019).

Depending on the surrounding circumstances and the crops being grown, the

Hydroponics system can be enclosed or placed outside. However, hydroponically grown

vegetables rely on fertilizer solutions containing costly inorganic fertilizers from fossil

fuels.

The majority of present hydroponic systems driven by fossil fuels may benefit

from adding vermicompost formed from organic materials as a different source of

nutrients (Arancon and Owen, 2018). The benefits of vermicompost have long been noted,

including how well it affects traditional vegetable production. The use of aqueous

vermicompost extract (vermicompost tea), as reported by Gamaley et al. (2001) and Pant

et al. (2009), has been proven to enhance plant health, crop output, and nutrient quality.

Vermi-tea will show great promise as a fertilizer solution in the SNAP hydroponic

production method, particularly for crops.

3
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of different levels of

vermi-tea on pechay production and assess the profitability of growing on different

levels of vermi-tea.

It specifically aimed to:

1. evaluate the growth of pechay in terms of height of plants, size of leaves (length

and width), and

2. evaluate the yield in terms of the weight of pechay.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE STUDY

The research was conducted at the greenhouse of Southern Leyte State

University- Hinunangan Campus from April 29 to May 31, 2023.

4
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Pechay (Brassica rapa)

As a member of the family Cruciferae or Brassicaceae, Pechay, Bok Choy, or Bati

Shak (Brassica rapa) is a quick-growing, short-aged, and widely consumed leafy vegetable

in China, the Philippines, Eastern Asia, and Southeast Asia. It is also known as Pechay in

Manila, the Philippines, and is a very profitable and nutritious vegetable. A green, shallow-

rooted, cool-season crop that can stand higher temperatures given it is exposed to enough

moisture, Janet (2018).

Its leaves may be eaten raw or cooked (Aglosolos et al., 2021). However, as boiling

reduces the nutritional content of food (Prado, 2014), it is advised to consume the leaves

raw. Additionally, the petioles are said to be the best portion of the plant for making

delectable recipes. When it is cooked for ingestion, it is usually served as a component of

a meal with other vegetables, fish, or meat (Alcalde et al., 2022).

Pechay, a specific leafy vegetable, is said to be the oldest green vegetable in the

Philippines and is essential to both the country's economy and its citizens' nutritional

needs (Gonzales et al., 2015). It is gradually turning into a profitable vegetable for

Bangladeshi commercial vegetable growers due to its excellent flavor, good taste,

relatively higher production of fresh vegetables in a very short of time, and good health

benefits due to the presence of essential elements as well as antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber.

(Utama and Wibowo, 2022; Baek et al., 2021). In addition to being cultivated as a field

crop, it may also be developed a good vegetable for balcony and roof

5
gardens. Pechay can also be grown hydroponically (Baek et al., 2021; Briggs et al., 2019;

Nair and Irish, 2016).

It is well recognized that brassica vegetables are essential for a balanced diet.

According to the USDA, 100 g of raw pak choy includes water, vitamins, calories,

carbohydrates, protein, sugar, and various of minerals. Additionally, anticarcinogenic and

antioxidant chemicals are produced by brassica vegetables (Park et al., 2014). Our bodies

will digest and absorb glucosinolates from eating these veggies (Barba et al., 2016). A

person's overall health will improve the breakdown products of glucosinolates, which will

inhibit mutagenic or genotoxic effects on living cells (Soundararajan & Jung, 2018).

According to the findings, pechay produced hydroponically has a more excellent

value in crude protein, crude fiber, and crude fat, all of which aid in the body's ability to

rid itself of waste and toxins, defend against sickness, and maintain physical activity and

resistance. Being low in crude protein and crude fat is, therefore, crucial for balancing out

a bad diet. According to the study, pechay cultivated hydroponically contains more

significant levels of calcium and iron (Rotor, 2014).

In line with Sun, R. (2015). The diversity of Brassica species provides enough

resources for a wide variety of crop morphotypes. The plant Brassica rapa returns every

year and thrives in temperate areas. It is produced in many nations as an edible crop and

for making vegetable oil to feed the expanding population. However, temperature

variations have a significant impact on how plants grow, develop, and produce bioactive

chemicals. An investigation of how cold stress impacts the quantity of biosynthesis,

biomass development, and seed germination in the medicinally significant Brassica rapa

plant (Ilyas et al., 2022).

6
Hydroponics

The name "Hydroponics" is derived from two Greek words that signify water and

labor, respectively. W.F. Gericke conducted the first contemporary use of hydroponics at

the University of California in the 1930s. In 1946, an English scientist named W. brought

Hydroponics to India. Shalto Duglas developed a laboratory in the Kalimpong district of

West Bengal and wrote the book 'Hydroponics: The Bengal System' (Pant et al., 2018).

