KAKAWATE (Gliciridia sepium) LEAVES AS COMPONENT IN HYDROPONIC

NUTRIENT SOLUTION FOR GROWING BATAVIA LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa)

MANUSCRIPT FOR COLLOQUIUM

STEM Strand, Grade 12

QUEZON CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

(Regional Science High School for NCR)

By

GROUP 02 - BIOLOGY

VIDALLO, Roma Ninotchka (Mendeleev)

TOVERA, Juris Justin (Curie)

GUAB, Van Harold (Linnaeus)

ONG, Hesed Felisa (Kepler)

January 2018
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Hydroponic farming is an alternative growing method, where plants and crops are grown
exclusive of soil. The roots of the plants are developed in a nutrient solution or in a medium such
as perlite or gravel. The flexibility of the technology aids food production in extreme environments
and is able to increase crop productivity and quality (Trejo-Téllez and Gómez-Merino, 2012).
The method of soilless farming is not new technology. However, hydroponic farming
system is not widely used in the Philippines. The country - which has agriculture as one of its main
industries – has only started adapting the method in areas such as Cavite and Clark Field,
Pampanga. A study in University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) showed that using SNAP
hydroponic systems, crops such as cabbage, sweet pepper, cucumber, and celery were able to grow
(Agribusiness, 2017).
According to Sela (n.d.), hydroponic solutions are best defined as aqueous solutions which
possess inorganic ions from soluble salts of essential elements which exhibit a definite
physiological role in the plant life cycle. The absence of these would have adverse effects on the
growth and propagation of the plant.
As of now, there are seventeen essential elements for a vast number of plants, namely
carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur
(S), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), chlorine
(Cl), and nickel (Ni). Typically, these essential elements are supplied by the treatment, aside from
carbon and oxygen which is supplied from the atmosphere.
In addition, elements such as sodium (Na), silicon (Si), vanadium (V), selenium (Se),
cobalt (Co), aluminum (Al), and iodine (I) are also deemed to be beneficial as these elements may
stimulate plant growth, reduce toxic effects of other elements, or replace essential nutrients that
are lacked.
However, majority of nutrient solutions only contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
calcium, magnesium, and sulfur- invoking the need for further development in hydroponics as to
compensate for the lack of nutrients in these solutions. Further research on the alternative way of
mass crop production is yet to follow thus, discovering improvements on the system will greatly
benefit the country.

1 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
Statement of the Problem

The study aims to determine whether Gliricidia sepium leaves will be an effective component in
an alternative hydroponic solution compared to commercially available nutrient solutions in
different plant growth parameters of Lactuca sativa. Specifically, the following questions:

1. Are the alternative hydroponic solutions up to par with the standard parameters for
hydroponic nutrient solutions in terms of:
1.1. Amount of dissolved salts in the solution or electrical conductivity?
1.2. pH measure of the solution?
1.3. The general nutrient content? Specifically in:
1.3.1. Nitrogen (N) %? 1.3.8 Magnesium (Mg) %?
1.3.2. Phosphorus (P) %? 1.3.9 Copper (Cu) ppm?
1.3.3. Potassium (K) %? 1.3.10 Iron (Fe) ppm?
1.3.4. Sulphur (S) %? 1.3.11. Manganese (Mn) ppm?
1.3.5. Calcium (Ca) %? 1.3.12 Boron (B) ppm?
1.3.6. Zinc (Zn) ppm? 1.3.13 Molybdenum (Mo) ppm?
1.3.7. Chlorine (Cl) ppm?
2. Is there a difference among the phytotoxicity of plants grown using the
Kakawate hydroponic solution diluted in 1:500 ratio, Kakawate solution diluted
in 1:800 ratio, and SNAP hydroponic nutrient solution in terms of:
2.1. Delay of emergence?
2.2. Thinning?
2.3. Presence of necrotic spots?
2.4. Perforations, and yield?
3. Is there a difference among the growth of plants grown using the Kakawate
hydroponic solution diluted in 1:500 ratio, Kakawate solution diluted in 1:800 ratio,
and Hoagland hydroponic nutrient solution in terms of:
3.1. Growth Rate? 3.6. Intensity of Pigmentation?
3.2. Plant Height and Length? 3.7. Crop Yield?
3.3. Leaf Quality? 3.8. Root Quality?
3.4. Plant Leaf-Area Ratio (LAR)?
3.5. Stem Quality?

2 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
Hypotheses

01. Null (HO): The Kakawate and Hoagland solutions would produce similar growth effects on the
Batavia Lettuce.

Alternative (HA): The solutions will have varying results of growth effects on the Batavia Lettuce.

02. Null (HO): The Kakawate solutions of 500 parts water and 800 parts water will produce similar
growth effects on the Batavia Lettuce.

