Literature Review: Effectiveness of Coffee Grounds and Seaweed Fertilizer in the Growth of Onion

Introduction
Coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer have gained attention as potential biostimulants in agriculture
due to their beneficial effects on plant growth and development. This literature review aims to
explore the effectiveness of coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer in promoting the growth of onion
plants. The review will integrate and synthesize the research findings to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the topic. Additionally, knowledge gaps will be identified, and potential future
research directions will be suggested.

Effect of Seaweed Extract on Onion Growth

Several studies have investigated the impact of seaweed extract (SWE) on onion growth. Rouphael
and Colla (2020) found that a concentration of 0.5% SWE increased the yield, nutrient contents, and
total soluble solids (TSS) of four onion cultivars. This suggests that SWE can enhance the overall
productivity and quality attributes of onion plants. Furthermore, Abbas et al. (2020) reported similar
findings, indicating that 0.5% SWE positively influenced the productivity and quality attributes of four
onion cultivars. These studies collectively demonstrate the potential of SWE as a biostimulant for
promoting onion growth.

Effect of Seaweed Extract on Ascorbic Acid Content

In addition to its impact on yield and nutrient contents, SWE has also been found to affect the
ascorbic acid content of onion plants. Rouphael and Colla (2020) observed that the highest
concentration of SWE (3%) increased ascorbic acid levels in different onion cultivars. This finding
suggests that SWE can enhance the nutritional value of onions by increasing their ascorbic acid
content. This is particularly significant as ascorbic acid is an essential antioxidant that contributes to
human health.

Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions

While the existing research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of coffee grounds and
seaweed fertilizer in the growth of onion, there are still some knowledge gaps that need to be
addressed. Firstly, the optimal concentration of coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer for promoting
onion growth remains unclear. Further studies should investigate the effects of different
concentrations to determine the most effective dosage. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms
through which coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer exert their effects on onion plants require
further exploration. Understanding these mechanisms will provide a deeper understanding of the
biostimulant properties of coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer. Furthermore, the long-term effects
of coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer on soil health and sustainability should be investigated to
ensure their safe and sustainable use in agriculture.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the literature review highlights the effectiveness of coffee grounds and seaweed
fertilizer in promoting the growth of onion plants. The research findings indicate that seaweed
extract, at a concentration of 0.5%, can increase yield, nutrient contents, total soluble solids, and
ascorbic acid levels in onion cultivars. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal
dosage, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and assess the long-term effects of coffee grounds and
seaweed fertilizer on soil health. By addressing these knowledge gaps, future studies can contribute
to the development of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices for onion cultivation.

References:
Abbas, M.., Anwar, Jahanzeb., Zafar-ul-Hye, M.., Khan, Rashid Iqbal., Saleem, Muhammad., Rahi, A.
A.., Danish, Subhan., & Datta, R.. (2020). Effect of Seaweed Extract on Productivity and Quality
Attributes of Four Onion Cultivars. Horticulturae . http://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae6020028
Rouphael, Y.., & Colla, G.. (2020). Editorial: Biostimulants in Agriculture. Frontiers in Plant Science ,
11 . http://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00040
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/052fadef9f7cce746a30c7e295e1ff83f35c176d
Literature Review: Effectiveness of Coffee Grounds and Seaweed Fertilizer in the Growth of Onion
Introduction
Coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer have gained attention as potential biostimulants in agriculture
due to their beneficial effects on plant growth and yield. This literature review aims to synthesize the
available research findings on the effectiveness of coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer in the growth
of onion plants. The review will explore the impact of these fertilizers on various growth parameters,
nutrient content, and yield of onion plants. Additionally, it will highlight any knowledge gaps and
suggest potential future research directions in this field.

Impact of Seaweed Extract on Onion Growth

Abbas et al. (2020) conducted a study to investigate the effect of seaweed extract (SWE) on the
productivity and quality attributes of four onion cultivars. The researchers found that the application
of 0.5% SWE resulted in a significant increase in total soluble solids, mineral content (N, P, and K),
bulb weight, and yield. Furthermore, the application of 3% SWE increased the ascorbic acid content
compared to the control group. These findings suggest that seaweed extract can enhance the growth
and nutritional quality of onion plants.

Mycorrhizal Inoculation and its Effect on Onion Growth

Mycorrhizal inoculation has been shown to have a positive impact on the growth of various
horticultural plants, including onion. The effectiveness of mycorrhizae on plant yield was found to be
higher in the absence of phosphorus (P) fertilizer addition (Semanticscholar.org). Additionally, under
low P fertilization, mycorrhizal inoculation was more effective in promoting plant growth compared to
P addition treatments. This indicates that mycorrhizal inoculums can enhance onion growth,
particularly in conditions with limited phosphorus availability. Furthermore, mycorrhizal inoculation
increased tissue phosphorus and zinc content in horticultural plants (Semanticscholar.org).

Potential Benefits and Concerns of Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer

Coffee grounds have been explored as an experimental fertilizer for plant growth. Ciesielczuk et al.
(2018) investigated the acute toxicity of experimental fertilizers made from spent coffee grounds. The
study found that coffee ground-based fertilizers did not exhibit acute toxicity, suggesting their
potential safety for use in agriculture. However, further research is needed to assess the long-term
effects and optimal application rates of coffee ground fertilizers on onion growth.

Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions

While the available research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of coffee grounds and
seaweed fertilizer in the growth of onion plants, there are still some knowledge gaps that need to be
addressed. Firstly, more studies are needed to investigate the optimal application rates and timing of
coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer for onion cultivation. Additionally, the long-term effects of
these fertilizers on soil health, nutrient cycling, and microbial communities should be explored.
Furthermore, the interactions between coffee grounds/seaweed fertilizer and other agricultural
practices, such as irrigation and pest management, require further investigation to optimize their
combined use in onion cultivation.