Though Hydroponics technology is new to the country, hydroponic crop

production has been used for over three centuries (RRDIC, 2001). This approach has

recently gained economic attention for plant cultivation. The soilless cultivation of plants

became prominent as a research approach in the 1930s (Diaz, 1998).

Many of the management concerns associated with conventional soil cultivation

are eliminated by Hydroponics. These difficulties include soil-borne illnesses,

unfavorable soil features (such as compaction, infiltration, and structure), adverse soil

chemical characteristics (such as fertility, salt, pollutants, CEC, nitrogen balance, pH, and

so on), and crop water stress that is minimized or eliminated (Falivene, 2005).

Growing crops in regions where the soil is scarce, and space is restricted is now

achievable using Hydroponics. Nutrients and water are given to the plants more

uniformly, decreasing waste and bringing the situation closer to optimal growth

conditions. Increased yield is possible with soilless agriculture. Crop productivity might

be improved by more than tenfold (Burrage, undated). Ikeda (2002) remarked that

cultivating a soilless culture provides earlier growth and greater yield. It is less expensive

to harvest, cultivate, and sow crops (Hassall et al. 1993). Senillo (2004) also stated that

Hydroponics for sweet peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and lettuce grow more vigorously and

with greener leaves than conventional methods.

7
 There is no need for a wash procedure with hydroponics, resulting in a longer

shelf life and an ecologically friendly technology that uses less water, less land, no

pesticides, and herbicides, and is susceptible to alternative energy sources.

(http://www.growponicsamericas.com/whyhydro/hydroponics-offers-several-

impotant-advantages-over-conventional-farming-techniques ).

ADVANTAGES OF HYDROPONIC SYSTEM

Where there is no adequate soil for agricultural growth or where the land is

polluted with certain illnesses, crops can still be cultivated. Utilizing water and fertilizers

in this way is efficient. As a result, there is less possibility of losing the beneficial

compounds, which can reduce contamination of land and waterways. Crops grown

hydroponically are more delicious and healthier for ingestion, and they are also easier to

harvest than crops grown conventionally. Like being within a shielded building, plants

grown in hydroponic systems may be protected from UV rays. Plants cultivated using this

method have solid and healthy roots that protect them from pollutants, illnesses, and

insect attacks (Aurosikha, S. et al., 2021).

Techniques in Hydroponics

There are several hydroponic techniques available. It requires a lot of resources

and is high-tech when used with greenhouses. Additionally, it is very protective,

protecting the ecosystem, water, and soil. The nutrient film method (NFT), a widely used

form of continuous flow solution culture, increases water usage efficiency by recycling all

the water and nutrients not utilized by the plants. A thin nutritional solution film is

provided to the plant roots, which grow into it.

8
 A pump transports the solution to the system's upper end, which flows under

gravity back towards a storage tank (the system requires a minimum 1-in-100 gradient).

Burrage (unknown date). The Ebb and flow or flood and drain sub-irrigation, deep water

culture, and the simple nutrient addition procedure (SNAP), which was developed by the

Plant Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, UP Los

Banos, and College Laguna for those in urban areas who want to venture into vegetable

production,

To answer the demand for a low-cost system suitable for household-level and

small-scale commercial vegetable production, Santos, and Ocampo (2005) created the

Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) Hydroponics. The technique relies on passive

aeration of the nutrient solution (no energy is required) and the capacity of the vegetable

crop to adapt to soggy conditions. SNAP hydroponics has successfully grown vegetables

like lettuce, sweet pepper, cucumber, and celery. The potential of having SNAP aerated

would be quite beneficial in enhancing production.

Organic Hydroponics

According to a study, organic Hydroponics are more sustainable (Moncada et al.,

2021). Organic fertilizer solutions are increasingly used, enabling organic food

production in Hydroponic systems. Some producers employ organic sources of fertilizer

in hydroponic culture due to the high market demand for organic products and the

desired flavor (Williams, R. A. et al., 2016).

Other factors include the need to minimize the use of conventional nitrate-based

fertilizers in food crops, which can potentially to reduce nitrate levels and health-related

difficulties (Williams, R. A. et al., 2016; Moncada et al., 2021).

9
 Organic Hydroponics is a complex method that requires more consideration than

traditional Hydroponics. Organic nutrition sources may have an excessive number of

constituents (such as micronutrients) or unnecessary elements (such as sodium) that call

for ongoing ion-specific monitoring (Williams, R. A. et al., 2016). A productive organic

hydroponic system is said to have a pH that is balanced and stable, the electrical

conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution, the use of filters, and the presence of sufficient

microorganisms (Treadwel, D.D. et al., 2007; Shubha et al., 2019; Bi, G. et al., 2010).

Liquid Nutrient Formulation (LNF)

One piece of literature that discusses the efficacy of LNF is the study by Salas et al.

