A Comparative Study on the Effects of Banana Peels

and Eggshells as Natural Fertilizers on the Growth of Bell Peppers

A
Research Proposal

Presented to the FACULTY of STEM

(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Senior High
Corpus Christi School
Pueblo Campus

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Aguilar, Mary Chezka F.

Guevara, Cyril Che P.
Lomondot, Aniqa Imtiyaz A.
Moran, Icy Kaye M.

December 2023
 Table of Contents

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................. i

List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iii

List of Figures .................................................................................................................... iii

Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................................. 1

Background of the Study ......................................................................................... 1

Statement of the Problem ......................................................................................... 3

Hypothesis................................................................................................................ 3

Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................ 4

Significance of the Study ......................................................................................... 5

Scope and Delimitations .......................................................................................... 5

Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................ 6

Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................... 7

Definition of Terms.................................................................................................. 8

Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................................. 9

Effects of Natural Fertilizers on Plant Growth ...................................................... 10

Bell Pepper as a Common Household Plant .......................................................... 12

Utilizing Eggshells as a Natural Fertilizer ............................................................. 14

Natural Fertilizer Derived from Banana Peels ....................................................... 15

Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 16

i
 Chapter 3 ........................................................................................................................... 17

Research Setting..................................................................................................... 17

Research Design..................................................................................................... 17

Sample and Data Collection................................................................................... 18

Sampling Procedure ............................................................................................... 18

Gantt Chart ............................................................................................................. 20

Budget Proposal ..................................................................................................... 21

Statistical Treatment .............................................................................................. 22

References ......................................................................................................................... 23

Appendices.........................................................................................................................27

ii
 List of Tables

Table 1: Duration and Frequency of the Study ..................................................................20

Table 2.1: Direct Costs ......................................................................................................21

Table 2.2: Indirect Costs ....................................................................................................21

Table 1:1: Group A (Water) ...............................................................................................23

Table 1.2: Group B (Banana Peels) ..................................................................................23

Table 1.3: Group C (Eggshells) ........................................................................................24

List of Figures

Figure 1: Diagrammatic representation of the study’s independent and dependent

variables ...............................................................................................................................7

iii
 Abstract

Fertilizer is a natural or synthetic substance that is used to be added to the soil or

land to boost its fertility. Plant growth and production are enhanced by the organic

components included in fertilizers. Fertilizers derived from plants and animals, whether

natural or organic, provide advantages for sustainability. Eggshells and banana peels

provide calcium, potassium, and phosphorus that may be beneficial to bell peppers. The

aim of this research is to investigate how fertilizers made from banana peels and eggshells

affect the development of bell peppers. A quantitative experimental design is utilized in

this study. Consequently, three groups of bell pepper plants will be planted: two treatment

groups with fertilizers made of eggshells or banana peels, and a control group that is

provided with water. There will be a total of thirty (30) bell pepper seeds planted, 10 in

each of the three groups. In a period of three months, data measurements will be made and

gathered on plant height, weight, and yield to determine which fertilizer best promotes the

development of bell peppers. A statistical analysis of the data will be conducted to

determine the optimum natural fertilizer for bell peppers.

 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Sharma (2017) stated that soil fertilizing is an easy way to increase soil fertility and

yield better crops. It is commonly used amongst farmers to improve the quality of their

plants, especially during seasons when it is hard to harvest crops. In most instances,

synthetic fertilizer is used, which leads to environmental problems such as water pollution.

This is mainly due to its ability to wash away from the soil during rainfall, which could

cause them to travel to nearby water bodies.

Natural-based fertilizers, a fertilizer derived from non-synthetic sources like plants

and animals, are a more sustainable approach to enhancing crop and plant growth, all while

reducing food wastage. If appropriately studied, natural-based fertilizers can be utilized to

create a more biodegradable and eco-friendly fertilizer that can improve growth and lessen

the impact of environmental changes on the planet. Furthermore, Guo, Zhang, Fan, Yang,

Yi, Han, Wang, Zhu, and Peng (2019) states that it can improve crop yield and lessen the

effects of groundwater contamination caused by inorganic fertilizers.

