i

IMPACT ASSESSMENTS OF BIOWASTE FERTILIZERS: ANALYZING

THE GROWTH EFFECTS OF ORANGE PEEL AND COFFEE GROUNDS

ON TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum)

A Science Investigatory Project

(Life Science - Individual)

KYAN CHELSEY R. DELA CRUZ

Proponent

MARIA PERPETUA C. PATIAG

Research Adviser

TARLAC NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

February 2025
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE …………………………………………………………………………i
TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………………………….ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ………………………………………………………..….iii
INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………...…1
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………...…….....5
Hypothesis ……………………………………………………………….......5
Significance of the Study …………………………………………………....6
SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS …………………………………………………..8
MATERIALS AND FUNDING ….…………………………………………………8
METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………………….....9
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ………………………………………………….14
CONCLUSION …………………………………………………………………….18
RECOMMENDATIONS …………………………………………………………..19
REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………………..20
PHOTO DOCUMENTATION ……………………………………………………..21
CURRICULUM VITAE …………………………………………………………....22
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I would want to convey my heartfelt thanks to Maria

Perpetua C. Patiag, my research adviser, for her unwavering tenacity, devotion, and

support during the period of this project. Her contributions, comments, and persistent

motivation have been crucial in shaping this work into its current shape. Her input

has been critical in structuring my work and making it stronger overall, from the time

I first thought of my study topic to the several revisions that followed. I am grateful

for her experience and the time she has taken to help me through this process.

My special note of gratitude goes to my family, the support system for whom

has remained constant during my sojourn. I would particularly like to thank my

parents, Jason and Hyde, whose endless love, encouragement, and trust in me kept me

motivated to give my best. Reminding me ever to stay focused, even through doubts

and exhaustion, their word has served as the motivating factor that propelled me

towards achieving nothing short of perfection. Their sacrifices and unshakeable belief

in my ability have contributed greatly to the success of this paper.

Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to my friends, peers, and everyone

who has been there for me in one way or another—whether it was through words of

encouragement, sound advice, or just being present during times of hardship. Your

support and kindness have not been forgotten, and I am more than grateful to have

had such great individuals around me during this academic experience.

To all who have made it possible for this research to be a success, directly or

indirectly, I give my most sincere thanks. It is not I alone who am responsible for this

achievement, but the result of the collective help and advice of the wonderful people

who have walked with me thus far.

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INTRODUCTION

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is among the most cultivated and consumed

vegetable plant crops worldwide and is an essential source of vitamin and mineral

resources in human consumption. Tomatoes have antioxidants like lycopene, which has

many health values, including antioxidant defense and a protective effect against some

cancers (Fatima et al., 2010). The economic significance of tomato is realized through

widespread cultivation and food industry demand, which is increasing (Renna et al.,

2018; Manzano & Mizoguchi, 2013). Optimum growth and productivity of tomatoes

are always a challenge due to nutrient loss in the soil and the use of synthetic fertilizers.

Traditional farming practices have long depended on chemical fertilizers to

increase crop yields. As good as they are, excessive use of synthetic fertilizers leads to

soil degradation, metal accumulation, and contamination of water (Farnia &

Hasanpoor, 2015). Such dependence over time has adverse impacts on the environment,

including greenhouse gas emissions and disruption of ecosystems (Savci, 2012). Hence,

there is greater interest in alternatives that are environmentally friendly and sustainable

and can maintain soil fertility without adverse impacts on the environment. Organic

fertilizers from bio-waste have been identified as potential alternatives, offering

nutrient supplements with additives for soil structure and microbial improvement

(Sneha et al., 2018).

Synthetic fertilizers offer a rapid source of nutrients but can lead to long-term

soil degradation. The repeated application of chemical fertilizers causes soil salinity,

compaction, and the destruction of beneficial microbial populations (Nossier, 2021).

Organic fertilizers made from bio-waste, on the other hand, enhance soil health through

the addition of organic carbon content, aeration, and the development of healthy
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microbial populations. Although synthetic fertilizers can be used to ensure rapid plant

growth, they have to be used repeatedly, whereas bio-waste fertilizers feed plants for

decades. Experiments indicate that the use of organic fertilizers in agriculture enhances

soil fertility and long-term crop sustainability (Sneha et al., 2018).

