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The non-edible parts of Moringa oleifera, such as stems, branches or leaf petioles, have often been discarded while the leaves are consumed as a vegetable or are used to produce organic fertilizer. This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for producing Moringa organic fertilizer (MOF) from previously unused parts and to compare these fertilizers with cow manure and bio-organic fertilizer. Seventy kilograms of the unused Moringa parts were blended with fifty kilograms of manure, 0.2 kilogram of Trichoderma-based product and two kilograms of superphosphate. The mixture was incubated at different intervals, including 5, 7 or 9 weeks. Next, the effects of MOF on the growth, yield, ascorbic acid content and Brix of lettuce and mustard spinach were also determined and compared with other organic fertilizers (cow manure and bio-organic fertilizer). Results of the study revealed that 25 tons per ha of MOF were significantly superior to those treated with cow manure and bio-organic fertilizer in the case of vegetable yields. Further, 7 weeks of MOF incubation was found suitable to produce an optimal yield during the various incubation period. These results suggested that the Moringa non-edible parts can make organic fertilizer and enhance growth, yield, and leafy vegetable production.

Biofertilizers produced from organic materials help to promote the growth, and yield quality of crops and is more environmentally friendly than chemical fertilizers. Moringa oleifera is a leafy vegetable whose leaves are also used to make biofertilizers. The use of moringa non-edible parts in biofertilizer preparation remains under-explored. In this study, a procedure to produce moringa foliar biofertilizer (MFB) from non-edible parts was developed. The effect of composting time (3 to 4 months) on the quality of MFB was investigated, and four-month incubation was found suitable for biofertilizers yield with the highest nitrogen content and optimal pH. Furthermore, the influences of MFB doses (20 to 100 mL per Litre) on the growth of lettuce and mustard spinach were studied. The yield of these leafy vegetables was the highest at 100 mL per Litre of MFB spray. Finally, MFB was compared with other commercial foliar sprays, including chitosan fertilizer and seaweed fertilizer. Each foliar treatment was applied every five days until five days before harvest. Plant height, the number of leaves, canopy diameter, leaf area index, actual yield, ascorbic acid content, and Brix were found to be similar in lettuce sprayed with MFB, chitosan, and seaweed fertilizers. In conclusion, the application of MFB promoted the growth and yield of mustard spinach.

Background: Moringa oleifera is a vegetable widely consumed because of its nutritional benefits such as proteins, vitamins minerals, antioxidant compounds, and vitamin E. While the plant leaves have been utilized to produce organic fertilizer or bio-extract, other parts such as stems, branches, or leaf petioles have often been discarded as waste. Methods: The present study evaluated different ratios (1:10; 1:20; 1:30; 1:40 and 1:50) and types of bio-foliar fertilizers (Moringa bio-foliar fertilizer, chitosan, and seaweed fertilizers) on yield, and quality in mustard green. The pot and field experiments were conducted in the spring seasons of 2019 and 2020 in completely randomized design using three replications. Result: The results showed that the mustard green yield and quality were affected by ratio and type of bio-foliar fertilizer in both seasons. Highest yield and quality was found for application of moringa bio-foliar fertilizer. The nitrate accumulation value (147.3 mg kg-1) found were also higher for moringa bio-foliar fertilizer but lower than the standard threshold. A strong relationship was found between economic yield (R2 = 0.82 to 0.95 in pots and field experiment (R2 = 0.78 to 0.81). In conclusion, moringa bio-foliar fertilizer at spraying ratio of 1:10 can be used to achieve higher yield and quality for mustard green.