Chapter I

The Problem and Its Scope

Introduction

Mung beans, also known as “monggo” are legume plants that belong to the pea family

(Fabaceae). They are cultivated for their nutritious seeds and young sprouts, which are edible

(Petruzello, 2 023). As with other beans, mung beans are rich in dietary fiber and protein and

contain important nutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium, and essential amino acids (Kassa et

al., 2022).

Among leguminous plants, mung beans (Vigna radiata L) are renowned for their

nutritional value and culinary versatility, making them a popular choice in various cuisines

worldwide (Shen et al., 2019). In the Philippines, monggo is a beloved dish that many families

enjoy due to its affordability and versatility. Whether it is cooked as a stew, sautéed, or made into

a soup, it is always a comforting and satisfying meal that has been a part of Filipino cuisine for a

long time.

Growing well in warm seasons, mung beans require sunlight and 90-120 days to mature

(Grant, 2021). Generally, large-scale farmers spread the beans on their fields, while small-scale

gardeners sow them in their gardens. However, the quality and yield of mung bean plants can be

influenced by a variety of factors, including the type of water used. Water is the primary medium

for germination and growth, so it plays a crucial role in the development of mung beans.

With the foregoing, this research aims to investigate the impacts of different water types

on the germination and growth of mung beans. Water quality is a complex factor that includes

pH levels, mineral content, and the presence of contaminants, all of which can impact plant
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growth in unique ways (Ayers and Westcot, 1985). By using various water types, such as distilled

water, rainwater, and tap water in watering, we seek to elucidate how these different water types

impacts the mung beans germination and growth. We will measure the number of days that it will

take for the seedlings to break through the soil surface, count the number of seeds that sprout,

track the number of leaves and measure the height and root length of the seedlings after the 30-

day experimentation period.

Understanding the relationship between water type and mung bean germination and

growth is not only significant in commercial settings but also holds implications for home

gardening of this widely consumed food. Thus, this study focuses on observing the germination

and growth of mung beans to be grown in a family garden.

As a matter of fact, water is an indispensable factor in the germination and growth of

mung beans. However, water has different types. Thus, the question, “Do different types of water

have different impacts on mung bean germination and growth?” cannot be readily answered

because of the lack of sufficient or reliable data, an empirical gap, unless research will be

conducted.

Statement of the Problem

The research study entitled “The Effects of Different Water Types on Mung Bean Plants”

will be conducted to know the impacts of the different types of water on the germination and

growth of mung beans.

Specifically, this research study sought to answer the following questions:

a. What are the impacts of distilled water on mung beans?

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b. What are the impacts of rainwater on mung beans?

c. What are the impacts of tap water on mung beans?

Hypotheses

The study is conducted to prove the following hypothesis:

NULL HYPOTHESIS (HO): There is no significant difference in the germination rate,

growth rate, and overall health of mung bean plants when exposed to different types of water,

including salt water, rainwater, and tap water.

ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS (HA): There is a significant difference in the

germination rate, growth rate, and overall health of mung bean plants when exposed to different

types of water, including salt water, rainwater, and tap water.

Significance of the Study

Research on the impact of different types of water on mung beans is significant for

several reasons:

Gardening Practices Optimization. Understanding how various types of water impact

mung bean growth can help optimize gardening practices. Gardeners can make informed

decisions about water types to enhance crop yield and quality.

Water Scarcity Management. In regions where water resources are limited, it is crucial

to identify the most suitable type of water to maximize crop productivity while conserving water.

Research in this area can contribute to more sustainable water management practices.
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Quality and Safety of Produce. The type of water used for watering can influence the

nutritional content and safety of garden produce. Research can shed light on whether certain

types of water contribute to healthier mung beans for consumption.

Environmental Impact. Different types of water have varying environmental impacts,

such as soil salinity build-up or contamination with pollutants. Understanding this effect through

mung bean development can help mitigate negative environmental consequences associated with

gardening activities.

Food Security and Nutrition. Mung beans are an important dietary staple in many

regions, particularly in Asia. Research into the impacts of water on their growth can ultimately

contribute to food security and nutrition by ensuring reliable and high-quality crop production.

Scientific Understanding. Investigating how different types of water affect mung bean

sprout growth provides valuable insights into plant physiology, hydrology, and agricultural

science. This knowledge contributes to the broader scientific understanding of plant-water

interactions and ecosystem dynamics.

In conclusion, research on the impact of various types of water on mung beans is

significant for agricultural sustainability, food security, environmental protection, and scientific

advancement. It provides practical insights that can benefit gardeners, consumers, and

ecosystems alike.

Operational Definition of Terms

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For a better understanding of this research, the following terms are operationally defined

as they will be used in the study.

Water Types:

Salt Water. This refers to the water type that contains a high concentration of dissolved

salts. In this study, salt water refers to the type of water that is accessible at any time that will be

used to water the mung bean seeds that will be sown in the garden plot identified as “watered by

salt water”.

Rainwater. This refers to the water collected directly from rainfall, typically without any

treatment or filtration. This study adopts this definition as its operational definition and this type

of water will be used to water the mung bean seeds that will be sown in the garden plot identified

as “watered by rainwater”.

Tap Water. This refers to the water obtained from a municipal water supply system,

treated for human consumption, typically containing additives such as chlorine for purification.

This study adopts the definition as its operational definition and this type of water will be used to

water the mung bean seeds to be sown in the garden plot identified as “watered by tap water”.

Mung Bean (Vigna radiata). This refers to the type of leguminous plant commonly used

in culinary dishes and agricultural practices. This definition is adopted as its operational

definition and is chosen for its quick germination and growth rate.

Seeds. This refers to the mature, dormant, embryonic plant enclosed by a protective seed

coat, capable of germinating under suitable conditions. In this study, it refers to 30 pieces of
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seeds of the same mung bean variety and size which will be divided into three (10 pieces each)

and which will be sown and grown in three (3) garden pots pre-identified as “watered by distilled

water”, “watered by rain water” and “watered by tap water”.

Germination. Refers to the process by which a plant grows from a seed into a seedling.

In this study, germination refers to the sprouting of mung bean seeds which happens typically

within 2-5 days.

Germination Rate. Refers to the percentage of seeds that sprout and develop into

seedlings within a specified time frame under controlled conditions. In this study, it refers to the

number of seeds that sprout in a specific garden plot that will be computed in terms of

percentage.

Seedling Growth. This refers to the observable increase in size and development of the

mung bean seedlings over a specific period, typically measured by parameters such as

germination days, height, leaf number, and root length. This definition is adopted as the

operational definition.