Alternative (HA): The difference in amount of dilution of Kakawate solution will result to
differences in the growth of Batavia Lettuce.

Research Paradigm

Gliricidia sepium Hoagland Nutrient Gliricidia sepium

solution (500 parts Solution solution (800 parts
water) water)

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

seed samples

Phytotoxicity Growth

Figure 01. Determining Effectivity of Different Hydroponic Solutions on Plant Growth

Parameters of Batavia Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
The figure above demonstrates the flow of the study in testing the alternative nutrient
solutions and commercially available nutrient solution method on samples of lettuce seeds.

3 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
Significance of the Study
To the Filipino mass producers, the results of this study may help them in innovating their
methods of mass production as to meet the demands of the masses, specifically in the lettuce crop
production. The implications of these may help the proliferation of the “farm to fork” staples and
may lessen the price of lettuce sold in the market due to the alternative mass production methods
which would typically consume less resources and become more efficient compared to that of the
traditional crop growth.

To the agricultural community, the results of this study may help them in improving and
updating their propagation and cultivating techniques as to meet the conditions set by the
downward trend of environmental settings such as unprecedented torrential rains, excessive
flooding, frosts (in temperate regions such as the Cordilleras), and increasing soil acidity. With
these in mind, the agricultural community may be able to start growing plants in contrived settings
without risking the amount of nutrients these plants will need.

To the scientific community, the conduction of this study basically will unlock a new
frontier of studies in the Philippine context as innovation of agricultural methods will be deemed
as important in the recent times. Furthermore, conducting this study may help future researchers
gain interest on studying alternatives that would improve the agricultural industry.

Scopes and Limitations

In this study, only Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) leaves will be utilized as the green matter
(plant material) component of the alternative hydroponic nutrient solution. Furthermore, this
solution will be diluted into different ratios- one would be 1:500, while the second would be 1:800.
No other concentrations of this alternative solution will be used in this study.

In addition, the researchers will only use Hoagland nutrient solution as a point of
comparison, implying that no other type of commercially-available nutrient solution will be used
in conducting this study.

Lastly, only Batavia lettuce (Lactuca sativa) will be used in this study as the medium of
the dependent variables such as phytotoxicity and growth. Cultivating this crop will be set in a
contrived environment only. No other crops will be used in this study aside from the
aforementioned plants.

4 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
Definition of Terms

Electrical Conductivity Testing- a method of testing solutions which aims to determine

the salt concentration, providing a reliable technique of nutrient monitoring

Hydroponics- a subset of hydroculture wherein plants are grown without soil using
mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.

Necrotic Spots- a symptom typically used by cultivators as an indicator of a disease

afflicting the plant.

Nutrient Solutions- a carefully proportioned liquid fertilizer used in hydroponic gardening.

Perforations- holes or apertures in the leaves caused by soil acidity, pest domination,
chemicals, and other agricultural factors.

Phytotoxicity- toxic effect by a compound on plant growth which is generally caused by

a wide variety of compounds such as trace metals, salinity, pesticides, phytotoxins or
allelochemicals.

Plant Leaf-Area Ratio (LAR)- photosynthetic surface area per unit dry weight of a plant
which is considered as a measure of the efficiency with which a plant deploys its photosynthetic
resources.

SNAP Hydroponic Systems- an acronym for Simple Nutrient Addition Program, a

hydroponic system developed in the Philippines.

5 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Botanical Description of Lactuca sativa

Table 01: Taxonomic Classifications of Lactuca sativa

Kingdom Plantae

Division Tracheaophyta

Class Magnoliopsida

Order Asterales

Family Asteraceae

Genus Lactuca

Species Lactuca sativa

(Gaur, 2013)

Lactuca sativa, commonly known as lettuce, is a leafy perennial herb of the Asteraceae
family which rooted from a type of wild lettuce from the Mediterranean and the Near East. Jose
(2016) notes that lettuce comes from Lactuca serriola, a crop which is commonly found all over
European and temperate Asian regions. This crop was first cultivated dating back to 2680 BC by
ancient Egyptians as to produce oil from its seeds- and was probably selectively bred into fully-
grown plants with edible leaves.

. Curtis (2006) stated that lettuce plants which are cultivated are classified under the
Serriola group, along with Lactuca saligna, Lactuca virosa, Lactuca serriola, and Lactuca altaica.
Courteau (2012) believed that this species has developed into a variety of cultivars which differ
according to the shape of its leaves, form of growth, and color of leaves.

