Chapter 1

The Problem

Introduction

One of the most highly controversial topics of discussion in the

Philippines is the sharp increase in the price of onions, which prompted the

country's agriculture authorities to announce over the weekend that the

nation would have to resort to importing approximately 22,000 tons of

vegetables by March (Guzman, 2023). Onions are well-known condiments

that are used by all households and restaurants. It is cultivated in the

country's twenty-two provinces. Onions are used as a spice or side dish in

various cuisines and are a vital part of the diet. Ellan (2020) reported that

93% of food service operators say that restaurant chefs incorporate onions in

various recipes, making it the most popular vegetable on menus. In 2020, the

value of onion output in the country reached its highest. The Philippines

imported around 88 thousand metric tons of onion in addition to its domestic

supply ("Philippines: Onion Production Value 2021 | Statista"). 

According to GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS TO THE RISING PRICE OF

ONION IN THE LENS OF PRICING THEORY, SUPPLY, AND DEMAND, the

domestic demand for onions was 22,000 tons. However, the production was

only 23.30 tons, resulting in a supply shortage. Various factors, including

illegal agricultural trade, market manipulation, and climate change, caused

this shortage. The first is agricultural smuggling, and the second is price

manipulation (Evangelista). This was supported by the study of Pascual

(2018), it was determined that importation, smuggling, and the introduction

of pests wreak havoc on the potential profits of onion growers in Nueva Ecija.

One of the senators of the Philippines- Cynthia Villar, proposed a provision of

storage facilities for onion farmers to stop the supply and demand

manipulation by traders and importers (Bacelonia, 2023). Hayes (2003) said

that the purpose of market manipulation is to mislead investors by controlling

or artificially influencing the price of securities. In most circumstances,

manipulation is unlawful, but it can be hard for regulators and other

authorities to discover and establish. Illegally traded agricultural products are

not those commonly seen in supermarkets; instead, they tend to be

specialized commodities with a vastly higher value for their size (Ferrier,

2023).

Anaerobically digested food waste is a rapidly growing alternative

fertilizer used by both conventional and organic farmers in Sweden (Sverige,

2013). The use of chemical fertilizers and incineration of food waste proved to

make a better net contribution to primary energy, lower the GWP, and cause

less eutrophication and acidification than the digestion of food waste and use

of the digestate as fertilizer, according to Resources, Conservation, and

Recycling, Volume 95. If improvements to the digestion system are

successfully implemented, digestate as fertilizer may be superior to chemical

fertilizer in terms of lower GWP and use of non-renewable phosphate rock.

Fertilizers are created to help a plant grow by ensuring the plant has

the right amount of nutrients. However, there are two types of fertilizers,

Organic and Inorganic. While they both have the same goal of giving

nourishment, inorganic fertilizers have their caveats. To reduce this

environmental impact, tools such as life cycle assessments and decision

support systems are used to aid in selecting sustainable fertilization scenarios.

These scenarios often include organic waste-derived amendments, such as

manures, composts, and digestates (Walling & Vaneeckhaute, 2020). A study

conducted in Bangladesh aimed to see the effect of chemical fertilizers used

by themselves on lowland rice or if it has better yield when accompanied by

an organic fertilizer composed of cow dung and rice husk ash (Saleque et al.,

2004). Using Organic fertilizers is more sustainable, attainable, and lessens

waste. 

Bananas are high in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium,

and magnesium. The essential component of fertilizer is potassium. It is

required for general plant vigor, growth, and reduced need for pesticides and

diseases; it is essential for fruit growth; it is responsible for controlling

roughly 50 enzymes in a plant; and it holds onto tree roots in nature and

vertical veggies (DIY Fertilizers, 2012). The older leaves of plants with brown

veins show evidence of potassium shortage. The potassium concentration of

banana peels is approximately 200 mg per fruit or 40%. Using banana peels

in the garden nourishes plants with nutrition while also acting as a bug-

repellant (Haider, 2013; Hulbert, 2014). The utilization of banana peel has

significantly impacted many plant biological features (Bakry et al., 2016).

