E-COMPOST: COFFEA ARABICA (COFFEE) AND MORINGA OLEIFERA (MALUNGGAY) MIXTURE AS LIQUID FERTILIZER FOR SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM (TOMATO) PLANTS

Abstract

Fertilizers are crucial in modern agriculture, providing essential nutrients to plants. While traditional chemical fertilizers have been the standard, environmental concerns have driven the search for eco-friendly alternatives, such as natural and organic options. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a Coffea arabica (coffee) and Moringa oleifera (malunggay) mixture as a liquid fertilizer for Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) plants. This quantitative research employed an experimental design to measure the effect of E-compost fertilizer on the height and number of leaves of tomato plants when applied at different concentrations. The results revealed that using Coffea arabica (coffee) and Moringa oleifera (malunggay) as fertilizer increased the height of tomato plants and promoted the development of a favorable number of leaves. Additionally, the study found that higher concentrations of E-compost fertilizer led to a higher growth rate in tomato plants. The findings of this study may serve as a fundamental basis, particularly for gardeners, to use a Coffea arabica (coffee) and Moringa oleifera (malunggay) mixture as a liquid fertilizer due to its high concentration of essential nutrients needed by plants.