According to Jose (2016), lettuce spread throughout the Grecian and Roman lands- being
named as lactuca. Around 50 AD, Columella, a Roman agriculturalist, described a wide array of
lettuce plants- some of which are believed to be the predecessors of the lettuce plants in the
contemporary period. During the late 15th Century, this crop is believed to be brought to the
Americas by Christopher Columbus- which is then followed by a remarkable increase in the

6 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
number of varieties in Europe, particularly in Holland, between the late 16th Century and the early
18th Century. These cultivars were produced only by Europe and North America during this period.
However, consumption of lettuce spread throughout the world during the 1900s.

Gaur (2013) stated that lettuce generally grows with a basal rosette of leaves 10 inches in
length which may either be loosely or tightly packed. The yield is commonly harvested before the
bolting of the flowering stem. However, the plant may reach up to approximately 3 feet tall if the
stem was allowed to bolt, containing yellow composite flowers with black achenes and white beaks.

Properties of Lactuca sativa and its Medicinal Implications

Lettuce consumption is reported to exhibit desirable effects on health statures due to its
high dietary fiber content which aids in digestion. Its high levels of beta-carotene and lutein is
associated with the reduction of the risk of cancers, cataracts, heart diseases and occurrences of
stroke. Its phenolic compounds are responsible for scavenging properties for antioxidants.
Carotenoids, for instance, have antioxidant capacities, while Vitamin C, an antioxidant which is
soluble in water, exhibits antioxidant properties as well (Lopez, Havier, Fenoli, Hellin, & Flores,
2014)

Mampholo, Maboko, Soundy, and Sivakumar (2016) highlighted that Lactuca sativa is a
good source of high dietary fiber (1.1 g in 100 g, FW), Vitamin A (166 micrograms in 100 grams,
FW), Vitamin B9, also known as Folate (73 micrograms in 100 grams, FW), Vitamin K (24
micrograms in 100 grams), Vitamin C (4 milligrams in 100 grams, FW), and phenolic compounds.

According to Jose (2016), the lettuce’s Vitamin A components aid in maintaining healthy
skin and mucus membranes. Flavonoids help to protect the body from cancer growth within the
respiratory and oral cavity. Vitamin K promotes osteotrophic activity in the bone cells, thus
increasing the bone mass- giving it a significant role in bone metabolism. In addition, it limits
neuronal damage in the brain, which highlights its role in the patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s
disease. Vitamin B9 is vital in the prevention of neural tube defects in in-utero fetus during
pregnancy, while Vitamin C helps the body in developing resistance against infectious pathogens,
and scavenges harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals- thus, justifying its antioxidant properties.

7 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
 Furthermore, the aforementioned practitioners determined that lettuce contains an
extremely low calorie content (10 kilocalories [60 kilojoules] in 100 grams, FW), thus making it a
preferable supplement for dietary and weight loss programs.

Bunning et al. (2010) interpolated that colorful lettuce types have risen to inclination in
terms of yields in the previous years, and concluded that darker types of lettuce, such as romaine,
green leaf, and red leaf, are more efficient sources of Vitamin A, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine,
Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Manganese, Selenium, and Beta-carotene.

Because of the properties stated above, Jose (2016) states that this crop is generally used
for treating whooping cough, asthma, problems in the urinary tract, insomnia or trouble in
sleeping, restlessness, children’s excitability, painful menstruation, nymphomania or excessive
sex drive in females, muscular pains, joint pains, poor blood circulation, and priapism or swollen
genitals in males. Furthermore, the oil extracted from its seeds is commonly used for treating
atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, and as a substitute for wheat germ oil.

Commercial Implications of Lactuca sativa

In the culinary industry, lettuce is currently being cultivated commercially for its greens as
it is typically eaten raw for salads, sandwiches, and other menus- highlighting the necessity for a
more productive and innovative way of cultivation which would guarantee that the crop would be
up to par with the standards set for leafy vegetables (Reyneza, 2011).

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO), 23.6
million metric tons of lettuce, which were harvested from 1.1 million hectares, were commercially
produced around the world. China supplied the majority of the yield, producing 12.6 million metric
tons, while second-ranked United States produced 4.0 million metric tons of yield, accounting for
another 17%. Spain, India, and Italy contributed yields of more than 800,000 metric tons each.
However, the UN-FAO tracks lettuce production statistics along with chicory, another crop which
is used as salad greens.

In the market, lettuce is being sold as a whole product or as components of fresh cuts- and
in the present times, lettuce with various colors, shapes, and properties are being packed together
into fresh cut salad mixes. Martinez-Sanchez et al. (2012) stated that color, size, texture, and taste

8 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
are the important parameters for the marketing of lettuce to be considered as successful. These
factors determine the market price and the consumer preference as well.

The drastic change in patronage of modern retailing formats in the Philippines are mainly
linked with rapid urbanization and changes in demographics, lifestyles, and family structures
(Shepherd, 2005, as cited by Jose, 2016). In support, The Manila Times (2013) stated in an article
that lettuce is then considered as a basic necessity, a consequence of the uprising “farm to table”
and “farm to fork” staples.