(2018). In an aggregate hydroponic system, they assessed the impact of LNF on the yield

and chemical properties of horticultural crops. They discovered that LNF markedly

enhanced the output of kale, lettuce, and tomatoes. Additionally, they found that LNF

improved the nutritional value of the veggies, as shown by greater concentrations of

antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

The research by Reejo et al. (2014) is another piece of literature that examines the

possibility of LNF to address issues with food security. In a remote area of the Philippines,

they looked at using LNF in a hydroponic system to grow green crops. Despite limited

resources, they discovered that LNF was a successful method for producing high-quality

vegetables in a small area. In addition, they found that growing vegetables with LNF might

be done more cheaply, potentially enhancing community food security.

The LNF's nutrient content offered the pechay required for growth and

development and an effective way to cultivate vegetables of exceptional quality (Reejo et

al., 2019). Kale responded to LNF with the most leaves, the widest breadth, and the tallest

10
height (Salas, F. M. 2019). Due to enough nutrients, LNF demonstrated the larges leaf

sizes, including leaf length and leaf breadth, according to Salas, F.M. (2019).

Organic nutrient amendment (Vermitea)

Vermicompost leachate, often known as worm compost tea, is a very nutritious

liquid fertilizer that may be readily employed in hydroponic systems if the food and

animal waste used in its manufacture are of good quality. Bidabadi et al. (2016)

demonstrated effective results when employing vermicompost-derived liquids as a

fertilizer supplement in stevia production using an appropriate hydroponic system.

Umapriya et al. (2019) created a Hydroponics system using natural materials such as

vermicompost and vegetable waste extract. Vermi-tea has more minerals than

commercial plant growth medium. These minerals are accessible in standard forms that

can be absorbed by the majority of cultivated plants and crops, such as soluble N, P, K, Ca,

and Mg, as well as some plant growth promoters such as auxins, gibberellins, and

cytokinins (Javed et al. 2017).

Arancon et al. (2019) 06 plant growth regulators in vermi-tea, such as auxins,

gibberellins, cytokinins, and humic acid, is responsible for increased tomato and lettuce

output.

Vermi tea, sometimes known as "worm tea" in everyday use, is another less

explored vermiculite product. It is a nutrient-rich liquid that drains through worm beds

filled with vermicomposted trash and bedding materials. as well as worm populations.

According to reports, vermitea contains all the nutrients that plants require to thrive, and

it also aids plant growth and mineral uptake (Garcia-Gomez et al., 2008). As a result, this

study was carried out to determine the potential of vermiculite and nutrient solution in a

11
non-circulating hydroponic system on the production performance of Pechay (Brassica

rapa L).

Vermicompost produces completely stabilized soil modifications with lower C:N

ratios. It provides (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) nutrients in already available form to the plant

rhizosphere after mineralization in the soil it has a high particulate surface area that

maintains space for microbial activities, i.e., fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes, regulates

nutrients in the soil, and amends growth-related traits and yield parameters (Nuss and

Tanumihardo, 2010; Chen and Aviad, 1990; Canellas et al., 2002; Sinclair and Valdez,

2002).

Vermicompost application has been shown in numerous studies to significantly

improve the growth and yield of sorghum, maize, and rice (Ansari and Sukhraj, 2010;

Meghvansi et al., 2012; Zularisam et al., 2010; Sampedro and Dominguez, 2010). In

addition, vermicompost application accelerates crop ripening by 7–14 days while

improving plant quality indicators (Bansal and Kapoor, 2000). Moreover, humic acids in

vermicompost significantly boost the growth of lateral roots and root expansion in maize.

Vermicompost improves root cell membrane permeability, promotes root hair

multiplication, and stimulates root development, all of which help the plant absorb more

nutrients (Dominguez and Edwards, 2011).

Vermi-tea is a by-product of the vermicomposting process that includes nitrogen,

phosphorus, minerals, hormones, and other components. Additionally, it contains an

enzyme from earthworms, which helps plants grow and produce more while being more

resistant to pests and disease. Further, it includes earthworm mucus, certain organic

acids, and dissolved nutrients (Singh et al., 2011).

12
 Vermicompost tea has a significant impact on enhancing crop output, nutrient

quality, and plant vigor (Tara, 2003; Chen, 2006). Additionally, the treatment of

vermicompost increased the development of the okra crop and boosted the length of the

tap root (Siddiqui et al., 2008; Keeling et al., 2003). At three different vermi-tea

concentrations (430, 730, and 940 g/L), significant results were seen in nutrients such as

nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and organic carbon. Significantly, the

outcomes showed that S oleracea responded positively to the vermi-tea by boosting plant

height, leaf area, and the number of leaves at concentrations of 430, 730, and 940 g/L. It

is possible to use this vermicompost tea to produce S. effectively. oleracea, making it

suitable for growing more vegetable plants. The results showed that the application of

vermiculite and nutrient solutions under a non-circulating hydroponic system has

significant effects on plant height upon transplanting.