The outer layer of bananas, known as the peel, is a rich source of essential nutrients

for various plant processes like photosynthesis. Eggshells, the calcium carbonate protective

layers of chicken eggs, offer calcium necessary for improving root growth and

flowering/fruit production. Eggshells and banana peels may be used as natural fertilizers

for bell peppers by instilling them into the soil, where they will decompose and discharge

nutrients that will replenish and encourage their overall growth

1
development. This study will compare chosen bell pepper development indicators between

fertilizers prepared from eggshells and banana peels. The findings will help determine

which natural fertilizer would be best for bell peppers and support environmentally friendly

agriculture practices by encouraging the reuse of organic wastes.

In that sense, organic fertilizers may be a better option than inorganic fertilizers for

farmers to switch to. Multiple researchers have studied the effects of different natural

fertilizers on the growth and yield of plants. The trend of employing manure as a natural

fertilizer for enhancing soil fertility has been adopted in their research.

For example, Mehdizadeh, Darbandi, and Naseri-Rad (2014) have researched the

effects of different organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of tomatoes. Using five types

of treatments: sheep manure, cow manure, poultry manure, municipal compost waste, and

no fertilizer as a control variable, their research concluded that the use of organic fertilizers

bore significant results over no fertilizers.

Although the research provides extensive data on the effects of manure as a

fertilizer, it does not emphasize the different forms of compost as fertilizer. To fill this gap,

the research will focus more on compost as an organic fertilizer and experiment with two

types of compost waste. This research uses eggshells, banana peels, and water as control

variables to investigate bell peppers' growth, yield, and mass. The study's results can

positively contribute to the environment by providing more sustainable options for

fertilizers in a tropical climate. The paper also explores which fertilizer is best suitable for

growing bell peppers by comparing the nutritional benefits of both fertilizers.

2
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine and compare the effectiveness of banana peels and

eggshells as a natural fertilizer for the growth of bell peppers. Furthermore, the researchers

aim to answer the following questions:

1. What is the effect of banana peels on the growth of bell peppers in terms of:

a. Height

b. Weight

c. Yield

2. What is the effect of eggshells on the growth of bell peppers in terms of:

a. Height

b. Weight

c. Yield

3. Which of the following fertilizers has a significant effect on the growth of bell

peppers?

Hypothesis

The study will be centered on the effects of an eggshell-based fertilizer and a banana

peel-based fertilizer on the growth of bell pepper plants. The researchers will assume the

null and alternative hypothesis, where the basis will be the t-test score, whether it is greater

or lower than the p-value of 0.05. If the t-test is greater, the alternative hypothesis will be

accepted and the null hypothesis will be rejected. Meanwhile, the null hypothesis will be

accepted and the alternative hypothesis will be rejected if the t-test is lesser.

3
 H0 = There will be no significant difference between the experimental groups and

the control group in the growth of bell peppers.

Ha = There will be a significant difference between the experimental groups and

the control group in the growth of bell peppers.

Objectives of the Study

This study aims to identify the effects of two different natural fertilizers, eggshells,

and banana peels, on bell peppers' height, weight, and yield. The researchers will use two

types of natural fertilizers to compare the effects on bell peppers' stated growth parameters.

Overall, it evaluates which treatment of the two different natural fertilizers produces better

growth and yield of bell peppers.

Summary of objectives:

1. To examine the growth of bell peppers using an organic fertilizer derived from

banana peels.

2. To examine the growth of bell peppers using an organic fertilizer derived from

eggshells.

3. To compare which natural fertilizer has more significant effects on the growth of

bell peppers.

4
Significance of the Study

This study compares the effects of eggshells and banana peels as organic fertilizers

for bell pepper growth. Hence, the results of this research will be beneficial to the

following:

Farmers. Farmers will be informed about the effects of organic fertilizer on

maintaining soil structure concerning organic farming processes of growing food.

Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture will obtain relevant

information on the two natural fertilizers and the significant effects it has on the growth

and development of bell peppers in rural areas. It can help improve the concerns of

agricultural development towards planting crops and the process of having healthy

conditions of food.

Future Researchers. Future Researchers will be able to discover the comparative

effects of banana peel and eggshells in planting bell peppers and identify their nutritional

value as organic fertilizers.

Scope and Delimitations

This research focuses on the comparative effects of bell peppers and eggshells when

used as an organic fertilizer for bell peppers. The researchers will investigate the primary

variables of the study, namely the height, weight, and yield of bell peppers, which are the

growth parameters of the plant. Overall, this study excludes other concerns beyond the

growth of bell peppers and the organic fertilizers used.