This means that banana peels, which are high in potassium, are suitable for

plants like vegetables, chilies, and flowers. (Barbano, 2020)

 Fertilizer is a material needed for the planting medium or plants to

meet the nutrient needed. It is highly recommended to use organic fertilizer

over inorganic fertilizer. Using inorganic fertilizer has a harmful impact on

plants. The eggshell is one of the organic raw materials found in household

waste used to produce organic fertilizers. Eggshell is the only waste with no

economic value; it contains about 2.2 grams of calcium in the form of calcium

carbonate. The eggshell contains 0.3% phosphorus and 0.3% magnesium,

and a small amount of sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, iron, and

copper. To activate the formation of root and seed hairs and strengthen the

stems, it needs the help of the high calcium content of eggshells. It can be

used to neutralize adverse soil conditions and compounds. Eggshell flour

resulted in an average NPK percentage of N=0.675%, P=49.53%, and

K=0.767%. Eggshell is one of the organic materials used to produce and

produce organic fertilizer. The application of organic fertilizer mixed with

eggshell and MSG waste with the addition of onion skin with a concentration

of 7.5% has a good effect on the growth of plants. The high calcium content

of the eggshell has the potential to be used as organic fertilizer for plants.

Eggshells fertilizer with complete nutrients can have high selling value to the

market. Eggshell fertilizer can be used as a producer of environmentally

friendly products. The amount of waste is increasing; that is why to lessen

the amount of waste, produce an organic fertilizer using eggshells (Anugrah,

2021).

The dried beans have been brewed or processed by electric coffee

grinding machines to become ground coffee passed through a hulling process

to separate the parchment from the bean at the consumers’ homes or offices.

After brewing, used coffee grounds as fertilizer that were discarded as

household waste. Phrommarat, B (2019). In the infusions from 3 different

instant coffees, the largest concentration of oxalates was found in Nescafe -

51.80 mg/100 cm3, corresponding to 863.33 mg/100g dry matter. The black

coffee of Nescafe that can be found in every household can also use as

fertilizer; this comes from Arabica and Robusta beans. Rusinek, E. (2012). 

Statement of the Problem 

This research will focus on testing the Effectiveness of Fertilizer Mixture

Composed of Banana Peel, Eggshell, and Coffee grounds to the Growth of

Onions. 

Thus, this study seeks to answer the following questions: 

1. How can the fertilizer affect the growth of the plant in terms of:

a. Height 

b. Foliage color 

c. Number of onion produced 

2. Is the fertilizer mixture an effective fertilizer alternative? 

3. Is it feasible for every household?

Assumption

 The Fertilizer helps the plant grow taller, have better foliage color, and

produce more onion.

 The fertilizer mixture is an effective alternative fertilizer.

 The fertilizer is feasible for every household. 

Significance of the Study

 Farmers. This study will benefit the farmers because the materials needed

for this fertilizer are accessible, organic, and easy to make.

 Household. The household reuse and reduce the amount of its waste. The

materials required are convenient, accessible, and inexpensive. 

 Tree Planting Volunteers. They can benefit because it can give them

another alternative fertilizer that will contribute to better results and yield.

Scope and Delimitation

The research project focuses on the effectiveness of the fertilizer

mixture composed of banana peel, eggshell, and coffee grounds. The

experiment will start on Jan 30, 2023, and will be done at home to show that

everyone can do it. The first thing that the researchers will do is to make the

fertilizer mixture by drying the banana peel, eggshell, and coffee ground.

Next, pulverize them and mix them with a ratio of 1:1:1 cups. Afterward, the

fertilizer mixture will be added to the experimental group and combined on

top of the soil where the onions will be planted. The result of the experiment

will show after 60-70 days. The researchers will take care of the plant daily to

ensure its proper growth. This study will include several factors; the sunlight

obtained by the plant, the watering time of the plants, and the identical

parent plant of the experimental and controlled group. 

Definition of Terms

Anaerobic digestion. It is a process through which bacteria break down

organic matter—such as animal manure, wastewater biosolids, and food

wastes—in the absence of oxygen. This study refers to the anaerobic food

waste used as an alternative fertilizer.

Wreak Havoc. It is to cause chaos or destruction or both. In this study, the

term refers to various factors that can aid in reducing onion production.

Oxalate. It is a salt or ester of oxalic acid. This study refers to the salt

present in the human body. 

Eutrophication. It is the process by which a body of water becomes

enriched in dissolved nutrients (such as phosphates) that stimulate the

growth of aquatic plant life, usually resulting in the depletion of dissolved

oxygen. This study refers to the water containing nutrients that less the

amount of oxygen dissolved. 

Acidification. It is to make acid or to convert it into an acid. This study

refers to how chemical fertilizers and burning food waste lead to the waste

converting into acid.

Cavaet. It is a modifying or cautionary detail to be considered when

evaluating, interpreting, or doing something. In this study, this refers to the

different things to take into account when using inorganic fertilizers.

Vigor. It is active, healthy, well-balanced growth. This study refers to the

health of the plants as a whole.