Characterization of Poly-organic Fertilizer from Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit (IPIL-IPIL) and Its Application in a Home-grown Solanum lycopersicum L. (Tomato) Set-up

Abstract

Fertilizers serve as essential supplements in modern agriculture, playing an essential role in supplementing soil fertility and promoting healthy plant growth. The Northern Samar Provincial Agriculture Office reported a 27.94% 5-year percentage change of tomato harvest in the entire province, and this increase in harvest throughout the years were observed with the use of organic fertilizers. This study developed an organic fertilizer from Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit (Ipil-ipil) with Polyvinyl Alcohol to be used in a home-grown Solanum lycopersicum L. (Tomato). Functional groups were investigated using FTIR. The soil physicochemical properties were analyzed to determine the soil’s texture, pH, and macronutrient content. Tomato plant growth parameters such as plant weight and number of fruits were also identified. Test of significant relationship among the fertilizer treatments and the parameters were assessed with the use of Analysis of Variance. The functional group present in the Ipil-ipil leaf powder were hydroxyl, alkyl, amino, and carbonyl groups. The results revealed that the soil has silty clay texture, has a weakly acidic pH level, and contains varying macronutrients level. Tomato plants with Ipil-ipil organic fertilizer and PVA-containing Ipil-ipil fertilizer were the same in terms of the weight in kilograms. In terms of number of fruits, Ipil-ipil fertilizer with PVA has the greatest number of fruits among the other different fertilizer treatments. Use of the other parts of Ipil-ipil plant for fertilizer, implementing the fertilizer for different soil types and climatic conditions for plant, and exploring various application methods and dosage levels of fertilizers were recommended.