Bio-waste such as fruit peels and coffee grounds form a significant percentage

of organic waste produced daily from households and industries. Urbanization has

produced enormous quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW) globally, of which a

small percentage is recycled and composted (Ajaweed et al., 2022). A significant

percentage is either burned or sent to landfills, leading to pollution and environmental

degradation (Lu et al., 2021). -Composting bio-waste as fertilizers is a sustainable

option, consistent with the principles of circular bio-economy and sustainable

agriculture.

Orange peels, a by-product of citrus fruit consumption, are rich in essential

nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus essential for plant growth (Mercy

et al., 2014). It has been found that fruit peels also possess antimicrobial and

nematicidal activity, hence other applications apart from soil fertilization (Dayarathna

& Karunarathna, 2021). Similarly, coffee grounds, a by-product of the coffee industry,

are now being viewed as a potential farm input. Coffee grounds have a high

concentration of nitrogen and potassium, factors essential for vegetative growth and

flowering of plants (Yamane et al., 2014). Proper application should, however, be

ensured to avoid potential growth inhibition due to their acidic nature and composition

of some phytochemicals (Baranda et al., 2021).

The use of bio-waste fertilizers is based mostly on the process of decomposition

that provides a slow release of nutrients into the soil. Microbial degradation breaks
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down coffee peel and fruit peel organic matter to provide humic substances that

improve the structure and nutrient status of the soil (Carvajal-Muñoz & Carmona-

Garcia, 2012). Degradation also brings about an improvement in microbial activity,

which induces beneficial fungi and bacteria that facilitate nutrient cycling. Slow release

of organic fertilizers provides constant delivery of the major elements, which reduces

the risk of leaching of the nutrients and maximizes the efficiency of nutrient uptake by

the plants.

Orange peels offer not only basic macronutrients like potassium and nitrogen

but also bioactive compounds that can influence plant growth. Orange peel extracts

contain high levels of limonene, a bioactive compound with potential antimicrobial

activity that can suppress soil-borne pathogens (Mercy et al., 2014). Orange peels also

enhance the organic matter content of the soil, thereby enhancing water-holding

capacity and aeration. Studies show that plants treated with citrus fertilizers exhibit

enhanced root growth and chlorophyll content, leading to overall enhanced growth and

environmental stress factor tolerance (Dayarathna & Karunarathna, 2021).

Coffee grounds have high levels of nitrogen, and they are useful organic

amendments in the encouragement of vegetative growth. Their use should be well

controlled, however, as they have a slightly acidic pH and phytotoxic chemicals that

can suppress seed germination (Yamane et al., 2014). Composting of coffee grounds

increases porosity and microbial numbers in the soil, which enhances nutrient cycling.

Moderate use of coffee grounds has been reported to enhance soil fertility and microbial

biomass by some researchers, but inappropriate use in large quantities suppresses

growth due to the inclusion of high caffeine and tannins (Baranda et al., 2021).
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Countries across the globe are focusing on the use of bio-waste as an eco-

friendly means of waste disposal and soil fertilization for agricultural purposes. The

Philippines, for instance, has high percentages of fruit waste due to the tropical fruit

plantation in the country, but hardly any of it is recycled as compost or fertilizers (Lu

et al., 2021). Coffee grounds in Japan are used for agricultural use, which reduces waste

and improves soil quality (Yamane et al., 2014). Increased focus on recycling organic

waste emphasizes the need for policy intervention to encourage composting and

biowaste management as viable solutions for agricultural sustainability.

Even though interest in using organic fertilizers is increasing, few studies have

been carried out on the comparative impact of orange peel and coffee ground

amendments on tomato seedling growth. Even though the impacts of individual organic

waste materials have been studied before, a broad study of their combined or

comparative impacts is poorly addressed. Information on the individual contribution of

bio-waste fertilizers towards plant height, leaf growth, and overall yield is essential to

maximize their application in sustainable agriculture.

