Virtual Booth

The global challenge of achieving sustainable agriculture to meet the rising demand for food has put considerable strain on the agricultural sector. Agriculture, a cornerstone of our food supply, faces hurdles in providing for this ever-increasing need. Solanum Lycopersicum (tomato), a beloved fruit in Malaysia with a diverse culinary presence, has encountered growth challenges due to the heavy reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers. These conventional fertilizers not only strain the environment but also pose potential risks to human health. Researchers are now exploring innovative solutions, including the use of coffee residue in plant growth experiments, to address these issues. Coffee grounds, rich in nitrogen, offer a promising alternative for enhancing plant growth. Initial observations suggest that caffeine, a component of coffee residue, can boost initial growth but may hinder long-term development. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the impact of caffeine on the growth of Solanum Lycopersicum when applied optimally. Following germination, the plants underwent a four-week growth period to establish robust root systems. They were then subjected to various caffeine concentrations (0.1% (w/v), 1% (w/v), and 5% (w/v)), along with distilled water and traditional fertilizers. A novel aspect of this research is the additional watering provided to caffeine-treated plants, mitigating the risk of over-fertilization. To further the potential commercialization of caffeine-based fertilizers, sustainable waste management partnerships with coffee shops and establishments generating coffee grounds can be established, along with product development efforts focused on optimizing nutrient compositions and application methods for caffeine-based fertilizers.