5
Theoretical Framework

Thaer (1809) theorized that any sufficiently rotten material contains all the

substances needed for plant growth. He came to this conclusion after knowing the

observation of Nicolas Théodore de Saussure, a Swiss chemist, that plants absorb carbon

dioxide from the air and they grow poorer in soil leached with warm water than on

unleashed soil, and that with warm water, a brown substance like ‘humus’ is removed from

the soil. Thaer expounded his theory using a thermometer where ‘heat’ is a quantity. He

scaled the fertility of the soil from 0 to 100. He used manure as an organic fertilizer and

concluded that the degrees of fertility increased after this experiment.

Thaer’s theory is valuable to the study as it supports the hypothesis that organic

fertilizers from rotten materials enhance soil quality, leading to enhanced plant growth.

Since the study will be making use of rotten banana peels as compost, the theory will back

the results of the experiment.

6
Conceptual Framework

Figure 1. Diagrammatic representation of the study's independent and dependent

variables.

The figure above shows the type of organic fertilizer used and the growth

parameters of bell peppers. Bell pepper plants will be exposed to either banana peel

fertilizer or eggshell fertilizer to determine their impact. Meanwhile, the dependent

variables are the various growth parameters of bell peppers that will be measured, precisely

the height, weight, and yield. The study aims to determine whether fertilizers made from

eggshells or banana peels produce bell pepper plants that develop more successfully and

productively by collecting data on these dependent variables and statistical analysis. This

will assist in identifying the best kind of organic fertilizer to use while growing bell

peppers.

7
Definition of Terms

Natural Fertilizer: Organic material derived from plant or animal sources that enriches

soil fertility to support plant growth, such as banana peels and eggshells.

Organic Fertilizers: Fertilizers derived from a byproduct of natural sources like wastes of

plants and animals, which enrich soil nutrition and condition without causing harm

to the environment.

Eggshells: The calcareous outer covering of chicken eggs, a byproduct that contains

calcium and other minerals beneficial for plant growth.

Banana Peels: The peels of banana fruit, a byproduct that contains potassium and other

nutrients valuable as a fertilizer when decomposed.

Bell Pepper: Edible fruit vegetables of the capsicum species in this study were specifically

used as the test subject for the effects of two different organic fertilizers.

Growth Factors: The measured factors used to quantify and compare the progress,

growth, and development of bell pepper plants under different natural fertilizers,

including plant height, weight, and yield.

Height: The vertical measurement of a plant from the base to the highest point.

Weight: The quantity of mass of an object or living thing. In this study, weight refers to

the mass measurement of the harvested bell peppers using a scale.

Yield: The amount of agricultural produce obtained from a given area or quantity of a crop.

8
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction

The use of naturally occurring fertilizers in agriculture as an alternative to synthetic

fertilizers has gained significant recognition in recent years due to its numerous

sustainability benefits and advantages over synthetic methods. Growing knowledge of the

detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers on the environment, soil, and human health

motivates the usage of organic fertilizers. As a result, there is a growing interest in

exploring natural alternatives that support plant growth and long-term ecological balance.

Among the organic substances recognized for their potential as natural fertilizers, banana

peels, and eggshells have emerged as promising choices. These readily available waste

materials are rich in essential nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and

nitrogen, crucial for plant development and productivity. Their nutrient composition

resembles synthetic fertilizers, making them a viable and sustainable alternative.

This study uses organic fertilizers from eggshells and banana peels to enrich bell

peppers. There is a need to investigate environmentally friendly organic fertilizer

alternatives as environmental concerns regarding pollution from chemical fertilizers grow.

Studies in the past highlighted the advantages of different natural fertilizers in encouraging

plant development and enhancing soil quality. Additional study is necessary to compare

the outcomes of various kinds of organic waste-based fertilizers. A study by (Mehdizadeh

& Tobeh, 2014) discovered that various organic fertilizers, such as manure, greatly

increased tomato growth compared to the control. However, their research could not

directly contrast the outcomes of various compost elements.

9
 This study seeks to seal that gap by examining the comparative impacts of banana

peel and eggshell fertilizers on bell pepper height, weight, and yield. Farmers and gardeners

may receive scientific guidance on optimizing crop output through recycling organic waste

by discovering which organic fertilizer yields the best outcomes for bell peppers. The

following discussion will synthesize past studies on organic fertilizers and compare their

methodologies and conclusions to provide context for the current research.