In the Philippines, lettuce is predominantly grown in Benguet, Bukidnon, and Tagaytay,

Cavite. According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, the production in the Cordillera region
in 2010 was 1,486.15 metric tons from a production area of 160 hectares and the country had
produced 3,634.12 metric tons from 465.98 hectares. However, the Philippine Statistics Authority
[PSA] (2017) recorded an annual production volume of lettuce data and observed a downward
trend in yield generation.

In 2014, 4,060.7 metric tons of lettuce was produced nationwide, with the Cordillera
Administrative Region contributing 1,290.91 metric tons, and Northern Mindanao yielding
1,795.4 metric tons. In 2015, 3,821.74 metric tons of lettuce were generated nationwide- CAR
contributing 1,203.61 metric tons, and Northern Mindanao yielding 1,593.2 tons. This trend
continues as of 2016, only 3,809.93 metric tons of lettuce was harvested- 1,188 metric tons of
which came from the Cordilleras, and 1,602.8 metric tons coming from Northern Mindanao.

Cultivation of Lactuca sativa

According to Jose (2016), lettuce thrives in cool environments with an optimal temperature
range of 15-18 degrees Celsius, with 65-85% relative humidity. In the open field, lettuce crops
grow best in moderate rainfall. Furthermore, it requires silty clay loam, loam, or clay loam soils
with pH levels from 6 to 6.8- and preferably contains high levels of organic matter for good water
holding capacity. However, clay soils are heavy and sticky, thus invoking the need for the
application of soil conditioners such as coconut coir dust and rice hulls to increase soil permeability
and percolation rates of water.

9 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
 Seeds are first sown in seedling trays under greenhouses or open fields with grass or plastic
roofing as to guarantee the early recovery of plants during transplanting since the soil medium is
still in tacked compared to bare root seedlings. Seedbeds are created through cleaning the desired
spot and thoroughly pulverizing the contained soils.

Organic fertilizers and soil conditioners are further added to make the soil permeable,
porous, and friable. In each 1-meter plot, seeds are sown in straight lines with at least 1.5
centimeter gaps in between, which is further covered in an extremely thin layer of soil. (Andersen,
n.d.; Jose, 2016).

Afterwards, organic fertilizers are further added onto the plots depending on the
requirements which are determined through soil analysis. Generally, lettuce plants require 90 to
100 kg of Nitrogen per hectare, which is evidently supplied by synthetic chemical fertilizers and
organic plant supplements (Leon, Martin, & Chiesa, 2012).

Jose (2016) further stated that lettuce adapts best in moist environments, but are not able
to withstand continuous rain downpours. Generally, farmers water these crops three to four times
a week, in the morning as to dry excess moisture in the late afternoon which prevents them from
rotting.

Watering lettuce may be done through water hoses, watering cans, sprinklers, or irrigation
systems. Aside from these, farmers commonly remove weeds in order to give way to the crops’
growth- eliminating risks of competition in terms of nutrient absorption, photoreception, and space,
all of which would have adverse effects on the crop’s growth (Andersen, n.d.)

Curtis (2006) emphasized that innovating the style of propagation of this species is
important as to comply with its main breeding aims- resistance to pests and diseases, high amount
of yield, optimal quality, and prolonged shelf-life.

The Nature of Hydroponics

Hydroponics enables mass production of crops without needing to use soil. The roots of
the plants are developed in a nutrient solution or in a medium such as perlite or gravel. Hydroponic
farming is a customary farming method in the Netherlands where crops are developed in hot houses

10 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
on rock wool. The required nutrients are injected into the rock wool. Temperature, water supply,
light and pesticides are in need to be calculated and regulated by computers (Massholder, 2014).

Typically, plants are grown using a liquid solution that provides all the nutrients that they
need. It has been used as a standard technique for plant biology research and for commercial
production of crops like lettuce and tomato. Hydroponic systems are beneficial in situations that
call for well-controlled nutrient media (Nguyen, Mcinturf, and Mendoza-Cózatl, 2016).

As stated, hydroponics is an effective way to mass-produce crops with more efficiency as

compared to traditional farming techniques. Several advantages such as convenience for growing
plants (due to the fact that they can be grown anywhere as long as growth requirements are met),
less worries regarding seasons, less resources such as space, water, and labor are needed, crops
grow two times faster and have healthier and better nutritional value compared to traditionally
grown crops (Olivia Solutions, 2013), and higher economic incomes are achieved due to increase
in crop productivity and quality (Trejo-Téllez and Gómez-Merino, 2012).

