Yield and Quality of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) in

Two Hydroponics Variants: A Comparative Study

Researchers:
Mariah Joy Sarmiento
Joseph Dela Rosa Gonzales
Lianne Talan
Adriel Lian Tacorda
Ralph Romil Estorninos
Kenjie Tabor
Aljhun Zafe

Research Adviser:
Jocen I. Soriao
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Food is one of the very necessities in life (National Geographic Society, n.d.). A
person would still survive if they received a healthy diet even if they had no clothing or a
roof over their heads. That explains why throughout human history, we have been
driven to look for and obtain food (Singh, 2014). Humans have been proliferating for
many years, reaching over 8 billion this year (Worldometer, 2023). This means that
each day, a considerable amount of water and hectares of land are required for
agriculture (Gopinath et. al., 2017). However, the demand for food resources is
complicated by factors such as less arable land due to the increase in urban areas,
overuse of harmful pesticides, and climate change (OECD, n.d.). This implies that
societal food crises are possible. In 2023, 238 million people across 48 nations are
experiencing immense food insecurity which is 10% more than in 2022 (ECHO, 2023).

According to survey results, one in ten Filipino homes struggle with food scarcity
(Cruz, 2022). Recent decades have seen a decline in Philippine agriculture mainly
caused by deforestation and extreme weathers (Philippine Institute for Development
Studies, 2021). In thirty years, the country might rely even more on imports of rice,
coffee, and vegetables as resources slowly become poor (Alliance Biodiversity & CIAT,
2017).

Vegetables are an indispensable item in one’s daily diet list. To complement the
trace elements a person’s body requires, it is a must to consume veggies at least once
or twice a day. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a water-rich crop with extremely high
nutritional value. Commonly found in salads, wraps, and pizzas, spinach has become a
trendy veggie throughout the years (The Standard, 2012). It is a leafy green vegetable
that is packed with nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrogen, and
phosphorus (n.d., Letpot). Consuming spinach may not only boost hydration, but it can
also improve blood glucose management in diabetics, reduce the risk of cancer, and
strengthen bones, among other potential health advantages (Ware, 2023). Incorporating
it into a healthy diet may also aid in preventing chronic illnesses like cardiovascular
diseases (College of Health Sciences, 2018).

In the country, there is a high demand for spinach. Overall, total consumption
increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the previous ten years, indicating a
buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022 (Indexbox, 2023). Here in Catanduanes,
restaurants, cafes and consumers also demand the foliage. However, it is not always
satisfied. Traditional (Soil) farming could not cope up with the current demand, thus,
alternative farming technologies, such as vertical or hydroponics farming, could mitigate
the impending food shortages (Buenconsejo, 2020).

Hydroponic farming is one of the most exciting trends in agriculture today. As

part of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), Hydroponics is a new innovative
farming approach which means crops are grown in water rather than soil (Eden Green
Technology, 2023). It entails using liquid solutions to deliver water and nutrients to plant
roots (The Verge, 2018). According to Espiritu (2023), this technique is proven to be
better than the Traditional (Soil) method as it saves space, brings less pests and
diseases, and no weeding is necessary. Hydroponic systems use up to 90% less water
than soil-based systems, making them more water-efficient and environmentally
friendly. Out of all the techniques NASA is pursuing, hydroponics offers several key
performance benefits, including low system mass, natural aeration, simplicity, and the
potential for automation which improves the growth and quality of foliage (NASA
Science, 2021). These setups can be used year-round, irrespective of the climate or
season, allowing for continuous crop production. There are two types of Hydroponics,
namely: the Active and Passive procedures.
 Passive hydroponics, also known as the Wick Hydroponic System, is the most
simplified type of hydroponic growing there is (Clayton, 2017). With no recirculation,
Passive Hydroponics only supplies nutrient-rich water to the roots of the plants. The
solution is kept in the system until the plants absorb it. This technique is easy to
implement and is cost-effective as no additional electricity is required (Hey Abby, 2023).
On the other hand, an Active Hydroponics System involves a pump to move the
nutrients straight to the crops’ roots and to provide aeration (Hydrofarm, n.d.).
Compared to the Passive System, the Active Hydroponics is more costly and utilizes
electricity to work.