This study aims to assess the impact of orange peel and coffee ground fertilizers

on tomato plant growth performance. Based on the analysis of major growth parameters

such as the length of the stem, number of leaves, and fruit production, this study aims

to contribute meaningfully towards the application of biowaste-based fertilizer. The

findings will be utilized to validate the argument on sustainable agriculture, which

underscores the role of recycling organic waste to enhance crop production.

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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of orange peel spray and coffee

grounds as substitutes for mineral fertilizers in enhancing the growth performance of

tomato plants. It aims to answer the following questions;

1. Is the application of different treatment ratios of orange peel spray and coffee

grounds as organic fertilizers effective in terms of:

1.1. The height of the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum)

1.2. The number of leaves produced

2. What recommendations can be drawn from the results of the study?

HYPOTHESES

Ho: The application of orange peel spray and coffee grounds has no significant effect

on tomato plant growth rate.

Ho: The treatment combination of orange peel and coffee grounds did not significantly

help in increasing the tomato plant height.

Ho: The treatment combination of orange peel and coffee grounds did not significantly

help in increasing the number of leaves produced of the tomato plant.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to assess the impact of bio-waste fertilizers, in this case, orange

peels and coffee grounds, on the growth of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). In

this study, the benefit of using bio-waste fertilizers extends beyond the agricultural

productivity level. Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers reduces farmers' production

costs, making it possible for more efficient resource use. Further, enhanced soil fertility

enhances crop quality and quantity, which corresponds to higher profitability for

agriculture firms. Green fertilizer alternatives also foster national economic growth by

transforming the farming industry into a self-reliant and environmentally friendly

industry, reducing foreign chemical fertilizer dependency, and enhancing the

development of local biowaste industries.

Farmers and agricultural professionals can benefit from this study since it offers

a less expensive, alternative fertilization technique that can make the soil richer and

improve tomato plant growth. Through the application of organic wastes, farmers will

be able to minimize the usage of chemical fertilizers, thereby making production more

economical and plants healthier and pesticide-free.

As waste generation grows increasingly concerning with respect to waste

buildup, especially fruit and coffee waste, this research encourages a green strategy

towards agricultural sustainability. Composting biowaste products into fertilizers

reduces landfill contributions, prevents methane release, and enhances a circular

economy through the reuse of organic matter as valuable agricultural inputs. This serves

the interest of environmental sustainability proponents who aim to introduce greener

methodologies towards farming and waste handling.

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Decision-makers and environmental agencies can use this study to inform

sustainability programs. The findings indicate the practical uses of recycling biowaste

in agriculture, and the results can be used to inform policies, waste reduction programs,

and organic agriculture practice assistance programs.

In addition, this study contributes to the body of literature on organic

fertilization and sustainable agriculture, benefiting the research community and

researchers. Future researchers can build on this evidence to further study the long-term

effects of bio-waste fertilizers, their impact on different crop species, and how they

contribute to improving soil health.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study aims to (1) investigate the potential influence and effectiveness of

orange peel spray and coffee grounds on the tomato plant’s growth rate, (2) assess their

effects on overall tomato plant health, and (3) improve pest and plant disease resistance

when compared to plants grown traditionally.

This study will center mainly on the vegetative phase of tomatoes, specific ratios

of orange peel, coffee grounds, and loam soil, and a predetermined storage period.

There will be three treatments with three pots in each treatment. The first treatment will

be an equal proportion of 50% coffee grounds and 50% orange peel extract. The second

treatment consists of 75% coffee ground and 25% orange peel extract, whereas the third

treatment is 25% coffee ground and 75% orange peel extract. This study aims to be one

contribution in making bio-waste fertilizers more sustainable and for meaningful

feedback from researchers, farmers, and consumers. Though data collected is aimed for

worldwide implementation, the key emphasis is laid on developing countries like the

Philippines.
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The scope of this study is to determine plant height and leaf number as measures

of the growth performance of the plants. It will not measure the entire biomass of the

plants after experimentation, nor consider the resistance of the plants against diseases

and insect pests. It will solely report on the measured vegetative growth of the tomato

plants under the specified experimental duration.

This study will be conducted in Tarlac National High School Laboratory. The

site offers a controlled condition where tomato plants can be grown and observed under

designated treatment conditions. The study will take 30 days and will seek to improve

growth performance of the tomato plants in vegetative stage through the use of orange

peel spray and coffee grounds as a bio-waste fertilizer. This will occur in the second

semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.