In addition, root tissue has less invasive separation and nutrient bioavailability is
homogeneous and can be easily replaced since consumer has full control of nutrient media
(Mendoza-Cózatl, McInturf, and Nguyen, 2016). A study conducted in Malaysia supports these
claims. Soil condition in the area lead to roundworms, diseases, and salinity accumulation which
hindered production of chrysanthemums. Hydroponic tray and trough system proved to be efficient
when consumers and distributers deemed chrysanthemum quality and characteristics satisfactory,
implying that soilless system can be an alternative way of producing the plants (Abdullaha, et al.,
2015).

Several benefits such as economic advantages can be achieved if the system is developed
in such a way that crops are grown in strategic places (e.g. close to market area) which is a more
efficient strategy (Wambua, n.d.). Additionally, it “alleviates poverty while simultaneously easing
strains on the environment” (Lucky Roots Hydroponics, 2013) as hydroponic gardens can produce
the same yield as soil gardens in about 1/5 the space.

11 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
The Disadvantages of Hydroponic Systems
Despite the many pros hydroponic gardens have, there are several disadvantages that
accompany it. Since the system is only being introduced in the Philippines, initial setup may be
costly for majority of consumers. Second, the system is susceptible to power outrage, a
phenomenon common in the country. Third, water based microorganisms can be introduced. And
fourth, technical knowledge is required for growing plants through hydroponics (Olivia Solutions,
2013).

One of the weakest points in hydroponics is the inefficiency of information on supervising

the nutrient solution. Many growers and research scientists unload nutrient solutions and refill at
weekly intervals. Other authors have suggested measuring the concentrations of each nutrient in
solution as a solution to nutrient control and maintenance.

Discarding and replacing solution is needless, and also monitoring ions in solution is not
explicitly needed; in reality, the rapid exhaustion of some nutrients regularly causes people to
apply toxic quantities of nutrients to the solution. Monitoring ions in solution is remarkable, but it
puts effective maintenance to it down to the drain (Bugbee, 2016).

An article listed several reasons why hydroponic growing systems may pose a threat to
people. “Hydroponic growing lacks the natural processes found in compost such as the biological
activity between plants and bacteria and the benefits of humic acid contributing to the nutrient
quality” (Irwin, 2015).

Nutrient solutions cannot be considered ‘organic’ since they are synthetically derived and
underwent industrial-based processes. The solutions contain chemicals that may have adverse
health effects. Most of the damage for synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides
comes from what is absorbed through the skin.

Another disadvantage is that consumers must be thorough in choosing the nutrient solution
for the system. Different crops require different growing conditions. Eggplants which are usually
considered moderately sensitive to salinity will have its total yield production and mean fruit

12 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
weight if nutrient salinity is looked over by the farmer. Salinity effects on eggplant production
should be taken into account for water consumption calculations in order to prevent over-
applications of saline waters (Golabi, Ghaemi, and Mahjoor, 2016).

Additionally, a study involving castor plants showed that its copper content increased along
the elevation of copper concentration of solution. Different chemical forms of the compound
accumulated in the roots, reaching a percentage of 66.6% extracted from cell wall components.
However, castor root cell walls thickened due to exposure, developing a tolerance to copper (Bao,
et al., 2015).

There is a possibility that crops grown in the Philippines will not have the same adaptation
techniques such as the castor plants since non-physiological conditions may affect plant responses
(Nguyen, et al., 2016).

One of the suitable ways of environment management is the recycling of organic wastes in
agriculture. Most florae with decorative leaves are cultured in soilless media, in which peat is the
basic medium. In spite of the use of peat, it is questioned due to the ecological harm to the
environment and economic drawbacks it gives to decorative plant producers.

One example are peanut shells that remained as wastes of growing peanut and it has a
significant volume for compost of which is available to be of source for decorative plants medium.
Peanut shell compost can increase total nitrogen and available phosphorus and potassium of the
media. Peanut shell compost amplified plant growth directories, but the growth was decreased in
100 % in the compost treatment.

Instead of growth, the compost led to rise in nutrient uptake by plants. In totality, it became
known that peanut shell compost is a fitting alternative to peat as the development medium of
decorative plants. It is also because of the promising properties and high porosity that peanut shell
compost can be combined with low-porosity substrates and also be applied as a substitute to peat
in the cultivation media. Study suggests that it is not good to increase peanut compost level by 60
and 100 % (Torkashvand, Alidoust, and Khomami, 2015).

