HYDROPONIC ELEGANCE VS EARTHLY TRADITION: A

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GROWING CUCUMIS

SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) IN HYDROPONIC
SYSTEM AND SOIL-BASED SYSTEM
GROUP 3

MEMBERS:

BRIANNA JUNE ANTA

EDMILYN MATIMATICO
JAZTER GUBALANE
KERSTIEN GAMARA
KREZZA MAY PUERTO
KRIZSHA VANESSA FAMOR
MICHELLYN MAE COLANAG
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Soil-based planting is the most available medium for plants. It provides essential
plant nutrients, air, and water for successful plant growth. However, traditional soil-based
agriculture, which has served us well for generations, is facing substantial limitations for plant growth
at times, too. Degradation due to erosion, poor drainage, soil contamination, desertification is some of
the limitations that the soil face. Soil erosion leads to a decrease in agricultural productivity because
of the loss of nutrient-rich topsoil layer that will eventually lead to desertification. Additionally, variables
such as diminishing per capita land availability, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change
risks contributes as well.

With the world's population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and a prediction that 50% of
fertile land would become unfit for cultivation (United Nations, 2017), the need to increase food
production by 110% becomes critical. The United Nations (UN) warns of ongoing food crises,
particularly in Africa, which are anticipated to last until 2050 unless action is taken (E. Okemwa, 2015).
Climate change, as evidenced by an increase in the frequency of droughts and floods, plays a crucial
role in these catastrophes.
 Nationally, some areas of the nation are well known for their abundant agricultural production.
However, faces significant challenges in plant cultivation, including poor soil quality, common pest
infestations, and diseases which necessitate the use of chemicals. Overreliance on chemical inputs
has led to soil degradation, harming plant quality, water resources, and the ecosystem. Notably,
Benguet State University (BSU) and the provincial government have documented a worrisome
increase in soil acidity since 2008, with most areas falling below the optimal pH range of 5.5 to 6.5
required for vegetable growth. Transitioning to sustainable agriculture is critical for long-term food
production and resource preservation, necessitating innovative farming approaches.

Today's farming systems still rely primarily on soil, water, and catastrophe resilience, but these
methods must develop to meet the challenges ahead. Feeding the world's population primarily through
soil-based systems may become impractical in the near future. Hydroponic farming, in which plants get
micronutrients and macronutrients directly from a nutrient-rich water solution, provides an alternative.
This method optimizes nutrient delivery, ensuring that plants receive everything they need in the right
proportions and at the right time. As a result, plants may use nutrients more efficiently, refocusing their
energy on food production and optimizing their genetic potential. This method not only conserves
water but also produces fresh vegetables efficiently in regions with limited arable land, benefiting
countries with both large populations and a reliance on tourism for economic stability.
 The research given here compares hydroponics and traditional soil-based systems in the growth of
Cucumis sativus, also known as cucumber. Cucumber is an important greenhouse crop with a variety of
uses, including kimchee, pickles, and decorative purposes (Gruda et al., 2017). Cucumbers are an
important ingredient in local dishes and offer hydration, along with vital nutrients like vitamins K, B, and
C, copper, and manganese. Expanding cucumber production beyond local areas like Sulop is possible
through agricultural innovation like hydroponics, ensuring a wider supply of this versatile vegetable to
benefit local communities. However, they are under threat from soil-borne illnesses and climate change-
related difficulties. Hydroponic production techniques provide a chance to address these issues by
providing benefits such as faster growth rates, higher yields, water saving, lower susceptibility to soil-
borne illnesses, and increased phytochemical content (Mampholo et al., 2016). When compared to
traditional agricultural methods, these systems provide healthier plants with higher yields and higher
quality (Wdowikowska et al., 2023).
This research aims to shed light on the complex dynamics between hydroponics and traditional soil-
based cultivation, offering guidance for optimizing cucumber production while minimizing environmental
impact. The researchers will explore the principles, advantages, and limitations of hydroponic systems
in contrast to traditional farming methods, considering factors such as cucumbers measurement growth
in terms of overall plant height and length of its leaves. By providing comprehensive insights through
meticulous analysis and empirical evidence, this study seeks to assist local farmers and policymakers in
making informed decisions about the most suitable approach for cucumber cultivation in the evolving
agricultural landscape. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to contribute to the ongoing discourse
surrounding sustainable and efficient agricultural practices in the 21st century.
Statement of the Problem
The long-standing, reliable soil-based agriculture is currently confronting significant obstacles.
The conventional farming method is no longer sufficient to meet the world's food needs, either now
or in the future. Consequently, there is a genuine need to adapt new farming practices that
encourage faster plant growth. This system ought to address the rapidly expanding demand with
minimal natural resource consumption and cost.
This study will sought to answer the following questions:
1. What is the measurement growth of cucumber in soil-based method in terms of:
1.1 height of the cucumber
1.2 length of leaves
2. What is the measurement growth of cucumber in hydroponic method in terms of:
2.1 height of the cucumber
2.2 height of leaves
3. Is there a significant difference on the height and length of leaves of the cucumber when
compared according to planting method?
Hypothesis
With the same type of seed, the study will compare how
plants grow in soil and hydroponic systems. Thus, the following
will be the hypothesis:

