Effervescent Organic Fertilizer: Evaluating Fermented Fruit Juice Tablets for Improved Vegetable Yields

Abstract

Organic farming is an agricultural practice that produces healthier food, such as vegetables, that holistically improves human and environmental preservation. However, using organic inputs such as fertilizer can be complicated for farmers because it requires much time, consumes space when storing, is challenging to transport, and requires more labor because it is heavier and bulkier. Recognizing these challenges, the researcher sought a more convenient solution by developing a new form of organic fertilizer: an effervescent tablet made from fermented fruit juice (FFJ) fertilizer. The process involved drying 15mL of FFJ until it caramelized. The caramelized FFJ was then added to the mixture of a base, which is the baking soda (NaHCO₃), and an acid, which is the cream of tartar (KC4H5O6). This mixture was developed into tablets using granulation and molding. The researcher secured three experimental setups of pechay and chili seedlings to test their effectiveness. Two groups were treated with either effervescent FFJ tablets or liquid FFJ, while one group was left untreated as a control. After one month, the plant's height, weight, number of leaves, and flowers were measured. The results showed that the effervescent FFJ and liquid FFJ produced nearly the same results regarding plant growth and number of flowers. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the plants treated with effervescent FFJ and those treated with liquid FFJ regarding height, number of flowers, and number of leaves. Effervescent tablet FFJ also shows nearer neutral pH than the liquid FFJ. These findings suggest that the development of effervescent tablet fertilizer shows promise for improving plant growth while also addressing some of the inherent challenges of organic farming.