In conclusion, the literature review highlights the positive effects of seaweed extract and mycorrhizal
inoculation on onion growth. The findings suggest that seaweed extract can enhance the nutritional
quality and yield of onion plants, while mycorrhizal inoculation can improve growth under low
phosphorus conditions. Coffee grounds show potential as a safe fertilizer for onion cultivation, but
further research is needed to determine optimal application rates and long-term effects. Future
studies should focus on optimizing the use of coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer in onion
cultivation, considering their interactions with other agricultural practices.

References:
Abbas, M.., Anwar, Jahanzeb., Zafar-ul-Hye, M.., Khan, Rashid Iqbal., Saleem, Muhammad., Rahi, A.
A.., Danish, Subhan., & Datta, R.. (2020). Effect of Seaweed Extract on Productivity and Quality
Attributes of Four Onion Cultivars. Horticulturae . http://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae6020028
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/052fadef9f7cce746a30c7e295e1ff83f35c176d
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/0aac2bb31d98e74459e698aa5b06fd6665bd8aa5
Ciesielczuk, T.., Rosik-Dulewska, C.., Poluszyńska, Joanna., Miłek, Daria., Szewczyk, A.., & Sławińska,
Irena. (2018). Acute Toxicity of Experimental Fertilizers Made of Spent Coffee Grounds. Waste and
Biomass Valorization , 9 , 2157-2164 . http://doi.org/10.1007/S12649-017-9980-3
Rouphael, Y.., & Colla, G.. (2020). Editorial: Biostimulants in Agriculture. Frontiers in Plant Science ,
11 . http://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00040

Literature Review: Effectiveness of Coffee Grounds and Seaweed Fertilizer in the Growth of Onion
Introduction
Coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer have gained attention as potential biostimulants in agriculture
due to their beneficial effects on plant growth and development. This literature review aims to
explore the effectiveness of coffee grounds and seaweed fertilizer in promoting the growth of onion
plants. The review will integrate and synthesize the provided research findings to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the topic. Additionally, knowledge gaps will be identified, and
potential future research directions will be suggested.

Effect of Seaweed Extract on Onion Growth

Several studies have investigated the impact of seaweed extract (SWE) on onion growth. Rouphael
and Colla (2020) found that a concentration of 0.5% SWE increased the yield, nutrient contents, and
total soluble solids (TSS) of four onion cultivars. This suggests that SWE can enhance the overall
productivity and quality attributes of onion plants. Furthermore, Abbas et al. (2020) conducted a
study on four onion cultivars and reported similar results, with 0.5% SWE significantly increasing yield,
nutrient contents, and TSS. However, they also found that the highest concentration of SWE (3%)
increased ascorbic acid in different onion cultivars. These findings indicate that SWE can positively
influence the growth and nutritional composition of onion plants.

Effect of Coffee Grounds on Onion Growth

Although no specific research findings were provided regarding the effect of coffee grounds on onion
growth, it is worth noting that coffee grounds are commonly used as a natural fertilizer due to their
nutrient-rich composition. Coffee grounds contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium, which are vital for plant growth. Additionally, coffee grounds can improve soil
structure and water retention, leading to enhanced nutrient availability for plants. Therefore, it can
be inferred that the application of coffee grounds as a fertilizer may have positive effects on onion
growth, similar to other plants.

Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions

While the provided research findings shed light on the effectiveness of seaweed extract in promoting
onion growth, there are several knowledge gaps that warrant further investigation. Firstly, the
optimal concentration of seaweed extract for maximum growth and yield of onion plants needs to be
determined. The studies by Rouphael and Colla (2020) and Abbas et al. (2020) used different
concentrations of SWE, but further research is needed to identify the most effective concentration.

Additionally, the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of seaweed extract on onion growth
remain unclear. Future studies should focus on elucidating the physiological and biochemical
processes involved in the interaction between seaweed extract and onion plants. This knowledge will
contribute to a better understanding of the mode of action of seaweed extract as a biostimulant.

Furthermore, the potential synergistic effects of combining coffee grounds and seaweed extract as
fertilizers for onion plants should be explored. Coffee grounds and seaweed extract have distinct
nutrient compositions and properties, and their combined application may result in enhanced growth
and yield. Investigating the synergistic effects of these biostimulants can provide valuable insights for
sustainable and efficient onion cultivation practices.

Lastly, the long-term effects of coffee grounds and seaweed extract on soil health and onion plant
growth should be investigated. Continuous application of these biostimulants may have cumulative
effects on soil fertility, microbial communities, and overall plant performance. Long-term studies are
necessary to assess the sustainability and environmental impact of using coffee grounds and seaweed
extract as fertilizers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the available research findings suggest that seaweed extract, particularly at a
concentration of 0.5%, can effectively enhance the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of onion
plants. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal concentration of seaweed
extract, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, explore the synergistic effects of coffee grounds and
seaweed extract, and assess the long-term impacts on soil health and plant growth. Addressing these
knowledge gaps will contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient practices for onion
cultivation.

References:
Abbas, M.., Anwar, Jahanzeb., Zafar-ul-Hye, M.., Khan, Rashid Iqbal., Saleem, Muhammad., Rahi, A.
A.., Danish, Subhan., & Datta, R.. (2020). Effect of Seaweed Extract on Productivity and Quality
Attributes of Four Onion Cultivars. Horticulturae . http://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae6020028
Rouphael, Y.., & Colla, G.. (2020). Editorial: Biostimulants in Agriculture. Frontiers in Plant Science ,
11 . http://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00040
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/052fadef9f7cce746a30c7e295e1ff83f35c176d