Assessing the viability of Hawaiian Pineapple (Ananas comosus) peel extract as a liquid fertilizer

Date

5-2026

Adviser

Peter Tee Jay L. Alvarez

Principal

Buela, Mabel S.

Abstract

Pineapple production in Calauan, Philippines, generates large amounts of agricultural waste, especially the peels. Since pineapple peels contain potassium, they may be utilized and used as a sustainable raw material for fertilizer. This study was conducted to assess the viability of Hawaiian pineapple peels as a liquid fertilizer and compare its effects on the growth of pechay (Brassica rapa) with potassium chloride (KCl) and a no-fertilizer control. The liquid fertilizer was produced by fermenting pineapple peels, sugar, and water in a 1.5 L container for one month. It was then analyzed for its pH and potassium content at the Institute of Crop Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños. The experiment consisted of twelve pots with Lipa clay loam soil. There were three treatment groups: no fertilizer, pineapple peel liquid fertilizer and potassium chloride (KCl). Each treatment had four replicates. Plant growth of the pechay was monitored every week for four weeks for stem height, leaf length and leaf width. The results revealed that pineapple peel liquid fertilizer has a content of 0.05% K2O and highly acidic pH of 2.8. As a result, the said liquid fertilizer was not suitable for direct application to the plants and caused the death of all pechay plants within the second week. The treatment with KCl fertilizer however produced best growth of the pechay and the tallest plant reached 16.4 cm. in height. The control group also showed moderate and consistent growth, suggesting that the soil’s initial potassium content of 0.40 cmol/kg was sufficient to support plant development. It was concluded that it was not a practical substitute for potassium chloride fertilizer under the study's conditions. However, pineapple peels remain a promising agricultural waste resource if future studies adjusts its fermentation duration and pH adjustments.

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Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Document Type

Capstone

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