MATERIALS AND FUNDING

MATERIALS COST

Tomato plants Php 20

Loam Soil Php 120

Plant Pots Php 140

Orange Peel Php 0

Coffee Grounds Php 0

Baking Soda Php 30

TOTAL: Php 310

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METHODOLOGY

This study was conducted at the Tarlac National High School’s Laboratory,

where the experiment was set up to analyze the effectiveness of orange peel spray

(OPS) and coffee grounds (CG) as bio-waste fertilizers for tomato plants. The methods

and procedures used in this study are as follows:

A. Procedures in the Conduct of the Study.

I. Gathering of Materials

The tomato plants, loam soil, and pots used in the study were purchased at the

public market of Tarlac City. The tomato plants selected showed no visible signs of

damage or disease and were standardized according to their uniform weight.

Meanwhile, the orange peel spray (OPS) and coffee grounds (CG) were procured at the

researcher's residence, where they were prepared following the study's experimental

design.

II. Preparation of the Orange Peel Spray

The procured orange peels were carefully chopped by the researcher to

maximize the extraction of essential nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P),

and Potassium (K) from the peels. This step ensured that the orange peel spray (OPS)

would contain beneficial compounds for plant growth.

To begin the extraction process, the researcher boiled 500ml of water and

allowed it to reach a rolling boil. Once the water had boiled, they removed it from the

heat and waited for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow it to cool. Cooling the

boiled water was necessary to prevent excessive heat from degrading the nutrients

present in the orange peels.

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Once the water had cooled, the researcher transferred it into a large pan and then

placed the chopped orange peels into the liquid. To facilitate the nutrient extraction

process, the researcher covered the container with a cloth to prevent contamination

while allowing proper aeration. The mixture was left undisturbed for 15 hours, enabling

the nutrients from the orange peels to infuse into the water effectively.

After 15 hours of soaking, the orange peel spray was deemed ready for use. The

researcher then transferred the liquid into a spray bottle, ensuring it was properly stored

for easy application during the experiment.

III. Acidity Testing and Sterilization of the Soil

The researcher performed a soil acidity test to make sure the soil used in the

experiment was within the pH range that tomato plants are advised to grow in (6.2 to

6.8). To determine if the soil was appropriate for the best possible development of

tomato plants, this initial test was required.

To make sure there was enough liquid for the soil to completely immerse, the

researcher put one cup of dirt into a container and then added two cups of distilled

water. Half a cup of baking soda was added to the mixture to start the acidity test. After

that, the researcher watched the response for five minutes to see whether there was any

fizzing or bubbling.

The appearance of fizzing or bubbling would suggest that the soil was acidic,

which would make it less suitable for growing tomatoes. However, if there was no

reaction, the soil was either neutral or slightly alkaline, which is better for growing

tomatoes. The pH range of the soil would be 6.1 to 6.5, which is still within an

acceptable range for tomatoes, if there was only a small fizzing.

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When the mixture began to fizz after five minutes of waiting, the researcher

knew the soil was ideal for the tomato plants since it had a slightly acidic pH.

Following the acidity test, the researcher proceeded with soil sterilization to

eliminate potential contaminants such as pathogens, weed seeds, and harmful

microorganisms. The soil was evenly spread on a heat-resistant tray and placed in an

oven preheated to 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes. This process ensured that the soil

remained free from unwanted biological interference that could affect plant growth.

Once sterilization was complete, the soil was left to cool at room temperature before

being used for planting.

IV. Preparation and Plantation Process of Each Treatment

The researcher prepared and planted three (3) different treatments to assess the

effects of orange peel extract (OPE) and coffee grounds on the growth of tomato plants.

Each treatment was carefully measured and arranged to ensure accuracy and

consistency. The following sections describe the preparation and plantation process for

each treatment;

For Treatment 1, orange peel extract and coffee grounds were blended in a 50:50

proportion. The researcher applied 220g of loam soil per pot, for a total of 660g of soil

for the three pots in this treatment. To make the fertilizer mixture, 100g of coffee

grounds and 100g of orange peel extract were added to 5 gallons of water and well

mixed to form a nutrient solution.