Effects of Natural Fertilizers on Plant Growth

Natural fertilizers, commonly known as organic fertilizers, supply nutrients that

help enhance plant growth. These nutrients include phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium-

all of which are essential for the development and yield of plants. Hazra (2016) noted three

naturally occurring organic fertilizers: manure, slurry waste, and worm castings. The study

defines these natural fertilizers as the following: Manure refers to the organic animal feces

that result from the continuing bacterial and fungal decomposition process. It is utilized in

farming to boost crop yield and soil fertility. Second, agricultural slurry is any waste

product from a house or an animal thoroughly blended with water to increase soil fertility.

It is produced through a lengthy procedure that involves gathering the waste in sizable

tanks or containers and transferring them in a liquid condition to the agricultural fields.

Since it is liquid, it dissolves readily and mixes with the soil, providing the latter with

nutrients. Lastly, worm casting, also known as vermin compost or worm compost. It

includes the remains of the breakdown of any organic material by worms, insects, or

earthworms. It is highly nutritional and serves as a valuable soil conditioner.

Organic fertilizers are derived from biological materials, whereas inorganic or

synthetic fertilizers are synthesized artificially or extracted from non-living materials.

10
According to Sharma (2017), improved soil texture, increased water retention, and

resistance to erosion are a few significant benefits of organic fertilizers. Moreover, organic

fertilizers deliver nitrogen in a form that will aid in improving plant growth without

harming the soil's beneficial microorganisms or consuming the roots of plants. By

supplying the plants' nutritional demands and increasing plant tolerance, organic fertilizers

also contribute to the prevention of diseases. Taddese (2019) also states that in contrast to

chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers use ingredients that are byproducts from plants,

animals, or minerals. Thus, these decaying materials would naturally break down and

provide the soil with nutrients and minerals. In addition to improving the soil's structure,

organic fertilizers facilitate air circulation, which supports beneficial microbes that aid in

the soil's nutrient release. While synthetic or inorganic fertilizers also have benefits,

including a faster increase in the growth rate and plant's overall activity, such fertilizers

also have disadvantages that make them less desirable. Sharma (2017) cited four drawbacks

of inorganic fertilizers: dependence on fossil fuel, nutrient imbalance, water pollution, and

human carcinogens. The reckless application of inorganic fertilizers can also lead to

nutritional imbalances that reduce the uptake of other vital nutrients and soil acidity, which

reduces crop yields. Inorganic fertilizers build up salt, which requires more energy to pull

water from the soil and makes plants appear wilted or dried out. Meanwhile, organic

fertilizers are environment-safe, safe for the human body, and are pesticide-free.

Some studies have emphasized the benefits of using natural fertilizers in agriculture

for different crops regarding nutritional balance, nitrification of microorganisms, and

providing a habitat for potentially helpful microbes. These advantages further support the

sustainability of organic fertilizers over synthetic fertilizers. The first study (Mehdizadeh

11
& Tobeh, 2014) reveals that applying organic fertilizers to the soil enhanced the nutritional

balance and increased tomato yield. In particular, the results showed that organic fertilizers

are a good source of nutrients for improving soil fertility and tomato yield, mainly when

applied in composted form. The findings of another research (Lin et al., 2019) also

indicated that organic fertilizer could alter the soil's ecosystem and provide a fresh habitat

for potentially helpful microbes. This study also shows that the condition of the rhizosphere

of tea orchards will improve with the long-term application of organic fertilizer treatment.

By definition, the rhizosphere is a small area of soil close to plant roots that serves as an

ideal habitat for various bacteria. (Hakim et al., 2021). Organic fertilizer can influence

microbial diversity and draw advantageous microorganisms into the rhizosphere of tea

plants.

Bell Pepper as a Common Household Plant

Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are among the most favored and extensively

cultivated vegetable crops globally. While they originally come from South and Central

America, they are widely grown in community and home gardens, particularly in the

Philippines, for their fruit or as ornamentals. From gardening and planting bell peppers, it

contributed to supplying bell peppers that provide nutritional sources, especially for

culinary purposes, which benefit consumers' health. Several studies have evaluated the

nutritional benefits of consuming bell pepper fruits. Bell peppers are low in calories but

high in vitamins C, A, and B6 (Sabolová & Kouřimská, 2020). Within acceptable daily

consumption amounts from an average pepper dose, these vitamins assist cellular function,

the immune system, vision, skin wellness, metabolic rate, and overall well-being.