Vermi-tea itself maybe the source of nutritional deficiencies in early growth

stages, according to Sarker and Oba (2019). This would lead the plants to suppress the

synthesis and maintenance of chlorophyll, resulting in a reduction in plant height. The

findings showed that the nutritional content of the fluid that enables pechay formation

determines the impact of pechay.

Vermi-tea's low nutritional value prevented pechay development. Nitrogen

deficiency not only results in poor growth but also delays the beginning of blooming in

the harvest (Rustiawan et al., 2017). Other signs of a nitrogen deficit include poor growth,

small leaves, and old, yellowing leaves that quickly withered and died before miscarrying.

Simeon L. B. According to et al. (2023), the vermi-tea's nutritional value is

insufficient to encourage pechay development, which narrows the leaf's width.

13
 The benefits of vermicompost have long been noted, including how well it affects

traditional vegetable production. The use of aqueous extracts of vermiculite

(vermicompost tea), as reported by Gamaley et al. (2001) and Pant et al. (2009), has been

demonstrated to increase plant health, crop production, and nutritional quality.

Vermicompost tea will show great promise as a fertilizer solution in the SNAP Hydroponic

production methods, particularly vegetables.

The majority of present hydroponic systems driven by fossil fuels might benefit

from adding vermicompost composed of organic materials as a different source of

nutrients (Arancon and Owen, 2018).

14
 CHAPTER III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental Site

The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of Southern Leyte State

University's Hinunangan Campus during April and May 2023.

Figure 1. Hydroponics set-up at SLSU-HC Greenhouse

Research Design and Experimental Unit

A randomized complete block design was used in the study. The study was

conducted in a non-recirculated hydroponics system inside the greenhouse of Southern

Leyte State University's Hinunangan Campus. The study used four treatments and was

replicated three times with ten (10) samples.

The treatments were designed as follows:

T1: 100% LNF solution (control).

T2: 75% LNF + 25% Vermitea.

T3: 50% LNF + 50% Vermitea.

T4: 25% LNF+, 75% Vermitea.

15
 Figure 2. Experimental Design

Preparation of seedling plugs

Pechay seeds were sown in the seedling trays using graded soil. Seven (7) days

after sowing, the seedlings were transplanted individually into 8-oz Styrofoam cups and

hardened off for two (2) days before exposure at the experimental site. Cocopeat was used

as a growing medium and root anchorage.

Figure 3. Sowing, Transplanting and Hardening for 2 days

16
Preparation of culture pots

The growing boxes used were Plastic boxes with a 22.86 cm width, a 27.94 cm

length, and a 10.16 cm thickness. The box was lined with acetate (0.02 mm thick),

preventing the nutrient solution from draining. On the lid or box cover, five (5) holes were

made equidistant from one another, big enough to hold it in place. Each hole was big

enough to hold the seedling plugs by their necks.

Figure 4. Culture pots preparation

Preparation of coco peat

The coco peat was obtained in Brgy. Magatas, Saint Bernard, and Southern Leyte

There was a total of 1 sack of coco peat delivered from Brgy. Magatas to SLSU-Hinunangan

The coco peat was washed and drained with tap water for about two days, and all of it

was mixed to have an equal texture and type of coco peat used in the growing bag.

17
 Figure 5. Preparation of Cocopeat

Preparation of Nutrient Solution and Vermi-tea

A nutrient solution of known composition intended only for leafy vegetables was

purchased from the Department of Horticulture at Visayas State University and was the

one used in the experiment. Different fertilizer components were first separately

dissolved in other plastic bottles. After which, all the ingredients were put together in a

large container containing 50 liters of water. This diluted and prepared solution was

placed in each styro box as specified by the treatments.

On the other hand, vermi-tea that was purchased from AGRI-ATBP was diluted by

adding ten (10) liters of Pure Vermi-tea to 50 L of tap water, for a total volume of 55 L.

A long bamboo stick or similar material was used to mix the nutrient solution well.

The prepared nutrient solution was then distributed to the culture boxes at 6 liters per

box.

18
 Figure 6. LNF and Vermi-tea amendments

Treatment Application and Setting up the hydroponic system.

From the prepared solutions of Liquid 1 Nutrient Formulation and Vermi-Tea. The

amount of the solutions in treatments 1 was pure LNF, while treatments 2 had 25 L of LNF

plus 25 L of vermi-tea, and treatments 3 had 22.5 L. of LNF + 37.5 Vermi-tea, and

treatment 4 was 12.5 L. of LNF + 37.5 Vermi-tea.

The level of solutions added should ensure that about 1 inch from the bottom of

the Styrofoam cups touches the nutrient solutions for the plants to have an available and

continuous supply of the solutions (treatment solutions) and avoid wilting.

Figure 7. Set-up of Hydroponics system

19
Care and Management

After the installation of seedling plugs, care and management of the system were

completed. The experimental area was visited every two (2) days to check the growing

boxes and get the data regularly.