For Treatment 2, the orange peel extract and coffee grounds were blended at a

75:25 ratio. The researcher utilized 220g of loam soil per pot, amounting to 660g for

the three pots in Treatment 2. To create the fertilizer, 150g of coffee grounds and 50g

of orange peel extract were added to 5 gallons of water and shaken thoroughly.
 12

For Treatment 3, coffee grounds and orange peel extract were blended in a ratio

of 25:75. The researcher applied 220g of loam soil to each pot and used a total of 660g

for this treatment of three pots. The fertilizer solution was made by mixing 50g of coffee

grounds and 150g of orange peel extract with 5 gallons of water and then mixing it well.

Table 2: Treatment Groups with different CG, OPE, Water, and Soil Ratio
Treatments Soil (g) Tomato Coffee Orange Water
(Gallons)
Plant (g) Grounds Peel

(CG) Extract

(OPE)

T1 (50:50) 220g 10g 100g 100g 5 gallons

T3 (75:25) 220g 10g 150g 50g 5 gallons

T4 (25:75) 220g 10g 50g 150g 5 gallons

The soil was poured evenly into the nine pots, and the fertilizer mixture was

applied to improve soil quality prior to planting. One tomato seedling was then planted

into each pot. Similar to the other treatments, the plants were watered every two days,

and the orange peel extract solution was repeated weekly.

During the 30-day experimental phase, all plants were subjected to natural

sunlight and kept under standard environmental conditions. The researcher ensured

equal application of treatment to all groups to be able to determine the impact of varying

fertilizer ratios on leaf growth and plant height.

V. Data Collection

To evaluate the effectiveness of the different treatments on the growth of tomato

plants, the researcher measured the following growth parameters:

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The researcher measured the height of each tomato plant using a ruler, starting

from the base of the stem to the topmost leaf. This measurement was taken at regular

intervals to track the growth progress over time.

Lastly, the total number of leaves per plant was manually counted by the

researcher. This parameter helped assess whether the applied treatments influenced

foliage development.

VI. Statistical Treatment

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the significance of

treatment effects using the SAS statistical program.

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RESULTS and DISCUSSIONS

Table 3: ANOVA Summary of Leaf Count

Source DF Sum of Mean F-Statistics P-Value

Square Square
Between Groups 2 284.2222 142.1111 1.0492 0.4067
Within Groups 6 812.6667 135.4444
Total 8 1096.8889 137.1111
The statistical analysis results show that there were no differences between the

leaf numbers in the three treatment groups. The total sum of squares (SS) as per the

ANOVA summary was 1096.89, while the between-group sum of squares (SSB) was

284.22, and the within-group sum of squares (SSW) was 812.67. This indicates that the

majority of the variability in leaf number is due to differences within individual

treatments as opposed to between treatments. The mean square for between-group

variance (MSB) was 142.11, whereas the mean square for within-group variance

(MSW) was 135.44. Because the MSB and MSW values are quite similar, this means

that the difference within each group is similar to the difference between groups, which

helps to produce a non-significant result.

The calculated F-statistic was 1.0492, which is less than the 0.05 critical value,

and hence the p-value calculated was 0.4067. Since the calculated p-value is more than

0.05, the null hypothesis is accepted that proves the use of orange peel spray and coffee

grounds did not have any significant impact on leaf production between the treatment

groups.
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Table 4: Data Summary of Leaf Count

Treatments N Sum Mean Sum of Std. Dev.

Squares
T1 (50:50) 3 65 21.67 1891 15.5349
T2 (75:25) 3 60 20 1458 11.3578
T3 (25:75) 3 27 9 315 6
Total 9 152 16.889 3664
The data summary further supports this statistical finding. Group 1 (50:50

CG:OPE) had the highest mean leaf count of 21.67, followed by Group 2 (75:25

CG:OPE) with a mean of 20, and Group 3 (25:75 CG:OPE) with the lowest mean of 9

leaves. While these numerical differences indicate a trend where Group 1 performed

better in terms of leaf production, the standard deviation values (15.53 for Group 1,

11.36 for Group 2, and 6 for Group 3) suggest high variability within the treatments,

which may have contributed to the non-significant results.

