CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This study focuses on the use of Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ) made from banana

(Musa balbisiana) and squash (Cucurbita) as a natural fertilizer. These fruits are rich in

essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are important for

plant growth. Through the fermentation process, these nutrients become more available

for plant absorption, enhancing their effectiveness as an organic fertilizer.

Conceptual Framework

The Concept Framework of this experimental study primarily focused on

Fermented Fruit Juice, and which are made from Banana (Musa Balbisiana) and

Squash (Cucurbita).

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Fermentation,
 Fermented Fruit Juice Plant Growth and Nutrient
Application, and
(Banana and Squash) Absorption
Treatment Process
 Biossa Agri-Enzyme
Liquid Microbial
Inoculant
 Control Water

ACTION PLAN
 FIGURE 1. The variables and how it will work and the expectation of the

experimental study about the Fermented Fruit Juice, made by fermenting fruits like

banana (Musa Balbisiana) and squash (Cucurbita).

The process involves the Biossa Agri-Enzyme Liquid Microbial Inoculant, Control

Water, and the Fermented Fruit Juice itself, that are made from Banana and Squash. In

Fermented Fruit Juice, these fruits are chosen for their rich nutrient profiles, including

essential elements like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are important for

plant growth. When fermented, these fruits have the potential to enhance nutrient

availability, making them even more beneficial as a natural, organic fertilizer. The

fermentation process also helps break down complex compounds into simpler, more

absorbable forms, further increasing the effectiveness of the juice when applied as a

foliar fertilizer.

The process starts with fermentation, where the fruits are broken down by natural

microorganisms to enhance the nutrients. After fermentation, the juice is applied directly

to the leaves of plants as a treatment 3x a week. This allows the plants to absorb the

nutrients quickly through their leaves, which can improve their health and growth.

The output of this process is to improve plant growth through optimized

cultivation techniques, nutrient management, and environmental control. This means

the plants should grow better and absorb more nutrients, leading to healthier plants with

better yields. The goal is to show how using fermented fruit juice from banana and

squash can be an effective, natural way to support plant growth.

While the potential of Fermented Fruit Juice, made by fermenting fruits like

banana (Musa Balbisiana) and squash (Cucurbita) as fertilizer has been explored in

research, there still remains investigation concerning how fermentation affects the

nutrient content of these fruits and whether the resulting fermented juice can boost plant

growth when sprayed on leaves.

Using banana (Musa Balbisiana) and squash (Cucurbita) to make fermented fruit

juice (FFJ) has gained attention as a natural and eco-friendly way to boost plant growth.

When bananas are fermented, the juice becomes rich in essential nutrients like

potassium and magnesium, which are vital for plant health. Applying this fermented

juice directly to plants as a foliar spray allows them to absorb these nutrients quickly,

leading to stronger, healthier plants. The banana FFJ helps plants grow better, with

bigger leaves, stronger roots, and improved resistance to pests and diseases (Gilmartin,

2022). This study aims to explore the effectiveness of using bananas and squash as

sources of FFJ for foliar fertilizer, focusing on their potential to improve plant growth and

promote sustainable agriculture. This makes it a great alternative to chemical fertilizers,

especially for those seeking more sustainable farming practices.

Banana and squash are packed with essential nutrients that help plants grow

stronger and healthier. When these fruits are fermented, they release nutrients like

potassium, magnesium, and vitamins, which plants can easily absorb through their

leaves when sprayed. Banana fermented juice, for example, helps promote bigger
leaves, stronger roots, and better disease resistance (Natividad, et al., 2011). Similarly,

squash fermented juice provides plants with antioxidants and vitamins that improve

growth and resilience. Using these natural fermented juices as a foliar fertilizer gives

plants the nutrients they need to thrive without the use of harmful chemicals.

Fermented fruit juice (FFJ) is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to boost crop

productivity in organic farming. By using natural resources like banana and squash,

farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the

environment. The fermented juice not only supplies plants with essential nutrients but

also helps improve soil health by promoting beneficial microorganisms (Sulok, et al.,

2021). Therefore, this leads to better nutrient absorption, healthier soil, and more

resilient crops. It is a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative that

supports long-term agricultural sustainability.

As the demand for more sustainable farming practices grows, many farmers are

turning to organic alternatives to reduce their usage on chemical fertilizers. One of the

methods in such innovation is the use of Fermented Fruit Juice, which is made by

fermenting fruits like banana (Musa Balbisiana) and squash (Cucurbita), to sustain

alternatives to artificial fertilizers, offering farmers an eco-friendly way to improve crop

yields and contribute to healthier farming systems.