H0: There is a significant difference on the height and

length of leaves of the cucumber when compared according to
planting method.

H1: There is no significant difference on the height and

length of leaves of the cucumber when compared according to
planting method.
Conceptual Framework

Growth efficacy of planting

The growth of Cucumis
Cucumis Sativus (cucumber)
Sativus (cucumber) in
in both methods in terms of
Hydroponic System and
plant height and leaves
Soil-based System
length
Scope and Limitations

This study examines the differences between soil-based and hydroponic

systems for growing Cucumis sativus or cucumbers. The primary scope of the
study is to evaluate the growth measurement of cucumber in terms of plant height
and length of leaves.

There are several inherent limitations to this study. The pointsett cucumber
variety was chosen, however it's possible that this variety isn't typical of the larger
range of cucumber varieties. This study will take place in Sulop, more precisely at
Gamara's residence; it will not cover areas outside of Sulop. It is crucial to
recognize that the study is restricted to specific environmental circumstances, and
the conclusions might not be universally relevant in a range of climates or
geographical settings. This comparative investigation does not take into account
outside variables like pest infestations.
Significance of the Study
The investigation and comparison of hydroponic and conventional soil-based methods for the cultivation of
Cucumis sativus, or cucumbers, is what makes this study significant. This study may provide important new
understandings for improving food production efficiency, resolving resource constraints, and optimizing
agricultural practices.
Benefiting the study are the various sectors as follows:
Local farmers. Farmers stand to gain practical insights into the resource efficiency, yield potential, and
overall viability of these two methods. This knowledge can empower farmers to make informed decisions on
adopting or optimizing either hydroponic or traditional soil-based approaches, thereby enhancing crop
productivity, resource management, and the overall sustainability of their farming practices.
Policymakers. The results of this study can be used by policymakers to support or restrict particular farming
practices in light of environmental factors, water efficiency, and total productivity. This information can help with
the development of policies that support more general objectives of encouraging resilient and resource-efficient
farming methods.
Students. For students, this may be a new experience or piece of knowledge in addition to what they
already know. They can also discuss this with their parents so that they can determine, based on the result given,
which method will be most practical to employ at home.
Community. The community may benefit from this since it may grow year-round and generate bigger yields,
both of which are highly advantageous. They stand to gain from the study since hydroponics offers them an
alternate growing technique that doesn't require them to use a lot of water or pesticides.
Definition of Terms
The following operational definitions are provided for the study's key terms:
1. Cucumber. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), locally known as pipino, is a member of the
Cucurbitaceae plant family that is produced widely because of its crispy, delicious, low in calories,
and high in nutrient content fruits (Rodillas, 2009).
2. Cultivation. Cultivation is the deliberate human intervention used to promote plant growth
and development.
3. Dilemma. A dilemma denotes a difficult situation that necessitates careful consideration and
decision-making.
4. Hydroponic system. The hydroponic system is a soil-less method of growing plants in a
water-based, nutrient-rich solution (Nguyen et al., 2016).
5. pH level. Measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, including water solutions in
hydroponic systems.
6. Soil-based system. Refers to the traditional way of planting crops using soil as medium
7. Water solution. Refers to liquid formulations that contain dissolved nutrients required for
plant growth.