By: Giolo Cadhit, Lorenzo Torres, Josh Banayad 2N

How does the presence of dried papaya leaf mulch affect the growth rate of tomato plants?

If there is a relationship between the presence of dried papaya leaves and the growth of Lycopersicon esculentum, then the growth rate of the tomato plant will be at its best when dried papaya leaves used as organic mulch are given to it in moderation.

This study aims to benefit farmers and the economy. It will help put the papaya leaves to good use instead of burning it. It will also pave the way into organic farming which is a healthier more earth-friendly way to farm. Through this experiment we hope to be able to find a cheaper means of farming but still reliable.

 To

the relation between papaya leaf mulch and the growth rate of tomato plants To measure the height of the plants precisely To find a better more earth-friendly alternative for fertilizers

This study will only test the growth of the plant in terms of its colour and height. We will only test the presence of dried papaya leaves as mulch. We will not test how the amount of mulch or the thickness of its leaves will affect the growth. We will only use tomato plants for this experiment. The experiment will only last for 5 weeks only.

Mulches are any material used to cover the surface of soil. It is used for insulation, cleanliness and controlling unwanted plants such as weeds. Mulches can help improve the quality of the plants planted in them. In our Ip we will use a natural mulch taken from dried papaya leaves on a tomato plant. Research suggests that using grass/ leaves as a mulch, is highly recommended for tomato plants. This is because they add nutrients to the soil as they decompose. We hope that this will help the growth of the plant.

 100g

dried papaya leaves Labeling materials (marker and tape) 500g loam soil Mortar and pestle 10-500g pots 12 cm ruler 10-2cm tomato plant Water

 The

materials were gathered. 500g of loam soil was put into the 10 pots 5 of the pots were labeled A, while 5 other pots were labeled B The 10-2cm tomato plants were placed into each pot The dried papaya leaves were crushed and grounded using the mortar and pestle 20g of crushed leaves were sprinkled atop each of the pots labeled B.

 The

plants were watered twice a day for 5 weeks. The plants were measured after the end of every week.(in cm) The data was recorded and observe.

Set-up Parts

Before Mulch Exposure

After One Week

Tomato Plant

Light Green leafs

Dark Green leafs, taller

Dried Papaya Leaf Mulch

Damp

Dry, bad smell

Plant

Initial
Oct. 14 (cm)

Week 1
Oct. 21 (cm)

Week 2
Oct. 28 (cm)

Week 3
Nov. 4 (cm)

Week 4
Nov. 11 (cm)

Week 5
Nov. 18 (cm)

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A Ave.

1.51 1.65 2.49 2.15 2.31 2.022

2.45 3.81 4.93 2.57 4.10 3.572

3.01 4.00 5.25 2.78 4.44 3.896

3.77 4.31 5.96 3.39 4.88 4.462

Plant

Initial Oct. 14 (cm)

Week 1 Oct. 21 (cm)

Week 2 Oct. 28 (cm)

Week 3 Nov. 4 (cm)

Week 4 Nov. 11 (cm)

Week 5 Nov. 18 (cm)

B1

2.00

4.62

5.13

5.79

B2
B3 B4 B5 B Ave.

2.31
1.72 3.00 1.90 2.186

5.36
4.78 5.61 3.67 4.808

5.87
5.28 6.21 4.26 5.350

6.34
5.76 7.07 4.99 5.990

Plant A3 (without mulch) is pale green and grew 3.47 cm since initial measuring.

Plant B1 (with 20 g mulch) is dark green and grew 3.79 cm since initial measuring. The mulch is damp.

Josh Banayad is measuring Plant B5. It is dark green & grew 3.09 cm since initial measuring. The mulch is also damp (newly changed).

The researchers therefore conclude that using dried papaya leaves as mulch for tomato plant helps tremendously in its growth rate.