Preparing the Site

Soil testing
Soil testing can provide information about the soil pH, nutrient levels, ability to hold nutrients,
organic matter content, and soluble salt levels. Using the unique results from soil test,
recommendations are provided for adjusting pH and nutrient levels, depending on who performs
the soil testing. Soil Testing can be done using the Soil testing kit(Sanchez et. al 2010)
.
Adjusting soil pH
Soil pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a soil is. In general, vegetables grow best with a
soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Soil test results may indicate a need for a liming material if the pH is
lower than 6.0. Whenever possible, apply a liming material during fall before planting to provide
several months for these materials to begin reacting with soil particles. Liming materials include
limestone (dolomite or calcitic) and wood ashes. If soil test results indicate that the soil pH is above
optimum, it will need to be lowered. Some materials for lowering soil pH include sulfur, peat moss,
and cottonseed meal. For large areas, sulfur is likely the most economical option. Sulfur reacts
slowly with soil particles; therefore, allow several months for changes in soil pH to occur after
applying it. Whenever possible, apply sulfur well in advance of planting to provide sufficient time
for reaction with soil particles(Sanchez et. al 2010)
.
Soluble salt levels
High soluble salt levels (beginning at below 0.40 millimhos per centimeter for some salt-sensitive
vegetables) can be harmful to plants. If the site is exposed to rainfall and snow, the soluble salt
level is not likely to be damaging to plant growth. Howeve, using a protective structure, like a high
tunnel, soluble salts levels can become high enough to harm plants. If levels get too high, there are
options for decreasing them(Sanchez et. al 2010) .
Adjusting soil nutrient levels
Vegetables remove nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium
(Mg) from soil in quantity(Sanchez et. al 2010)
Snchez E. S. and Ferretti, A. (2010). Vegetable Gardening, College of Agricultural Sciences,
Pennsylvania State University, Boucke Building, University Park, United States of America,
1-6 .

Seed Germination
Moisten to sheets of paper towels with normal tap water. Place the seeds between the to sheets of
paper towels. Place the seed to moderate sunlight. Check the seeds after 1-2 weeks for the seedling
growth If the seedling is atleast 25 mm (Achacoso et. al 2011), the seedling is now ready for
planting in soil.

Achacoso, M.V. and Yu, M.I. (2011). Growth Characteristics of Pechay Grown in soil and in
hydroponics, Science Department Integrated Development School MSU-Iligan Institute of
Technology, 18.

Planting

Set-up a perimeter to be planted with pechay seeds.Plant the seedlings, 12 inches apart in rows.
Mulch the given perimeter to maintain the moisture of the soil throughout the day.Water
seedlings regularly.

Snchez E. S. and Ferretti, A. (2010). Vegetable Gardening, College of Agricultural Sciences,

Pennsylvania State University, Boucke Building, University Park, United States of America,
1-6 .

Pechay morphometry
According to http://www.philippines.hvu.nl/vegetables3.htm, the pechay leaves will vary from 10
-30 m. The relative maturity of the pechay is 45-60 days (Brassica rapa (Chinensis Group)." Condor
Seed Production, Inc. (2007). Retrieved March 8, 2011 from
http://www.condorseed.com/seed_chinesecabbage.htm )

).
Soil Comparative Set-up
The seeds that will be used for seedling, is to be randomly choosen from the same seeds that will
be used in the rotary hydroponics garden. The seed will be germinated with the moisten cloth for
1-2 weeks. If the seedlings is at least 25 mm (Achacoso et. al 2011), it is now ready to be planted
to the soil. The area that the seedlings will be planted is also inside the housing of the rotary
hydroponics garden. The perimeter will be set-up , and a hole will be dug with a 12 inches distance
from each hole. Six seedlings will be planted each hole, the same as per rockwool of the rotary
hydroponics garden. The seedlings will be watered three times a day, throughout its growing
period. The geometric characteristics of the plant will be checked everyday.