THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA AS A NATURAL FERTILIZER FOR SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM PLANTS

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as malunggay or the "miracle tree," thrives in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This study examines the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a natural fertilizer in enhancing the growth of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) plants. Specifically, it evaluates key growth parameters such as plant height, leaf development, and overall yield, aiming to determine its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers. This study conducted experiments using three different concentrations of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (10mL, 15mL, and 20mL) to assess its effectiveness as a natural fertilizer for Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) plants. Additionally, a commercial fertilizer was used as a benchmark for comparison, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of plant growth responses to both organic and synthetic treatments. The results demonstrated a significant difference in the growth rate of Solanum lycopersicum plants between the group treated with Moringa oleifera leaf extract at a 10mL concentration and the group treated with the commercial fertilizer (p-value: 0.002581). However, no significant difference in growth rate was observed at the 15mL and 20mL concentrations (p-values: 0.823864 and 0.486214, respectively). These findings suggest that lower concentrations of Moringa oleifera extract may have a more pronounced effect on plant growth, while higher concentrations may not provide additional benefits. These findings highlight the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in enhancing plant growth and suggest its potential for sustainable farming practices. Moreover, they emphasize the opportunity to utilize unused or discarded Moringa leaves as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, contributing to waste reduction and environmentally sustainable agriculture.