Figure 8. Care and Management

Harvesting

The crop was harvested after 25 days of sowing. It was done by slowly and

carefully uprooting the plants by hand. The growing media and fibrous roots adhering to

the roots were removed and cleaned.

Figure 9. Harvesting
20
Statistical Analysis

The data was analyzed statistically using the computer software Statistical Tool

for Agricultural Research (STAR) version 2.0.1. The presence of significant differences

among treatments was determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The comparison

of treatment means was determined using the Least Significant Difference (LSD, p = 0.05).

Data Gathered

1. Horticultural Characteristics

2. Plant Height (cm)

Plant height was measured from the base to the tip of the plant leaf and was done from

transplanting and at a 2-day interval until harvest.

1. Yield and Yield Components

Yield and yield components were taken immediately after the harvest of pechay, and data

was taken accordingly.

1. A weighing scale was used to determine the weight (g) of marketable and non-

marketable pechay.

2. Size of fully expanded leaves at harvest. This will be determined by taking the

length and width of the 4th or 5th leaf at the longest and widest portion. Leaf

length was determined by measuring the leaf from the base to the tip. Leaf width

was determined by measuring the widest part of the leaf using the standard ruler.

21
 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1. Horticultural parameters of Pechay Brassica rapa as supplemented by vermi-tea

application under a non-circulated hydroponic system.

Plant height (cm)

Treatment 2 4 6 8 Days 10 12 14

Days Days Days Days Days Days

T1 8.07 9.87 11.49 13.59a 16.35a 19.34a 21.72a

T2 7.61 8.53 9.69 10.75c 12.47c 13.76c 15.25c

T3 7.97 9.17 12.9 11.98b 14.43b 16.65b 18.91b

T4 7.47 8.33 9.1 9.80c 11.30c 12.70c 14.10c

CV% 10.99 9.01 18.83 4.71 6.28 6.87 7.61

Means within the same column in a block followed by a common letter and/or no letter

designation are not significantly different from each other using Least Significant

Difference (LSD)

Table 1 shows the horticultural parameters of pechay (Brassica rapa) as

supplemented by vermi-tea application under a non-circulated hydroponic system.

Results show that the height of the plants was not significantly affected by the vermi-tea

application. Better height attributes were observed in Treatment 1, in which the amount

of commercialized LNF was 100%. This was caused by the nutrient content of LNF, which
22
provided the pechay needed for growth and development and as an efficient method of

growing vegetables of excellent quality (Reejo et al., 2019). Furthermore, kale reacted

with the most leaves, the broadest width, and the tallest height under LNF (Salas, F. M.

2019). Followed by treatment 3, in which the amount of commercialized LNF was reduced

and combined with vermi-tea.

However, the shortest plants were observed under treatments 2 and 4 due to

nutrient deficiency from earlier growth stages. These results tend to support the findings

that, due to the higher requirement for some nutritional minerals during earlier growth

stages, Vermi-tea itself may be the source of nutrient deficits during the earlier

development phases, according to Sarker and Oba (2019). This would lead the plants to

suppress the synthesis and maintenance of chlorophyll, resulting in a reduction in plant

height. The findings showed that the nutrients in the solution's pechay development affect

the impact of pechay.

23
Table 2. Yield and yield parameters of Pechay (Brassica rapa) as influenced by vermi-tea

application under a non-circulated hydroponics system

Leaf Size Total

Treatments (cm) Yield (g)

Length Width per plant

T1- 100% VSU-LNF 13.22a 11.32a 36.33a

T2- 50% VSU-LNF + 8.81c 6.97c 10.41c

50% VT

T3- 75% VSU-LNF + 10.85b 9.39b 20.05b

25% VT

T4- 25% VSU-LNF + 7.83c 6.04c 7.53

75% VT

% CV 7.32 6.95 16.64

Means within the same column in a block followed by a common letter and/or no letter

designation are not significantly different from each other using Least Significant

Difference (LSD)

Table 2 shows the yield parameters of Pechay by vermi-tea application under a

non-circulated hydroponic system. More significant and larger leaves were observed in

treatments 1 and 3 compared to the two other treatments. According to Salas, F. M.

(2019), VSU-LNF exhibited the most excellent leaf sizes, such as leaf length and leaf width,

due to enough nutrients. On the other hand, the smallest plant leaves were observed in

treatments 2 and 4, in which they were significantly different. These results tend to

24
support the findings by Simeon L. B. et al. (2023); the nutritional content of vermi-tea is

insufficient to promote pechay growth, which reduces the breadth of leaves.

