RELATED STUDIES

Local

In the Philippines, where agriculture plays a crucial role, several studies conducted by

Filipino researchers have explored the potential benefits of using rice water as a natural fertilizer.

The following studies have shown how rice water, a readily available resource, can significantly

enhance plant growth. As stated by Co & Tupan (2018), entitled "A Comparative Study

between the Efficacy of Fermented Rice Wash Normal Rice Water and Tap Water to the

Growth", rice water contains starch and minerals, which are essential for the growth of a plant.

The starch promotes healthy soil bacteria, while minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and

potassium (NPK) are vital for the plant’s root development. Additionally, a study entitled

"Effectiveness of Fermented Rice Bran with Coconut Water on the Growth and Yield of

Pechay", declared that fermented rice bran is an effective fertilizer based on the increased

growth and yield parameters compared to the control (no fertilizer). This means that the

application of fermented rice bran can enhance the growth of plants and can be a cheaper and

easier-to-produce fertilizer, especially for farmers who engage in organic farming practices

(Barrera & Farin, 2021).

As per the research conducted by Evidiente et al. (2019), titled "Effects of Rice

Water on the Growth and Development of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra)", it was

observed that the tallest okra plant treated with rice water reached a height of 36 cm and had 8

leaves along with a single fruit, while the control group's plant reached a height of 32 cm and had

only 4 leaves. Thus, rice water improves the height of the plant and the growth of the leaves. It is

also one of the best organic fertilizers to use.

Moreover, in a study by Tan et al. (2022) entitled "Effects of Rice Water in the
Growth of Solanum lycopersicum", the rice-water treatment yielded the highest growth

parameters, while the distilled-water treatment resulted in the lowest. In agreement with this, the

study conducted by Valdez et al. (2016), titled "The Effect of Rice Water on the Growth of

Garlic Plant (Allium sativum)," revealed that the plants irrigated with rice water exhibited the

highest growth, while the ones irrigated with tap water did not grow
well; in fact, they dried up. Thus, rice water is better than tap water and helps the plants grow at a

much faster rate.

According to Dole (2022), nearly 15 million bananas are grown in the Philippines each year

for consumers around the world, but the banana peels are left behind. While some of the stems are

used to regenerate the soil they are grown in, more than 4.4 million banana stems and peels are

wasted every year. However, ongoing efforts to utilize these discarded banana stems and peels have

gained momentum in various sectors, including agricultural research, waste management initiatives,

and innovative product development.

A research conducted by De Vera, A. (2013) Banana peels are a natural Source of the

phosphorus and potassium found in expensive fertilizers. Thus, research suggests that utilizing

banana peels as a fertilizer or as a composting material can offer an organic and cost-effective

alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers, contributing to soil enrichment and sustainable

agricultural practices. Additionally, according to the study journal of Fernandez, A., and Tipay, W.

C.(2013), fermentation is used to create banana peel fertilizer. The mineral, nutritional, and anti-

nutrient makeup of Musa sapientum banana peels was investigated. The quantities of potassium,

calcium, sodium, iron, manganese, bromine, rubidium, strontium, zirconium, and niobium in the

mineral content analysis are 78.10, 19.20, 24.30, 0.61, 76.20, 0.04, 0.21, 0.03, and 0.02. The

percentage concentrations of protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, and crude fiber were 0.90, 1.70, 59.00,

and 31.70, respectively. If banana peels are handled and processed correctly, they could be a high-

quality and inexpensive source of nutrients.

Foreign
 In the study by Co K. & Singh K. (2017), titled "The Effectiveness of Rice Wash into

the Plants," corroborated these findings by demonstrating elevated nitrogen (N) and potassium

(K) content in both plants and soil. This supports the notion that utilizing rice wash water can

indeed promote higher plant growth and yield. Additionally, in the study conducted by Wulandari

(2012), titled "The Effect of White Rice and Red Rice Washing Water on Growth and Yield

of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)," it was found that the nutrients present in rice washing water

have the ability to enhance the growth of lettuce plants' roots, stems, and leaves.

Furthermore, in a study by Febriyanti et al. (2021) titled "Descriptive Results Of

Vegetative Growth Of Rawit Chili Malita FM After Giving Liquid Organic Fertilizer Rice

Water," applying pure rice water at a 100% concentration to Malita FM cayenne pepper plants

led to significant improvements in plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, and leaf width.

Conversely, when rice water wasn't applied, minimal changes in these growth aspects were

observed. This underscores the positive impact of using pure rice water as a liquid organic

fertilizer on the growth of Malita FM cayenne pepper. Also, in the study "Effect of type and

frequency of washed rice water on growth of orchid seeds (Phalaenopsis sp.) after

acclimatization", (Purnami et al., 2014), it was observed that applying brown rice water every

four days led to greater growth in Phalaenopsis orchid nursery, showing its potential as a

favorable growth-promoting agent compared to white rice water.

Fermenting washed rice water in three days can enhance growth, improve nutrient

uptake, and increase resilience in the plants subjected to this organic fertilizer. This was

approved in the study of Nabayi et al. (2021), which suggests that the 3-day fermentation period

led to the highest diversity of beneficial microorganisms and the most significant enhancement in

nutrient availability for plants. This highlights the superior nutrient content of fermented rice water

compared to non-fermented varieties. Notably, this nutrient enhancement is attributed to higher quantities

of essential elements like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), mainly due to the presence of
beneficial microorganisms such as Bacillus velezensis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and various Enterobacter

species. These microorganisms contribute to nitrogen fixation and the increased availability of

phosphorus and potassium.

Moreover, in the study by Barontoy, K. J., et al. (2022), it was found that banana peel fertilizer

can help plants grow naturally. Plants fertilized with banana peels grew to a greater height than plants

with chemical fertilizer or without fertilizer. Their research showed that the banana peel fertilizer was a

success in terms of effectiveness. In addition, the use of banana peel as a fertilizer for potassium-loving

plants is highly recommended. This means banana peels are excellent for plants like tomatoes, peppers, or

flowers. Also, the researchers noticed that the plants with fertilizer made from banana peels have a better

appearance in terms of stem height. Thus, the researchers can conclude that aside from the environmental

benefits to get from using banana peel extract as fertilizer, it also showed better produce in terms of

appearance, aside from its usual health benefits.

All things considered, we collected all the information in this chapter to establish a

comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of rice water infused with banana peel extract

as a fertilizer for pechay plant. These studies, both local and foreign, cover a range of plant types

and growth conditions, examining the impact of rice water and banana peel extract on various

aspects of plant growth, nutrient content, and yield. This compilation of studies helps provide a

broader context for our present study, "The Potency of Rice Water Infused with Banana Peel

Extract on Pechay (Brassica rapa) Plant Development". By reviewing these studies, the

researchers gain insights into how rice water and banana peel extract affects different plants

especially pechay, including their growth parameters, nutrient uptake, and overall development.

This information assists us in designing our study on pechay growth. Also, the researchers can

draw upon the findings from these studies to hypothesize and anticipate the potential effects of
rice water on pechay plants, both in
terms of growth enhancement and nutrient enrichment. Additionally, the divergent outcomes

observed in different studies can guide us in considering factors such as rice water type, type of

banana peel, days of fermentation, concentration, and application frequency that may influence

our experimental results. In essence, this compilation of related studies equips us with valuable

knowledge and reference points that inform the design, expectations, and potential outcomes of

our own research on the growth of pechay using rice water and banana peel extract as fertilizer.