Capstone internship at the Institute of Crop Science, UPLB with a comparative study on soil-based and soilless rice (Oryza sativa L.) microgreens production

Date

5-2026

Adviser

Gregorio Y. Ardales, Jr.

Principal

Buela, Mabel S.

Abstract

Microgreens are nutrient-dense seedlings harvested shortly after germination, gaining popularity for their health benefits and suitability for urban agriculture. While rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple crop, research into its performance as microgreens grown under different media remains limited. This study aimed to compare the yield and quality rice microgreens grown in soil-based and soilless systems to recommend the most effective method for growers. Using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) eight treatments were tested: four soil-based (T1: soil, T2: soil+cocopeat, T3: soil+vermicompost, and T4: soil + cocopeat + vermicompost) and four soilless (T5: water-only, T6: cocopeat, T7: vermicompost, and cocopeat+vermicompost). Rice seeds were cultivated over three cycles under ambient conditions. Parameters including germination rate, shoot length, fresh yield (harvest per tray), and a 4-day refrigerated shelf life were analyzed via Independent Samples T-tests and One-Way ANOVA (or non-parametric equivalents such as the Mann Whitney U Test and Kruskal Wallis Test) via Jamovi software. Generally, soil-based cultivation methods outperformed soilless systems in terms of quantity and quality of harvested rice microgreens and shelf life. Soil-based systems yielded a significantly higher weight compared to soilless methods. Similarly, mean shoot length was significantly greater in soil-based systems compared to soilless systems. Rice microgreens grown under soil-based cultivation methods outperformed in terms of color chart comparisons, resulting in a more greener and darker shade than what was produced from soilless-based methods. Postharvest analysis revealed that soil-based systems had less percent weight loss after 4 days of storage compared to soilless systems. Within soil-based treatments, most of the media that utilizes soil and vermicompost mixture outperformed the other mixtures. Though organic media like vermicompost enhance soilless system performance, soil-based cultivation remains the most practical recommendation for resource-limited growers seeking optimal productivity and postharvest quality.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Document Type

Capstone

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