TITLE:
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Organic Fertilizer Based on Cocoa Hulls and Moringa Leaves on N’Drowa Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum)
AUTHORS:
Koffi Aimé Yao, Djedjro Clément Akmel, Kouadio Julien N’dri, Nogbou Emmanuel Assidjo, Kouadio Ernest Koffi
KEYWORDS:
Solanum aethiopicum Gilo, Organic Fertilize, Cocoa, Moringa, Nutrients
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: Organic fertilizers generally come from agricultural co-products. Their valuation is therefore a major issue for sustainable development. The main objective of this study aims to develop an organic fertilizer derived from moringa leaves and cocoa pod husks that can improve soil quality and plant growth. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized blocks in three repetitions. The experiment was carried out in five treatments: T0: no fertilization, T1: 100% cocoa pods, T2: 75% cocoa pods + 25% Moringa leaves; T3: 50% cocoa pods + 50% Moringa leaves; T4: 25% cocoa pods + 75% Moringa leaves; T5: 100% Moringa leaves. Three doses were applied: 1; 2; 4 kg/m2. The trial took place over three growing cycles. The results of the soil analysis compared to the control revealed a significant improvement in physicochemical parameters. Variation of pH from (6.1 to 7.2), calcium from (1.4 to 4.13), magnesium from (0.450 to 0.870), potassium from (0.096 to 0.365) cmol+/kg. Carbon and nitrogen were recorded (1.02% to 2.77%) and (0.12% to 2.56%) respectively. The CEC (cation exchange capacity) saw a clear improvement (4.2 to 9.03) cmol+/kg. Concerning the growth parameters, the control plants recorded an average height of (31.19 cm) while those that benefited from the treatments oscillated between (55.51 to 105.57 cm). In terms of production, the best yields are attributed to treatments T3 and T4 with (37.66 t/ha) and (51.176 t/ha) respectively. The T3 and T4 formulations could help improve the fertility of agricultural soils and the yield of market garden products such as eggplant.