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Botanical Description of Gliricidia sepium

Table 02: Taxonomic Classifications of Gliricidia sepium

Kingdom Plantae

Division Spermatophyta

Class Dicotelydonae

Order Fabales

Family Fabaceae

Genus Gliricidia

Species Gliricidia sepium

(Combalicer et al., 2011)

Gliricidia sepium, locally known as Kakawate, is an adaptable, quick-growing seeding tree

which is commonly spread through explosion of its pods. Badayos (2010) states that this plant is
considered as a “colonizer of disturbed ground”- giving it the title of being a weed in Jamaica and
Australia. However, its ability to spread in many countries is restricted due to varying
environmental conditions. In the Philippines, Kakawate is only considered as a moderate or
potentially invasive species (Rabena, 2011).

Kakawate is typically seen in the Philippines as a small to medium-sized deciduous tree

with multiple stems. Its height varies between 2 to 15 meters, while its stem is measured to be 1
meter in diameter. Its leaf arrangements are alternate, but some have sub-opposite and pinnate
positioning (Tantiado, 2012).

Jusoh, Aliman, and Iman (2016) further describe it in their study as a plant whose leaves
are measured to be 15 to 35 cm long, with slender, yellow-green, finely hairy rachis, an odd
terminal leaflet, and 6 to 24 opposite (except in upper part of rachis) leaflets per leaf. Its flowers
are borne on erect, 2 to 15 cm long racemes arising from leaf axils, or on leafless nodes of older
stems with almost synchronous maturation of 30-100 flowers on a single inflorescence.

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Agricultural Implications of Gliricidia sepium

Kakawate is a kind of a nitrogen-fixing tree, meaning that it contributes in restoring

degraded areas and improve land productivity and enrich the nitrogen in the soil. Productivity of
plants depends largely on the soil’s nutrients. Incorporating nitrogen-fixing plants in the soil
enhances plant litter quality and quantity, which also aids as a fertilizer component in agriculture.
(Combalicer, et al., 2011)

Applying organic materials on soil is an effective method to maintain the nutrient levels of
the soil and to enhance its properties to sustain crop production. Many organic materials contain
secondary nutrients and micronutrients in addition to organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium (Dela Cruz, 2010).

. An experiment is conducted by Nonilon Badayos (2010.) to evaluate the effect of

Kakawate on the growth and production of eggplants and on the soils physical and chemical
properties. This treatment resulted in a faster growth rate and heavier crops.

Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) leaves, due to their high nitrogen content, improve the soil’s
fertility which in turn, improves the effectivity of plant growth. They also possess the properties
of an effective organic fertilizer and an additive in soil.

In a research conducted by Alfredo and Karen Rabena (2011), a treatment with Kakawate
leaves plus ammonium sulfate produced high percentage germination in crops. Plants treated with
Kakawate leaves plus ammonium sulfate yield a significant increase in seedling height and weight,
and root length. Gliricidia sepium leaves can be utilized as an organic fertilizer in both liquid and
dry form.

Farmers in Southern Luzon, Philippines have been using Kakawate leaves in agriculture.
The leaves are incorporated into the soil during soil preparation, spread over, sprayed on the plants,
or combined with other plants (Villegas-Pangga, 2010). In addition, the Kakawate tree has a high
mineral composition that does not only provide nutrients to crops; it also has chemical compounds
that can help control insects and soil-borne pathogen populations.

Kakawate yields healthy plants and crops, and assists the activities of beneficial soil
organisms. This is why Gliricidia sepium is also used as a pesticide. It enhances the crops’

15 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
resistance to root infection, insect, and disease infestation. (Villegas-Pangga, 2010). Kakawate
also acts as in rodenticide. The leaves have a distinctive aroma that attracts rats and when
consumed, kills them with hemorrhagic poison. (De la Cruz, 2010)

Synthesis
Lactuca sativa is first deemed as costly and expensive, a thought attributed to lettuce’s
sensitivity as it is being grown, and the expenses utilized throughout its cultivation. It was already
established that lettuce plays a vital role in health, commerce, and the market- hence, innovating
the methods of growing it may have a desirable effect on its commercial costs.
Hydroponic systems offer low-cost, efficient, and quality mass-production. Growing this
crop in these systems would most likely help reduce the price of lettuce in the market, making all
of the aforementioned benefits and properties more accessible to the public.
Furthermore, using this type of soilless farming would make growing crops easier and more
efficient compared to traditional crop growing techniques.
It would also pave way for the solutions to the current problems that the agricultural
industry faces such as unprecedented torrential rains, excessive flooding, frosts (in temperate
regions such as the Cordilleras), and increasing soil acidity.
Lastly, putting Gliricidia sepium into use through the hydroponics system would
potentially expand not only its uses, but the options for nutrient solutions as well.

16 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
 METHODOLOGY
Research Design
A quantitative experimental design will be used by the researchers. The approach is widely
used in different fields of science wherein variables are manipulated to test a hypothesis and arrive
at a conclusion. Generally, the design aims to predict phenomena and explain causation (Blakstad,
2008). In lieu of the study’s research questions, by definition, the quantitative experimental design
is the most apt to use.