Approximately 100% of the everyday needed dose of vitamin C is found in one pepper.

12
Vitamin C, an antioxidant, supports immune function and collagen production (Bicikliski,

Trajkova, Mihajlov, Jordanovska, & Tashev, 2018). Additionally, bell peppers provide

dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, and other phytonutrients (Sandra Neli

Jiménez-García et al., 2023). Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics could

aid in preventing chronic illnesses. Overall, eating bell peppers regularly as a component

of a balanced diet provides considerable nutrients and health advantages.

A study has conducted a proximate analysis to determine the main nutritional

components of bell peppers. Adeyeye, Salami-Adeniyi, and Sulaiman (2021) investigated

the nutritional characteristics of three Capsicum (pepper) fruit varieties: sweet, bell, and

bird pepper. Using conventional AOAC techniques, the peppers' proximal components

were established. From the study, it can be seen that the bell peppers' approximate

components comprised 84.74% moisture, 1.52%-2.21% of crude fat, 2.64%-3.51% protein

in crude form, 2.72%-4.71% crude fiber, 1.62%-3.03% ash, and 4.52–6.96%

carbohydrates. This high moisture content represents that bell peppers are hydrating to

consume, which is an excellent choice for weight loss. Additionally, the investigation

showed that bell peppers contain macronutrients between 1.5-4.7% for fat, protein, fiber,

ash, and carbohydrates. It indicates that bell peppers offer additional levels of these crucial

elements that can be part of a healthy diet. Bell peppers also contain a large percentage of

non-starchy sugars and dietary fiber, lowering blood sugar levels. These vitamins and

minerals can benefit immune system performance, digestion, heart function, and

metabolism. In conclusion, bell peppers may be included in a nutritious, well-rounded diet

since they are naturally hydrating and provide a variety of critical minerals.

13
Utilizing Eggshells as a Natural Fertilizer

Eggshells are an easy-to-source compost that farmers and gardeners can use as a

substitute for inorganic fertilizers. They are cheap and sustainable to use as eggshell waste

is a common occurrence not only in farms but in households as well. Aside from their

availability, eggshells possess valuable nutrients that can enhance plant growth, making

them an excellent natural fertilizer. A notable nutrient found in eggshells is calcium (Ca).

The remaining mass is mainly composed of phosphorus, magnesium, and components of

sodium, manganese, potassium, zinc, iron, and copper. Eggshells improve soil water

penetration, and when they deteriorate, they replenish the soil with calcium content. The

development of plants is significantly impacted by calcium. The lack of calcium can result

in abnormal fruits and bulbs in the plant. It can also manifest in leaves in the form of a

deteriorated appearance. To prove the importance of calcium in plant growth, Vu, Dinh,

Le, Vu, Nguyen, Pham, Vu, Koji, Hama, Kim, Jang, Kim, and Tan (2022) and Taufique,

Shiam, Mehraj, Nishizawa, and Jamal Uddin (2014) have both conducted their respective

researches on the effects of eggshells as fertilizers on ground nut and tomatoes.

Both studies have used the method of making eggshell powder instead of directly

infusing them with the soil. Another similarity is the constant comparison of eggshells with

lime fertilizers. This is due to the similarity of both variables in their chemical composition.

Vu et al. (2022) stated that the soil pH and Ca contents in the soil and plants increased with

increasing rates of eggshell powder application. Their experiment resulted in higher yields

using eggshell powder, which implied that it was an effective fertilizer for groundnut

production.

14
 In addition, Taufique et al. (2014) also produced similar results. Eggshell treatment

increases the growth and yield characteristics by supplying calcium and reducing the

calcium deficit in the plant. Their data was collected based on the plant height, number of

leaves and branches, chlorophyll content, number of calcium deficient symptoms showing

leaves, percentage abnormal fruit, number of harvested fruits, single fruit weight,

yield/plant, calculated yield (t/ha), degree of brix and shelf life (Taufique et al., 2014). It

was discussed in their study that eggshells are possibly the best natural source of calcium

and are 90% absorbable making them a much better source of calcium than limestone or

coral sources.

Natural Fertilizer Derived from Banana Peels

The banana plant (Musa acuminata) is a significant fruit in the world's tropical

regions. Almost 60% of the banana biomass, such as peels, leaves, and stalks, is wasted.

