Abstract
In sustainable farming, the use of organic fertilizers is a costly but environmentally-oriented type of soil–crop system management. Among essential microelements, cobalt (Co) deficiency commonly occurs in arid and semi-arid climatic regions suitable for the growing of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam), an economically important, multipurpose tree. Therefore, in this study, two pot experiments were conducted to identify the interaction effects of Co and organic fertilizers in modifying the growth, yield, and nutritional composition of moringa. Each experiment consisted of 21 treatments as combinations of seven concentrations of Co (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0 mg L−1) and three organic fertilizers (chicken manure, CM; farmyard manure, FYM; and compost, Comp). Co, at 7.5–12.5 mg L−1, in combination with CM, significantly increased the height, leaf number, leaf area, and dry weight of plants, as well as N, P, K, Zn, Cu, protein, total carbohydrate, total soluble solids, total phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamin C in leaves. Co was positively correlated with N, P, K, and the dry weight content in moringa leaves, and this synergistic interaction may underpin the remaining parameters enhanced by Co. The cobalt effect was dose-dependent, so the improved growth, yield, and nutritional composition of moringa can be managed through a proper Co dose in combination with organic fertilizer. Co and organic fertilization could be a promising strategy for improving moringa plant productivity and its biological value in conditions of sandy soils and Co deficiency.
Highlights
Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) is the most common crop of the Moringaceae family, comprising13 species
The results shown below aimed at studying the possibility of the sustainable cultivation of moringa in greenhouses provided with their required nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK), and other mineral nutrients from organic sources and improving the moringa plant yield and its nutritional quality through soil enrichment with Co
The interaction effects of Co and organic fertilizers showed that Co in concentrations of 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 mg L−1 integrated with chicken manure (CM) was the most effective compared to the remaining Co combined with CM, farmyard manure (FYM), and Comp for all mentioned traits
Summary
Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) is the most common crop of the Moringaceae family, comprising13 species. Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) is the most common crop of the Moringaceae family, comprising. Moringa is regarded as one of the most valuable and “underutilized” multipurpose tropical crops in the world, as nearly every part of the tree has been used as food or medicine since prehistoric times [1]. The leaves are the plant0 s most nutritious components and a major source of vitamin A, vitamin B2 , vitamin B6 , and vitamin C; natural antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics; and mineral salts of magnesium, iron, and calcium [3]. More research on the agronomy of this crop is needed in order to exploit its potential as food and food ingredients, a source of antioxidant and pharmaceutical products for local and international markets, water purification, and livestock feeds [5]
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