Research Procedures

I. Locale and Sampling

The commercially available hoagland hydroponic nutrient solution and Lactuca sativa var.
capitata seeds will be acquired from a garden supply establishment within Quezon City. However,
the Gliricidia sepium leaves will be obtained from the International Institute of Rural
Reconstruction (IIRR) in Silang, Cavite A certificate of authenticity shall be acquired from the
mentioned institution in order to prove that the brought plant materials are genuine.

II. Creating the alternative nutrient solution

Gliricidia sepium leaves will be harvested an hour before sunrise to guarantee the freshness
and the presence of certain microorganisms in the leaves’ surfaces which are essential to the
formulation of the solution as interpolated by Miller et al. (2013). These plant materials will be cut
and scrapped as fine as 2 to 3 inches in order to optimize the rate of extraction. The aforementioned
scraps embody the green matter, which is commonly comprised by grass cuttings and vegetable
scraps in commercially-available hydroponic solutions.

A kilogram of the chopped plant material will be mixed together with 330 grams of crude
sugar and molasses, which would expedite the osmotic process. This mixture will be placed in a
food-grade polyethylene container and will be covered with a muslin to allow exchange of air. The
cover will be secured with a string to prevent contamination. This will be stored in a secluded
place located away from natural and artificial lights, and extreme temperature levels.

After 24 hours, the mixture will be checked to make sure that the volume of the material
exactly occupies only two-thirds of the entire container as to guarantee that the microbes will
receive enough air for fermentation and there would be no molds formed.

17 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
 Afterwards, the mixture will be let fermented undisturbed at a span not exceeding 7 days.
In line with the study of Miller et al. (2013), the key markers of complete fermentation include the
deposition of juices and floatation of plant material, and the light alcohol smell which is caused by
the breakdown of chlorophyll. The mixture will be separated using a sterile colander, and the plant
juice will be collected and stored in a loosely covered container. A sample of the generated plant
juice will be brought to the University of the Philippines-Los Banos for ultraviolet-visible
spectroscopy in order for the researchers to determine the amount of biological molecules present
in the said liquid.

The fermented extracts will be diluted in two concentration ratios: (a) 1 part plant juice:
500 parts water, and (b) 1 part plant juice: 800 parts water, as governed by the tables below.

Table 03. Measurements of 1:500 Dilution Ratio in Common Household Units

Table 04. Measurements of 1:800 Dilution Ratio in Common Household Units

III. Parameters for hydroponic nutrient solution

The general nutrient content (specifically: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur,
calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, boron, and molybdemum) will be measured
through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Data acquired for general nutrient content will be
compared to the standard nutrient solution criteria shown in Table 05.

18 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
 Nutrient Low Marginal Sufficient High Excess
Spring 1.5 1.5 - 2.0 2.0 - 3.0 3.0 - 4.0 4.0
Nitrogen (N) % Winter 1.25 1.25 - 1.75 1.75 - 3.0 3.0 - 4.0 4.0
Phosphorous (P) % 0.15 0.15 - 0.25 0.26 - 0.5 0.5 - 0.8 0.8
Potassium (K) % 1.0 1.0 - 1.5 1.5 - 3.0 3.0 - 5.0 5.0
Sulphur (S) % 0.1 0.1 - 0.15 0.15 - 0.40 0.40 - 0.8 0.8
Calcium (Ca) % Other 0.10 0.10 - 0.2 0.2 - 1.0 1.0 - 1.5 1.5
Barley 0.20 0.2 - 0.3 0.3 - 2.0 2.0 - 2.5 2.5
Magnesium (Mg) % 0.1 0.1 - 0.15 0.15 - 0.50 0.5 - 1.0 1.0
Zinc (Zn) ppm 10 10 - 15 15 - 70 70 - 150 150
Copper (Cu) ppm Barley 2.3 2.3 - 3.7 3.7 - 25 25 - 50 50
Wheat 3.0 3.0 - 4.5 4.5 - 25 25 - 50 50
Oats 1.7 1.7 - 2.5 2.5 - 25 25 - 50 50
Iron (Fe) ppm 15 15 - 20 20 - 250 250 - 500 500
Manganese (Mn) ppm 10 10 - 15 15 - 100 100 - 250 250
Boron (B) ppm 3 3-5 5 - 25 25 - 75 75
Molybdenum (Mo) ppm 0.01 .01 - .02 .03 - 5 5 - 10 10
Table 05. General Nutrient Content Parameter taken from Government of Alberta
Agriculture and Forestry Crop Nutrition and Fertilizer Requirements

Additionally, the compost solution’s amount of dissolved salts or electrical conductivity

(EC), and pH will be measured as well. Measured EC would be compared to the prescribed EC
range for growing lettuce which is 0.6 – 1.4 (by Growth Technology) and measured pH will be
compared to the prescribed pH range of 5.6-6 (based from the Cornell University’s Controlled
Environment Agriculture Hydroponic Lettuce Handbook).