However, there is a feasible way of utilizing the by-products of a banana, which is through

recycled organic fertilizer. Banana peel is the outer cover of the fruit that contains many

nutrients and minerals that can be beneficial to creating a natural fertilizer. According to

Sogani, Sonu, Syed, and J Rajvanshi (2023), a good fertilizer needs Calcium (Ca),

potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) which can be found in a banana peel. Claimed by

Hikal, Said-Al Ahl, Bratovcic, Tkachenko, Sharifi-Rad, Kačániová, and Atanassova

(2022), the composition contains crude proteins of 1.95 ± 0.14%, 5.93 ± 0.13% crude fat,

and 11.82 ± 2.17% carbohydrate in the banana peel. So, they do not contain nitrogen. Too

much nitrogen is not needed for fertilizer because it causes the plant to grow green leaves

but only a few fruits or berries. As stated by Olid, Dakay, Canedo, Madrid, and Barontoy

15
(2022), "Banana peel fertilizer contains nutrients that aid in the natural and abundant

growth of the plants."

Banana peels are full of nutrients that help the growth of plants. According to

Gopalakrishnan, Shahada, Sudheer, and Sharma (2023), the banana peel's high

potassium(K) content as a fertilizer makes it effective for various plants to grow. They

contribute to the water retention and soil structure when used as fertilizer. Banana peels

help the soil hold more water while encouraging the growth of soil microorganisms. In

addition, composting fruit peels encourages waste management because it lessens

household waste and reduces the use of chemical fertilizers that can cause groundwater

pollution as stated by Udara, Arachchige, Ranaweera, Sumedha, Weliwaththage,

Ampemohotti, and Weerakoon (2020). In summary, banana peels are a rich source of

biologically active compounds that contribute to the agricultural ways of planting food.

Conclusion

The compilation of the reviewed literature served as the foundation for this

research. The studies have stated significant benefits to using natural fertilizers to improve

soil and plant quality. Two types of natural fertilizers that are sustainable and effective are

eggshells and banana peels. Both compost materials can be sustainably sourced and

environmentally friendly. Banana peels can contribute to soil retention and encourage the

growth of soil microorganisms, whereas eggshells can support the height and yield of a

plant. In addition to this information, bell peppers can be a valuable vegetable due to their

nutritional properties, such as cellular function, the immune system, vision, skin wellness,

metabolic rate, and overall well-being. These properties make it a good choice as a

dependent variable for research to test the two fertilizers.

16
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Research Setting

The study will be conducted at a household in Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City. The

open field of the house will function as the area for the research setup, where the

researchers will observe the setups during the study. This research setting will provide

sufficient sunlight, as bell peppers require at least six hours of direct light daily. Moreover,

this location is accessible for researchers to gather data for the experiment and is favorable

for vegetation.

Research Design

This study utilizes quantitative research, as the aspect of this study stems from the

understanding that the research problems it aims to address require numerical data. The

type of research design that will be used to determine which natural fertilizer produces the

most favorable outcomes in terms of bell pepper height, weight, and yield is experimental.

Experimental research design aims to examine the relationships between cause and effect

and entails manipulating independent variables and assessing the impact on dependent

variables. This study's use of the experimental approach adds to the body of knowledge by

offering reliable evidence of the comparative benefits of eggshells and banana peels as

organic fertilizers for bell pepper development. By using plant samples as data collection

in the experimental research design, the study aims to gather quantitative data that will be

17
statistically analyzed to conclude the effectiveness of banana peels and eggshells as natural

fertilizers for bell pepper growth.

Sample and Data Collection

The researchers will obtain the data and samples through a controlled experiment.

In this method, the subjects will be isolated from other external factors that may affect the

samples. There are three types of data to be obtained from the experiment: the growth,

weight, and yield affected by water, banana peels, and eggshells. After conducting the

experiment, the researchers expect to acquire comparative data that will aid them in

comparing the results to determine which fertilizer is best suitable for the subjects.