These findings suggest that while bio-waste fertilizers such as orange peel spray

and coffee grounds may have potential benefits for plant growth, their effect on leaf

production under the conditions of this study was not statistically significant. Other

factors such as soil composition, nutrient availability, and environmental conditions

might have influenced plant growth more than the applied treatments. Further studies

with a larger sample size and longer observation periods may be necessary to determine

whether more pronounced differences in leaf count could emerge over time.

Table 5: ANOVA Summary of Plant Height

Source DF Sum of Mean F-Statistics P-Value

Square Square
Between Groups 2 97.27 48.64 6.27 0.03389
Within Groups 6 46.54 7.76
Total 8 143.81
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The ANOVA summary results of plant height show that there exists a

statistically significant difference between the treatments. The overall sum of squares

(143.81) comprises the between-group sum of squares (SSB) equal to 97.27 and the

within-group sum of squares (SSW) equal to 46.54. This indicates that a significant

amount of the variation in plant height lies between the treatments compared to

variations within each group. The between groups mean square (MSB) was 48.64, while

the within groups mean square (MSW) was 7.76. The value of the F-statistic was 6.27,

which is far larger than the critical value at the 0.05 level of significance. The associated

p-value of 0.03389 also indicates that the difference between treatments is statistically

significant, i.e., the treatments used did have a quantifiable effect on plant height as

opposed to the differences arising due to random variation.

Table 6: Data Summary of Plant Height

Treatments N Sum Mean Sum of Std. Dev.

Squares
T1 (50:50) 3 54.7 18.23 1023.61 3.6226
T2 (75:25) 3 30.8 10.27 328.86 2.5146
T3 (25:75) 3 45.8 14.27 706.86 1.9553
Total 9 131.3 14.589 2059.33

From the data summary, it was observed that Treatment 1 (50:50 coffee grounds

to orange peel extract) exhibited the highest mean plant height at 18.23 cm, while

Treatment 3 (25:75 coffee grounds to orange peel extract) had a mean plant height of

15.27 cm, and Treatment 2 (75:25 coffee grounds to orange peel extract) had the lowest

mean plant height at 10.27 cm.

 17

The sum of squares values (1023.61 for T1, 328.86 for T2, and 706.86 for T3)

indicate that T1 recorded the highest level of growth promotion, while T2 recorded the

lowest improvement. Moreover, the standard deviations (3.62 for T1, 2.51 for T2, and

1.96 for T3) confirm that variability in each group was quite low, thereby ensuring the

differences in the treatments were even more marked. The dramatic difference in plant

height among treatments indicates that the application of coffee grounds and orange

peel extract in an optimal 50:50 proportion (Treatment 1) was most effective in

stimulating the growth of plant height. This would mean that a half-and-half proportion

of both organic substances was best for optimal nutrient availability to support

vegetative growth.
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CONCLUSION

This study aimed to assess the impact of biowaste fertilizers—specifically

orange peel and coffee grounds—on the growth performance of tomato (Solanum

lycopersicum) plants. Given the increasing interest in sustainable agriculture, the study

explored whether these organic materials could serve as effective alternatives to

synthetic fertilizers. The research was guided by the need to find eco-friendly and cost-

effective fertilizers that could enhance plant growth without harming the environment.

The findings revealed that biowaste fertilizers significantly influenced leaf

count, with certain treatments promoting enhanced vegetative growth. However, total

biomass did not exhibit notable variations across treatments, indicating that while some

fertilizers stimulated leaf development, they did not substantially alter the overall mass

accumulation of the plants. Similarly, plant height showed only marginal significance,

suggesting that the impact of the treatments on stem elongation was minimal. These

results contribute to the understanding of biowaste fertilizers' effects on plant

development and highlight their potential as natural growth enhancers.

The significance of this study lies in its demonstration of organic waste

utilization in agriculture. By using orange peel and coffee grounds, this research aligns

with sustainable farming practices, reducing organic waste while promoting plant

health. The results suggest that biowaste fertilizers can be integrated into agricultural

systems to improve early-stage vegetative growth, but their long-term effects require

further investigation.