The alternative solutions will be further verified and authenticated for feasibility through
consultation with advisers from University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

IV. Cultivation of Lettuce seedlings

Three columns (growth trays) of set-ups will be utilized, two which will be treated with the
alternative hydroponic solutions (one will be treated with the 1:500 dilution ratio, and the other
one will be treated with the 1:800 dilution ratio) only, and one which will be treated with the
commercially-available solution only for control. Each column will be composed of five seeds,
planted on a common growth media (coconut coir).

19 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
 During the germination period, the seeds will be drenched with the aforementioned
solutions. The rate of germination will be observed in terms of days. After the shoots became
observable, the columns will be placed on top of aerated containers holding the solutions that they
were treated with, respectively. An improvised hydroponic system, using the nutrient-film
technique, will be utilized by using a standard submersible pump for fish tanks. These submersible
pumps have pipes which will be connected to the growth trays above. Another pipe, connected on
the other end of the growth tray, will be used to return unused solutions to the tank.

Figure 02. Visual Diagram of Improvised Hydroponic System

To guarantee the lack of bias in the results, some conditions which are essential to the
growth and development of the plant samples shall be kept constant, such as the surrounding
environment, temperature, amount of sunlight received, and the growth media. Furthermore,
extraneous variables, such as commercial growth enhancers and seedling supplements, will not be
used.

The researchers will continuously treat and cultivate the plant samples, and a daily log shall
be provided for cross-checking the activities conducted on the samples. Other factors such as
height, length, and growth rate will also be measured throughout the course of the cultivation,
while the properties of the root, leaf quality, stem quality, and intensity of pigmentation will be

20 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
observed and recorded after the cultivation stage. These factors will be measured through visual
inspection and examination, considering the parameters provided by the Quality Control Methods
for Herbal Materials (World Health Organization, 2011).

The samples will then be transferred into a standard plant containers and will be brought
to the Institute of Herbal Medicine in the University of the Philippines, Los Baños for phytotoxicity
testing and phytochemical analysis. The results will be acquired by the researchers, and will be
further analyzed.

Ethical Considerations

The researchers will not disclose the brands of the commercially-available hydroponic
solutions which will be utilized in the study in any forms. These solutions will be purchased
incognito. All transactions and activities will be done as permitted by the institutions involved,
and all communication letters will be reflected in the appendices.

Statistical Treatment

Hoagland Solution Gliricidia sepium solution (800 Gliricidia sepium solution (500
parts water) parts water)
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Sx̅ S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Sx̅ S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 Sx̅
DV01 Delay of
Emergence
Thinning
Phytoxi-
city Presence of
necrotic
spots
Perforation
MEAN DV 01 x̅ 11 x̅ 12 x̅13
DV02 Growth Rate
Plant Height
& length
Growth
Leaf Quality
Plant LAR
Stem Quality
Intensity of
Pigmentation
Crop Yield
MEAN DV02 x̅ 21 x̅ 22 x̅ 23
Table 05. Data design of dependent and independent variables of the study

An approach of One-way MANOVA (Multiple Analysis of Variance) will be used in this

study along with the data design shown on Table 03 wherein S1-5 stands for the seedlings in one
column set-up while Sx̅ stands for the mean data obtained.

21 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
 The hypothesis will be represented as:

𝐻0 : 𝜇1 = 𝜇2 = 𝜇3

Wherein 𝜇1 is the set-up wherein Hoagland solution is used, 𝜇2 – Kakawate solution (500
parts water) is used, and 𝜇3 – Kakawate solution (800 parts water) is used. The set-ups can be
expressed in the equation:

x̅ 11 x̅ x̅
𝐻0 : [ ] = [ 12 ] = [ 13 ]
x̅ 21 x̅ 22 x̅ 23

Where x̅ 11 is the mean data for DV01 of set-up 01 and x̅ 21 is the mean data for DV02 of
set-up 01, x̅ 12 is the mean data for DV01 of set-up 02 and x̅ 22 is the mean data for DV02 of set-up
02, and so on.

The prescribed test statistic for One-way MANOVA that the researchers will follow is:

|𝑊| |𝑊|
Λ= =
|𝑇| |𝐵 + 𝑊|

Where W and T are determinants of the within and total sum of squares and cross-product
matrices.

Obtained statistical data and analysis will be consulted to and checked by a statistician.

22 | Kakawate Leaves as Component in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution for Growing Batavia Lettuce
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