Moreover, a higher yield was observed in treatment 1, in which VSU-LNF alone

was used, followed by treatment 3, which was only 20.05 grams. Meager products were

recovered under treatments 2, 3, and 4, which correlate with the shortest plants, as shown

in Table 2 (Leaf Size cm). According to Simeon L. B. et al. (2023), the nutritional content

of vermi-tea is insufficient to promote pechay growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Vermi-tea as an organic medium significantly improved the growth and yield of

pechay. However, based on the statistical results we collected; the different levels of

mediums show no significant difference in the performance of pechay. Concerns like

environmental factors had affected the experimental process, ratio, and properties of the

mediums. In summarizing the data, T1 (100% LNF) and T3 (75% LNF + 25 Vermi-tea)

showed greatly enhanced growth of pechay.

RECOMMENDATIONS

According to the findings, the ratio and proportion of vermi-tea as a nutrient

solution in non-circulated Hydroponics should be investigated further to determine the

best combination and appropriate balance of LNF and Vermi-tea that can promote the

best growth and yield performance of pechay and other crops.

25
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34
 APPENDICES

Initial height (cm) of Pechay 7 days sowing

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 5.5 6.7 6.8 6.5 9 5.7 6 5.5 6 6.1

R2 7.5 8 7 6.9 7.9 7.2 8.1 7 7.1 7.3

R3 10.5 9.4 7 5.9 8.5 10 8 8 7.5 7

T2

R1 8.1 6 9.5 7.5 8 7.1 6.2 4 6.5 7

R2 6.5 8 6.2 8.1 7.5 6.5 7.2 7 6.5 7.4

R3 10 6.7 10 5.5 5.7 8 9 6.5 6.8 7

T3

R1 7.1 9.2 6 8 10.2 7.2 7.3 8 10.1 8

R2 6.4 6 6.2 9 6.4 5.8 7.3 7.5 7 9

R3 8.5 6 6.4 5 7.2 9 6.4 5 6.5 6.5

T4

R1 8 8.2 8.3 8 6.1 7.2 6.2 6.8 7.3 6

R2 7.5 8 7 6.5 6.7 9 8 6.5 6.7 6.5

R3 4.5 10 6.3 4.5 8 6.2 8.5 8 6 6.2

35
 Height of Pechay (cm) at 2nd Day as influenced by Vermi-tea in a non-circulated
hydroponics system

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 6 7 7.4 6.9 9.3 6.3 6.5 6.3 6.9 6.7

R2 8.1 8.9 7.6 7.5 7.4 8.6 9.4 8.5 8.2 8.3

R3 11.3 10.7 8.1 6.4 8.9 11.2 8.8 9.3 8 7.6

T2

R1 8.5 6.5 10 7.8 8.3 7.4 6.5 4.5 6.8 7.4

R2 6.7 8.4 6.7 8.5 7.8 6.9 7.4 7.9 6.9 7.9

R3 10.3 6.9 10.6 5.9 6 8.7 9.6 6.7 7.5 7.6

T3

R1 7.6 9.6 10.6 9.5 10.6 7.7 7.8 8.4 10.5 8.5

R2 6.7 6.5 6.6 9.4 6.8 6.6 7.8 7.7 7.6 9.5

R3 9.1 7.1 7.1 5.7 7.4 10 7.2 5.7 6.9 6.8

T4

R1 8.4 8.8 8.7 8.3 6.6 7.6 6.8 7.4 7.7 6.5

R2 7.7 8.2 7.4 6.8 6.9 9.4 8.3 6.8 7.1 6.5

R3 4.7 10.3 6.6 4.9 8.1 6.4 8.9 8.3 6.7 7

36
 Height of Pechay (cm) at 4th Day as influenced by Vermi-tea in a non-circulated
hydroponics sytem

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 7.1 8.4 9 8.8 10.4 7.9 9.7 9 9.4 7.9

R2 9.9 10.8 8.8 9 10.6 10.9 11.7 10.7 10.2 10.4

R3 13 12.1 10.9 7.5 10 12.9 9.7 10.8 9.7 8.8

T2

R1 9.3 7.4 10.7 8.8 9.1 8.1 7.8 5.2 7.9 8.4

R2 7.3 9.3 7.8 9.2 8.6 7.4 8.4 8.8 8 8.6

R3 11 7.6 13 7.4 6.6 9.7 11.1 7.3 8.2 8.4

T3

R1 8.6 10.5 11.9 10.9 11.6 8.8 8.9 9.4 11.7 9.4

R2 7.7 7.6 7.9 10.5 7.9 8.3 9 9 8.9 10.4

R3 10.7 8.4 8.6 6.9 8.5 11.6 8.4 6.6 8 8.1

T4

R1 9.2 9.4 9.5 8.8 7.2 8.5 7.3 8.2 8.3 7.2

R2 8.9 8.9 8.2 8.6 7.8 10 8.9 7.5 8 8.1

R3 10.9 10.9 7.4 5.7 8.9 7.2 9.7 8.9 7.8 8.1

37
Height of Pechay (cm) at 6th Day as influenced by Vermi-tea in a non-circulated
hydroponics system

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 9 9.9 10.7 10 11.2 8.5 11.7 10.7 11.3 9.7