A research by Diamante et al., (2022) in the study of Performance and Growth of Pechay

Using Fermened Fruit Juice, examined how Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) affects the

growth of pechay (Brassica rapa). The experiment used a Randomized Complete Block

Design (RCBD) with five treatments and three replications. The treatments included

varying FPJ concentrations: 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, and 200 ml, along with a control

group that received no FPJ. Measurements of leaf number, length, and width were

taken weekly.

The findings indicated that higher FPJ concentrations led to improved growth

metrics in pechay. Specifically, the 100 ml FPJ treatment resulted in the highest average

plant height and leaf count, suggesting this concentration was optimal for promoting

growth. Interestingly, the 200 ml FPJ treatment did not yield better results than the 100

ml treatment, indicating that excessive FPJ application may not further enhance growth

and could potentially be less effective.

fertilizers. For instance, research on the application of Fish Amino Acid (FAA), another

organic fertilizer, demonstrated improved growth and yield performance in pechay. The

study emphasized the importance of appropriate application frequency to maximize

benefits.

With that being said, it shows the potential of FPJ and similar organic fertilizers

as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. They offer a cost-effective approach to

enhancing crop yield and quality, particularly for small-scale and organic farmers.

Another research by Santos, et al., (2022) in the study of Enhancing Pechay

Growth Using Locally Sourced Fermented Fruit juice, focused on Pechay growth when

treated with fermented fruit juices derived from local fruits, including squash and

banana. Their research found that plants treated with FFJ exhibited better tolerance to

drought conditions, which was attributed to the presence of beneficial microorganisms

developed during fermentation. These microorganisms is important in improving soil

health by breaking down organic matter, making nutrients more available for plant

absorption.

Additionally, FFJ was shown to enhance root development and strengthen plant

structure, allowing Pechay to withstand environmental stressors more effectively. The

study also indicated that FFJ promotes microbial activity in the soil, leading to improved

nutrient cycling and overall plant vitality. With its ability to enrich soil and boost plant

resistance to adverse conditions, FFJ presents a promising organic alternative to

chemical fertilizers, particularly for small-scale and sustainable farming systems.

Fermented Fruit Juice, investigated Fermented Fruit Juices (FFJs) derived from fruits

like bananas and squash have been recognized for their potential to enhance vegetable

production sustainably. The fermentation process harnesses beneficial microorganisms

that break down organic matter, releasing nutrients essential for plant growth. This

method not only promotes plant growth but also enriches the nutrient content of

vegetables, offering a low-cost alternative to chemical fertilizers, particularly

advantageous for small-scale organic farmers.

One study by Othman et al. (2022) in the article of Comparison of fermented fruit

juice as a carrier for isolation phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from rice root, compared

different fermented fruit juices as carriers for isolating phosphate-solubilizing bacteria

from rice roots. The findings indicated that FFJ could effectively enhance soil fertility by

increasing the population of beneficial bacteria, which play a crucial role in nutrient

cycling and availability.

As stated by Islam, et al., (2023) in the study of Foliar application of enriched

banana pseudostem sap influences the nutrient uptake, yield, and quality of sweet corn

grown in an acidic soil. Foliar fertilization is a reliable technique for correcting a nutrient

deficiency in plants caused by inadequate nutrient supply to the roots in acid soil.

Soluble nutrients in banana pseudostem sap might be effective to supplement chemical

fertilizers. Additionally, research on the foliar application of enriched banana

pseudostem sap showed significant improvements in leaf area index, photosynthesis

rate, and nutrient uptake. The treatment combining 50% recommended soil-applied
fertilizers with foliar spray of enriched banana pseudostem sap resulted in superior

growth and yield performance compared to other treatments.

In the research of Omar, et al., (2023) in the study of Effectiveness Of Fermented

Fruit Juice Application On Flowering And Yield Of Solanum Melongena, explored the

use of squash in fermented juice preparation, specifically focusing on its effectiveness in

improving the growth of cucurbits like squash itself and other vegetables. They

observed a significant increase in nutrient uptake and disease resistance when squash

fermented juice was applied as a foliar spray. This study shows the potential of FFJ as a

sustainable alternative or supplement to chemical fertilizers, promoting better crop

yields while minimizing environmental impact.

Collectively, these studies highlight the efficacy of banana and squash-derived

FFJs in promoting plant growth and enhancing nutrient content in vegetables. Their

application presents a sustainable, low-cost alternative to foliar fertilizers, aligning with

the goals of organic agriculture and supporting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.