Enhancement of Antifungal Efficiency Using Moss and Moringa Leaf Extracts Combined with Spent Coffee Grounds for Sustainable Soil Improvement

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the chemical properties of moss, moringa leaves, and coffee grounds, as well as to evaluate the antifungal activity and plant growth-promoting potential of natural extracts for the development of biofertilizer soil materials for sustainable agriculture. The results showed that moss, moringa leaves, and coffee grounds had pH values ranging from 5.94 to 6.07, indicating slightly acidic conditions suitable for plant growth. Ethanol extraction of moss produced a clear yellow solution and yielded more bioactive compounds than simple distillation. Preliminary phytochemical analysis using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) revealed multiple spots and bands, indicating the presence of various chemical constituents in the extract. UV–Visible spectroscopy analysis showed a major absorption peak at approximately 500 nm, which may be associated with phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and natural pigments. The antifungal activity test demonstrated that both moss and moringa leaf extracts could inhibit fungal growth. Increasing extract concentrations from 5 to 10 mg/L significantly reduced fungal colony diameter, with moringa leaf extract showing slightly higher antifungal efficiency than moss extract. Furthermore, plant growth experiments revealed that biofertilizer soil formula 2 provided the highest plant growth performance compared with normal soil and biofertilizer soil formula 1. Satisfaction assessment from 178 students indicated that the product received the highest satisfaction level overall (mean score = 4.65), particularly in terms of waste material utilization and promotion of pesticide-free cultivation.

            In conclusion, moss extract and the natural materials used in this study demonstrated strong potential for development into biofertilizer and agricultural bioproducts that can reduce chemical usage, enhance plant growth, and support environmentally sustainable agriculture.