Yield and phytonutrient content of moringa leaves as influenced by plant spacings and fertilizer application

Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) is a tree commonly marketed as a protein-rich leafy vegetable and nutrient supplement for people and livestock. Moringa has great potential as a source of nutritional, nutraceutical, and industrial goods as a result of global industrialisation and the increased demand for ecologically friendly products. Moringa study appears to be focused on its nutritional and therapeutic qualities rather than its agronomy as a cultivated crop, and no research has been undertaken under Malaysia's climatic conditions. There is a scarcity of information about moringa tree agronomic management, particularly practices that increase leaf yield and quality. This study aimed to determine the effect of three plant spacings (0.2 m × 0.2 m, 0.3 m × 0.3 m and 0.4 m × 0.4 m) and fertilizers application (poultry manure, biochar and inorganic fertilizer) on moringa leaf biomass and phytonutrient content. Results showed the highest total leaf dry matter recorded in plant spacing of 0.2 m × 0.2 m at 20.5 Mg ha−1; however, it did not significantly differ from plant spacing of 0.3 m × 0.3 m at 20.4 Mg ha-1 in the respective year. Fertilizer application, however, has a greater impact on moringa's nutritional value. Poultry manure application significantly boosts the nutrients in moringa leaf by providing the greatest levels of crude protein (25.26%), nitrogen (2.83%), calcium (2.19%) and zinc (27.05 mg kg-1 ). In conclusion, moringa can produce a large amount of leaf biomass in hot and humid tropical conditions at plant spacing of 0.3 m × 0.3 m fertilized with poultry manure for optimum cost production and enhanced nutritional quality.