R2 11.8 12.7 10.2 11 12.4 12.1 13 12 11.9 11.9

R3 14.6 13 13 10 11.3 15.1 11.4 12 11.4 11.2

T2

R1 9.8 8.5 11.9 9.6 10.2 9 10 5.8 8.8 9

R2 9.4 11 10 9.9 9.1 9.9 9 10.5 8.7 9.7

R3 11.7 8.8 13 8.9 7.5 11 12.8 8.2 9.3 9.6

T3

R1 9.5 11.3 12.8 12.2 12.9 9.4 10 10.8 12.9 11.2

R2 8.4 8.4 8.4 11.3 8.4 10.9 10.6 10.7 10.4 11.3

R3 12.4 9.9 10 7.8 9.9 13 10 8 9.2 9.5

T4

R1 9.6 9.6 9.9 9.2 7.9 8.3 8.8 9.7 8.7 7.7

R2 9 9.3 8.7 9 8.1 10.8 9.5 8.1 8.6 9.7

R3 6.5 12.1 9.7 7 9.3 7.9 10.8 9.5 9.6 10.2

38
 Height of Pechay (cm) at 8th Day as influenced by Vermi-tea in a non-circulated
hydroponics system

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 12.4 13.1 12.9 12.6 13.4 12.2 14.8 13.4 13.1 11.9

R2 13.4 14.5 12.8 12.1 14 14 15.7 13.7 13 13

R3 16 15.1 16.3 12.7 12.9 18.1 12.3 13.7 12.6 12

T2

R1 10.4 9.2 11.4 10.3 10.9 10.2 11.1 6.4 10.8 10

R2 10.7 11.8 11.3 11.1 10 11.8 9.9 11.7 9.3 11.1

R3 12.3 10.1 15.6 10.4 7.5 12.1 13 9.8 10.9 11

T3

R1 11.7 12.4 14 13.5 13.1 11.7 11.9 12.7 14.1 11

R2 11 11.1 10.9 13.2 10.5 11.6 12 12.6 12.1 12.7

R3 13.7 10.5 12 9.8 12.1 15.6 11 10.4 10.1 10.3

T4

R1 10.1 10.3 10.6 9.9 8.5 8.9 9.3 10.1 9.2 8.4

R2 10 10.5 9.7 9.6 8.4 11.4 10.3 8.2 9 10.7

R3 7.2 13 10.2 9.2 10.3 8.1 11.5 10 10.4 10.7

39
 Height of Pechay (cm) at 10th Day as influenced by Vermi-tea in a non-circulated
hydroponics system

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 15.1 16.6 14.4 14.8 16.9 15 18.4 16.3 14.8 13.9

R2 15.7 17.1 13.9 13.3 16.8 17.9 18.9 17.1 16.7 16.9

R3 19.2 17.4 20.7 15.4 14.1 21.7 15 17.1 15.1 14.4

T2

R1 12.9 11 13 11 11.7 12.1 13.8 7.9 11.9 11.6

R2 10.7 13 13 12.9 12.1 13.4 11.9 13.9 10.7 12.7

R3 13.1 12.6 17.1 13 8.2 14.2 15.7 10.9 11.6 11.9

T3

R1 14.4 14.8 18.3 15.7 16.4 14.9 15.3 15.9 17 13.8

R2 13.7 13.5 13.1 16.9 12.7 12.7 13.5 14.2 13.3 15.3

R3 14.7 11.4 14.7 12 13.2 17.9 14.5 13.3 12.7 12.9

T4

R1 10.8 11.3 11.7 10.9 9.3 10.4 12.8 13.7 11.6 9.3

R2 12 12.4 10.8 11.3 9.2 12.7 12.1 8.8 10.9 13.8

R3 9.6 13.4 11.5 11.4 11.8 8.7 12.7 10.8 11.3 11.9

40
 Height of Pechay (cm) at 12th Day as influenced by Vermi-tea in a non-circulated
hydroponics system

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 18.8 19.8 16.9 17.4 19.6 18.4 22.1 19.8 17.7 15.7

R2 17.4 20 15.7 14 18 21.8 21 20.7 19.2 19.5

R3 22.7 20.7 244 18.8 16.6 24.9 18.2 21.5 17.7 16.3

T2

R1 14.7 12.5 14.4 11.9 12.6 13.4 15.4 8.4 12.2 12.4

R2 14.9 14.3 15.1 14.1 13.9 15.3 13.7 16.7 11.9 13

R3 14.5 13.5 18.4 14.1 9 16.7 17.9 12.1 12.9 12.8

T3

R1 17 17.7 22.9 16.1 18.7 17.3 17.9 18.2 20.4 16.4

R2 16.6 16.3 15.8 19.7 13.9 14.1 15.8 17.4 15.2 18

R3 16.3 12.6 16.8 14.3 14.1 19.1 17 15 14.3 14.5

T4

R1 11.5 12 12.9 12.1 11.7 12.8 14 15.1 12.3 10.2

R2 14.1 14.8 12 13.4 9.7 14.6 14.3 9.5 11.3 15.1

R3 10.9 14.9 12.8 12.9 13.7 9.2 13.8 11.9 13 13.7

41
 Height of Pechay (cm) at 14th day as influenced by Vermi-tea

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 21 23.5 19.5 20 21.5 21 26 21 19.5 18