Sampling Procedure

Obtaining fresh eggshells and banana peels is the first step in starting the bell

pepper planting procedure. It is essential to make sure the water utilized in the project is

clean, carefully choosing a clean source avoids chemical pollutants. Following the

gathering of the supplies, the controlled group of water and two natural fertilizers,

eggshells, and banana peels, are prepared, creating the basic elements required for the

growth of bell peppers. Furthermore, attention should be paid when preparing the bell

pepper seeds and planting pots, with a priority on keeping the soil conditions consistent for

the duration of the research. This systematic approach ensures a conducive environment

for the successful growth and development of bell pepper plants.

18
 The researchers will gather the banana peels and eggshells in two different

containers. Banana peels will be chopped finely and then placed directly onto the pot-

planted bell peppers. As the peels decompose, they will release nutrients into the soil to

feed the plants. The container with eggshells will be washed thoroughly and air-dried. After

drying, the eggshells will be crushed into a fine powder. The powder will be added to

boiling water to release calcium for the plant, and then covered for a week. After a week,

the boiled water will be poured directly into the soil of the bell pepper plant. Both types of

fertilizers will be added to identify the plant's height, yield, and weight.

The experiment will have a total of 30 bell pepper plants that will be planted and

divided into 3 set-ups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. There will be 10 samples in each

group. Group A will be the control group of water with no fertilizer. This group allows the

researchers to observe the normal growth of the bell pepper seeds without any external

nutrients added. It acts as the base comparison for Groups B and C, which would observe

the plant’s growth with banana peel and eggshell, respectively. Group B is for the growth

with banana peels and Group C is for the growth with eggshells.

For Group B, the chopped banana peels slowly decompose and release nutrients

back into the soil. This group aims to determine if the nutrients from banana peels facilitate

superior bell pepper growth over the control group which receives no nutrients.

As for Group C, the bell peppers will have eggshell fertilizer added to their pots.

The crushed eggshell powder contains calcium, a crucial ingredient for plant growth. By

consistently applying the organic fertilizer, the researchers can monitor the height, weight,

and yield of the bell pepper with the effects of eggshells compared to Groups A and B.

19
Gantt Chart

Table 1. Duration and Frequency of the Study

AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB

Research Title

Literature Analysis
Review

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Final Submission of
Chapters 1 and 2

Methodology
Planning

Final Revision of
Chapters 1, 2, and 3

Research Proposal

Conducting the
Experiment

Testing Results

The table above shows that the formation of the first two chapters was done from

the month of August until late October. Final revisions of all three chapters will be done

by the end of the year, prior to the research proposal. The succeeding months will be the

conducting of the experiment, which will last for an estimated three months. This is to

ensure the growth of the bell pepper, which takes around 90 to 120 days. Afterward, the

researchers will evaluate the results and the final revisions necessary for the goals of the

study.

20
Budget Proposal

Table 2.1 Direct Costs

Item(s) Price

Eggshells ₱300.00

Banana Peels ₱350.00

Bell Pepper Seeds ₱250.00

Pots ₱10.00 each x 30 = ₱300.00

Garden Soil ₱150.00

₱1,350.00

The breakdown of the direct costs shows the amount used for the eggshells and

banana peels to be relatively similar. Meanwhile, the pots and bell pepper seeds fall within

the same price range. The item with the highest direct cost is the banana peels, while the

least cost is the garden soil which amounts to 11% of the total amount of direct costs.

Table 2.2 Indirect Costs

Item(s) Price

General Supplies ₱170.00

(water)

Phone/Internet fees ₱350.00

₱520.00

The total amount for indirect costs is comparatively smaller than that of the direct

costs. General supplies will only consume 32%, while the weight of indirect costs is the

internet fees. Overall, the total estimated budget for indirect and direct costs amounts to

21
only half of the initial budget allotted for the study per researcher, which is four thousand

pesos only.

Statistical Treatment

The researchers will utilize the unpaired t-test to treat the data from the experiment.

This is to determine and compare the means of two groups to determine whether a process

or treatment has an effect. A null hypothesis is denoted by H 0, which is a statistical

hypothesis that shows no difference between the two group means. The alternative

hypothesis, denoted by H1, claims that there is a difference between the two groups. If the

p-value from a t-test is less than 0.05, the result is statistically significant; otherwise, it is

insignificant. The t-test is suitable for this research as it is employed when comparing the

two independent groups.

22
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 Appendices

Table 1.1 Group A (Water)

Week Height Weight Yield

Table 1.2 Group B (Banana Peels)

Week Height Weight Yield

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 Table 1.3 Group C (Eggshells)

Week Height Weight Yield

28