Utilizing Fruit Peels as Fertilizer for Optimal

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Plant

Growth: A Natural and
Cost-Effective
Solution

A Science Investegatory Project

Submitted to the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE)
In Fulfillment of the
Requirements In Research II

Angela T. Niones
Angelo G. Casipe
Researchers

Joy P. Moleta
Research Teacher

Valladolid National High school

SitoPawod, Brgy. Palaka, Valladolid, Negros Occidental
S.Y.2023-2024
 RATIONALE

The peels of the fruits are sustainable organic fertilizer. Many people are eating fruits because it
is very important to our body. Most of us peel these fruits and throw the peels right away. We
didn’t realize that these peels have a powerful nutrient called potassium which is very helpful for
the plants to grow healthy.

I take this research because I want to help especially women particularly housewives who often
found in the kitchen and garden. Growing a plant in the backyard is a very good solution for the
challenging world we have now. Eating organic is the best way to stay healthy. Growing
tomatoes and other vegetables organically will help us prevent some sickness and diseases.
In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing concern for sustainable agricultural practices
to meet the increasing global demand for food while minimizing environmental impacts. One
crucial aspect of sustainable farming is the efficient utilization of nutrients. Fruit peels and scraps
break down and add nutrients like vitamin C… and calcium to the soil, which makes them ideal
for composting. If you don't have a composting system, you can still reap the benefits of using
fruit peels in your garden to fertilize your plants and cut down on food waste
Traditionally, Using fruit peels as fertilizer is a tried-and-tested method that we love. From apple
and mango to the humble orange, these foods are famed for their healthy relationship to the
human body. Experts have revealed that these pieces of organic goodness are just as impactful in
the garden, where you can use your offcuts and leftover fruits as a fertilizer – to boost your plant
growth the natural way.
Among the alternative sources, Peels are packed with beneficial nutrients. The amounts of
nutrients they contain vary based on the type of fruit or vegetable. However, generally speaking,
unpeeled produce contains higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant
compounds than peeled produce does
However, whether these fruits are best consumed with or without skin is often up for debate.
Peels are often discarded due to preference or habit or in an attempt to reduce exposure to
pesticides. Khairnar 2019 found that fruit peels, such as sweet lime and banana peels, can be
formulated and used as a fertilizer due to their nutrient content. Banu 2018 also supports the use
of fruit peels, including banana, pomegranate, sweet lime, and orange peels, as a natural fertilizer
for plant growth. Iszhan 2021 further demonstrates the effectiveness of different fruit peels, such
as pineapple, banana, and mango peels, as organic fertilizers for the growth of water spinach.
The study will be conducted as conductive to be aware of and know the importance of fertilizer,
resolve the concern of farmers, support Philippine Agriculture and strengthen the economy.
HYPOTHESIS
HO: There is no significant relationship between the use of fruit peels as fertilizer and the
optimal growth of tomato plants.

HA: There is a significant relationship between the use of fruit peels as fertilizer and the optimal
growth of tomato plants, making it a natural and cost-effective solution

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to explore the potential benefits of utilizing fruit peels as a natural and cost
effective solution for fertilizer. The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness
of fruit peels as a fertilizer in promoting optimal growth of tomato plants and to compare its cost-
effectiveness and environmental impact with conventional fertilizers. The researchers will only
focus on the growth of tomato plants.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the materials needed and what kind of fruit peels are best combination?
2. Is there a significant difference between the fruit peels as fertilizer to set up A and B in terms
of the growth of tomato plant?
3. Is there a significant relationship between the fruit peels as fertilizer to the growth of tomato
plant?
 METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN

The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was the research design will be used in the
study. There are two (2) set up, controlled and experimental. Each set ups will be replicated three
(3) times for a total of six (6) experimental units. The treatments will be follows: Set up A, which
is the experimental set up, ½ kg of banana, mango and orange peels 2kg of loam soil and water
and Set up B, which is the controled set up, 2kg of loam soil and water.

Experimental Set up

½ kg banana,mango, and orange

Controlled Set up
Water
2kg loam soil
2kg loam soil
Water
Tomato seedlings
Tomato seedlings

T1 T2 T3 T1 T2 T3
PROCEDURE
First by washing the different kinds of fruit peels by tap water. In set up A the researchers
used 4-7 banana, mango and orange peels and 1kg of loam soil. Set B the researchers only used
1kg loam soil and water. Next the researchers grind all the fruit peels with 100 - 200 mL of water
to make a paste. Dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:1 and serve it as a water to the tomato plants.
Plant your tomato seeds to the pot with loam soil in it and water it using the fruit peels water,
water it daily. Repeat the process to set up B, plant your tomato seeds to the pot with loam soil in
it and water it daily only set up A can receive the treatment. Lastly, make an observation and
gather the results.

STATISTICAL TOOL
The statistical tool will use is T-test for Dependent as it compares before and after.
 Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS

OUTPUT
-mango peeIls
-orange peels -Blending -Fruit peels fertilizer
-banana peels -Straining
A. COLLECTION OF MATERIALS

The collection of materials was easy and in expensive. The researchers collected
about 2 kg Loam Soil at Sitio Pawod Barangay Palaka Valladolid rice fields. The
different kinds of fruit peels will be collected from angela's house at Sitio Pawod
Barangay Palaka Valladolid. The 6 Pots, 1 Mini Shovel and the tomato seeds will be
bought from the Valladolid Public Market. The Weighing Scale and blender was
borrowed from Angela's neighborhood sundry store at Sitio Pawod Barangay Palaka
Valladolid.

B. DISPOSSAL

Since the project is about waste management and cost effective, the researcher has
no problem in the disposal of materials because all the materials are being used in the
research. The peels are already a waste and being recycled. The loam soil are just in the
area.
REFERENCES:

Mayur Dattatray Khairnar, Sagar Sreekumar Nair. (2019). Study on eggshell and fruit peels as a
fertilizer. Proceedings of International Conference on sustainable development 978, 25-7.

Mercy S, Muchira Banu S, Jenifer I. (2018). Application of different fruit peel formulation as a
natural fertilizer for plant growth. IJSTR journal page 301-302, volume 3, ISSUE 1, ISSN 2277-
8616.

Adrija, S and Navni, R. (2018). Efficacy of banana (Musa paradisiaca) and sweet lime peels as
natural fertilizer in Herbs. International Journal of Agricultural sciences, 10 (8): 5822-5825.

Barky, AB, Ibrahim, FM, Shater – Abdallah, MM. and EI-Bassiouny, HMS. (2016). Effect of
banana peel Extract or Trytophan on growth, yield and some Biochemical Aspects of Quinoa
Plants underwater deficit. International Journal of PharmTech Research, 9(8): 276-287.

Okram Bijaya Devi, Anita. Et.al (2023). The use of fruit peels as biofertilizer and biopesticides
has the potential to address environmental and health concerns associated with chemical
fertilizers and pesticides. International Journal of Environment and climate change. 7(9):128-
130.