R2 19.8 22.6 18 15.8 20 24 24.5 23.1 22 22.1

R3 25 23 27 21.5 17.5 29 21 25 20.5 19

T2

R1 16.5 13.7 15.5 12.7 13.4 14.5 17 10 13.3 13

R2 16.5 16 16.5 16 15.5 17.8 15 18.3 13 16

R3 16.5 15 19 16.1 9.8 18 21 13.5 14 14.4

T3

R1 20 20.2 25 18 22 20.5 20 20 23 18.3

R2 19.3 19.1 18 23 15 15.5 18.3 20.5 18 21.1

R3 18 15 19 16.1 9.8 18 21 13.5 14 14.4

T4

R1 12 12.5 14 13 13 15 15.5 17 14.5 11.5

R2 16.1 16.5 13.1 15 10 16.7 16.2 10.3 13 18

R3 12 16 14.5 14 15 10 15 13.3 15.4 14.2

42
 Leaf height (cm) of Pechay

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 13 17 13.5 13 13 14 15 11.5 12 12

R2 11.5 14 10 7 12 15 13 13 13 11

R3 13.7 13.8 13.7 15 14 16 15.5 16.5 13 12

T2

R1 9.3 8.5 8.4 8 6 13 9 7.5 4.7 8.5

R2 9 9 8 9 9 8.5 10.5 8.5 11.9 8

R3 9 8.4 11 9.3 10.2 12.5 10.3 12.5 11.5 10.2

T3

R1 10.4 10.5 11.4 9 12 12 12 12 13.5 14

R2 10.5 10.5 10 12.5 9 9 10 10.5 9.5 11

R3 10.2 8.5 11 9.3 10.2 12.5 10.3 12.5 11.5 10.2

T4

R1 8 7 7 8 6.7 8 8.5 9 8.5 7

R2 7.7 8.4 7 9.5 5.5 10 8.5 4.4 7.5 8.9

R3 7.6 8.2 8 9.5 10 5.5 7.5 6.5 8 9

43
Leaf width (cm) of Pechay as influence by Vermi-tea in a non-circulated hydroponics
system.

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 12 13 12 12 12 12.5 13 10.5 10.5 11.5

R2 8 11 8 4.5 9 12.5 11.5 11.4 11 10.3

R3 9.5 11 13 19.8 13.5 13.4 12.5 13.3 12 10.5

T2

R1 8.5 8 8 7.5 4 8 8 6.9 4 6.7

R2 6.5 6 7 6 8 7 6 7 6.5 7

R3 7 8.4 8 7.7 3.5 9.2 7 8.5 6.8 6.5

T3

R1 9 9.5 9.8 8.5 9 10 9.4 11.3 11.7 13

R2 8 8.5 8 11 8.5 7.5 8 8 8 10.5

R3 9 7.2 10.2 7.5 9.9 11.5 9.3 10.3 10 9.5

T4

R1 6 6 5.9 6.5 6 6 6 7 6.8 6.9

R2 6 5.9 4.9 7.9 3.8 6.9 5.5 3.9 5.5 6.5

R3 6 7.5 6 6.7 7.4 4 6 5.1 6.5 6

44
Final weight (g) of Pechay as influence by Vermi-tea in a non-circulated hydroponics
system.

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

T1

R1 31.3 42.3 37.3 30.7 36.3 35.3 33 39.6 30.3 39.3

R2 24 37 12.4 10 27.1 46 48 42.9 47 25.5

R3 21.4 31.8 55.1 39.3 45.6 50 53.7 65.9 35.5 27.8

T2

R1 15.4 8.2 14.2 13.1 5.8 12.9 16.2 9.6 5.9 9.4

R2 8.4 8.4 7.5 8.2 8.8 11.7 12.5 12.6 11.3 9

R3 10 16.6 10.9 8.5 1.8 15.7 14.4 12.7 7.1 5.7

T3

R1 15.4 20.4 22 22.3 21 30.9 21.4 18 26.6 21

R2 8.4 8.4 7.5 8.2 8.8 11.7 12.5 12.6 11.3 9

R3 19.8 8.3 24.4 19.5 20.9 19.4 19.5 30.4 14.5 15.9

T4

R1 5.1 5.4 6.1 5.8 5.7 9.3 9.6 10.8 6.4 4.9

R2 9.9 10.2 5.9 9.4 4 10.5 10 4.1 5.7 11

R3 6 8.3 5.9 7.5 9 10.1 10 4 8 7.2

45
46