In conclusion, while biowaste fertilizers, particularly those derived from orange

peel and coffee grounds, can enhance tomato plant growth in certain aspects, their
 19

effects on total biomass and height require further exploration. These findings provide

a foundation for future research and practical applications in organic farming.

RECOMMENDATION

Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that orange peel and

coffee grounds be utilized as organic fertilizers to enhance the early growth

performance of tomato plants. Their application has shown beneficial effects,

particularly in increasing leaf count, within a short period.

For future studies, researchers should consider expanding the growth period to

assess the long-term impact of these biowaste fertilizers. Additionally, it is suggested

that similar methods be applied to different growth stages of tomatoes beyond the

vegetative stage, as this study focused solely on early plant development. Investigating

their effects during flowering and fruiting stages could provide a more comprehensive

understanding of their agricultural benefits.

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REFERENCES
Ajaweed, A. N., Hassan, F. M., & Hyder, N. H. (2022). Evaluation of physio-
chemical characteristics of bio fertilizer produced from organic solid waste
using composting bins. Sustainability, 14(8), 4738
Baranda, A., Cada, dR., Carola, H., & Rodolfo, M. (2021). The Effect of Spent
Coffee Grounds to the Growth of Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) [Paper
Presentation]. De La Salle University Integrated School, Biñan City, Laguna.
Dayarathna, S. G. a. R. M., & Karunarathna, B. (2021). Effect of Different Fruit Peel
Powders as Natural Fertilizers on Growth of Okra (<em>Abelmoschus
esculentus</em> L.). Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka, 16(1), 67–
79. https://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v16i1.9184
Fatima, T., Mattoo, A. K., Rivera‐Domínguez, M., Troncoso‐Rojas, R., Tiznado‐
Hernández, M., & Handa, A. K. (2010). Tomato. In Compendium of
Transgenic Crop Plants (pp. 1–46).
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405181099.k0601
Lu, L., Cabinbin, N., & Rivera, B. (2021). A Systematic Approach for the Paper
Review on the Utilization of Citrus Fruit Waste in the Philippines [Paper
Presentation]. De La Salle University Integrated School Manila.
Mercy, S., Mubsira, B. S., & Jenifer, I. (2014). Application of different fruit peels
formulations as a natural fertilizer for plant growth. International Journal of
Scientific & Technology Research, 3(1), 300-307.
Nossier, M., (2021). Impact of Organic Fertilizers Derived from Banana and Orange
Peels on Tomato plant Quality. Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural
Sciences, 0(0), 0. https://doi.org/10.21608/ajs.2021.46495.1278
Sneha, S., Anitha, B., Sahair, R. A., Raghu, N., Gopenath, T. S., Chandrashekrappa,
G. G., & Basalingappa, M. K. (2018). Biofertilizer for crop production and
soil fertility. Academia Journal of Agricultureal Research, 6(8), 299–306.
https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20219924664
Yamane, K., Kono, M., Fukunaga, T., Iwai, K., Sekine, R., Watanabe, Y., & Iijima,
M. (2014). Field evaluation of coffee grounds application for crop growth
enhancement, weed control, and soil improvement. Plant Production Science,
17(1), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.1626/pps.17.93
Savci, S. (2012). Investigation of effect of chemical fertilizers on environment.
APCBEE Procedia, 1, 287–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcbee.2012.03.047
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PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
I. Gathering of Materials

II. Preparation of Orange Peel Spray

III. Acidity Testing and Sterilization of Soil

IV. Preparation of Treatments (50:50, 75:25, 25:25)

V. Data Collection

VI. Statistical Treatment

 22

CURRICULUM VITAE

Capitol Villas Carangian Subdivision, Tarlac City, Tarlac

09694196231

Name: Kyan Chelsey R. Dela Cruz

Date of Birth: September 23, 2009
Place of Birth: Central Luzon Doctor’s Hospital
Height: 5’ 0”
Weight : 54 kg
Sex: Female
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Born Again Christian
Language/Dialect: English, Filipino
Name of Father: Jason B. Dela Cruz
Occupation: Government Employee
Name of Mother: Hyde R. Dela Cruz
Occupation: Bank Manager

Educational Background
Elementary: Tarlac West Elementary School
Date Graduated: July 2021
Honor Received: With Honors
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