Both Hydroponics systems are alternative methods that can help combat climate
change as well as the increase in urban areas here in the Philippines. Also, with the
inessential of worrying about pests, it becomes a good food source as well as a weapon
against hunger (Iberdrola, 2021). While there are a great number of plants that can be
grown using this method, leafy greens are a favorite. One crop that does amazingly well
in a hydroponic environment is spinach (Eden Green Technology, 2022). Thus, the
researchers decided to compare the two types of hydroponics to know which is best to
grow good quality spinach in just a short duration in the province.
Statement of the Problem:

This study aims to determine the most effective hydroponics variant for achieving high yield and
quality spinach grown in the Catanduanes province. Specifically, this research intends to answer the
following:

1. What is the yield and growth performance of spinach in the 2 variants in terms of:

a. Number of Harvested Spinach

b. Number of Leaves per Spinach head

c. Length of Longest Leaf

d. Width of Biggest Leaf

e. Weight of the Spinach

f. Color of the Spinach

2. How do different concentrations of the nutrient solution impact the yield and quality of Spinach
(Spinacia oleracea L.) in the two hydroponic systems?

3. In which hydroponic variants (Active and Passive) will the spinach show the best performance?

The Researchers assume that the Active Hydroponics Variant will outperform the Passive
Variant in terms of Spinach growth and yield performance. It is reasonable to assume that with this
method; the circulation of nutrient-rich water via a pump into the roots can give the crops access to
better aeration. This technology increases the vegetable’s nutrient-uptake which can enhance the root
and flourishing qualities of the plant. To definitely support or disprove of this idea, experimental
study and data collecting are needed.

Significance of the Study:

This study is beneficial to the community through its potential to increase the overall

production and quality of spinach. Specifically, the study will be beneficial to the

following.

FARMERS - This study will help farmers in that they will have more availability in

hydroponic growing procedures for the cultivation of spinach.

CONSUMERS - This study will help consumers in that the spinach grown will be of

better quality and thus, healthier for the body.

AGRICULTURISTS - This study will help agriculturists gain knowledge on the potential

of spinach in a variety of hydroponic growing procedures.

ENVIRONMENT - This study will not utilize any chemicals that may pose a risk to the

environment, thus, it is environmental-friendly.

FUTURE RESEARCHERS – The results gained from this research will be of great use

to future researchers who may tackle topics similar to this.

Scope and Delimitations:

The coverage of this study is mainly to investigate which hydroponics variant (Active or
Passive) will grow Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea) with greater yield and quality to help growers
boost spinach production in the province. Measurements of the spinach will be recorded and
compared by the researchers to observe the better hydroponic variant to be used by locals. The
experimentation proper is set to be held at Tibgao Virac, Catanduanes, within four months from
January to April for different trials with the variation of nutrient concentrations. This research,
however, does not seek to examine the influence of different concentrations of nutrient solution
on the crops as it is only a factor that could help in executing trials in the hydroponic systems.

Definition of Terms:
 Conceptual Definitions:

1. Hydroponics- A new method of farming in which the roots are immersed in water.

2. Active Hydroponics System- A type of hydroponic technique that uses a pump to

move the fertilizer solution to the plant's roots.

3. Passive Hydroponics System- Another hydroponics method wherein the crop's

roots are immersed in nutrient-rich water and don't require any electrical equipment.

4. Cultivation- The process of raising and harvesting crops.

Operational Definitions:

1. Active Hydroponics and Passive Hydroponics- The perceived effectiveness of

each hydroponic method in growing good quality spinach with a fast growth rate. The level of
efficacy will be based on the measurements and appearance of the spinach over the course of
30 days.

2. Spinach- The quality of the vegetable will depend on the attainment of the required
average measurements and aspects. The longest leaf must be at least 4 to 6 cm (40-60 mm) in
length and 4.5 cm (45mm) in width (Andrea, 2022) with a weight of no less than 340 grams (12
ounces) per spinach head (Davis, 2022). Green color, texture and dry matter are essential
attributes to know the freshness and quality in the foliage (Sanchez, et.al., 2018).
 NOTES
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