THE EFFECT OF DRIED PAPAYA LEAVES AS

ORGANIC MULCH ON THE GROWTH OF

TOMATO PLANT (LYCOPERSICON

ESCULENTUM)By: Giolo Cadhit, Lorenzo Torres,

Josh Banayad

2N

PROBLEM STATEMENT:How does the presence of dried papaya leaf mulch

affect the growth rate of tomato plants?

HYPOTHESIS

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. 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDYThis 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.

OBJECTIVES 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

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONSThis 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.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDYMulches 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.

MATERIALS 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

METHODOLOGY 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”.

METHODOLOGY(CONT.) 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.

QUALITATIVE OBSERVATIONS ON THE TOMATO PLANT SET-UPS

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

THE HEIGHT OF TOMATO PLANTS WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF TOMATO LEAF MULCH(PLANT SET-UP A :PLANTS WITHOUT MULCH A.K.A CONTROLLED SET-UP)

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 1.512.45 3.01 3.77

A2 1.653.81 4.00 4.31

A3 2.494.93 5.25 5.96

A4 2.152.57 2.78 3.39

A5 2.314.10 4.44 4.88

A Ave. 2.0223.572 3.896 4.462

PLANT SET-UP B (PLANTS WITH 20G MULCH)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 2.004.62 5.13 5.79

B2 2.315.36 5.87 6.34

B3 1.724.78 5.28 5.76

B4 3.005.61 6.21 7.07

B5 1.903.67 4.26 4.99

B Ave. 2.1864.808 5.350 5.990

PICTURES OF TOMATO PLANT SET-UPS(ALL PICTURES WERE TAKEN ON NOV. 12, 2012)

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

PICTURES (CONT.)

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

PICTURES (CONT.)

Josh Banayad is measuring Plant B5. It is dark green & grew 3.09 cm since initial measuring.

The mulch is also damp (newly changed).

CONLUSIONThe researchers therefore conclude that using

dried papaya leaves as mulch for tomato plant helps tremendously in its growth rate.