Other Uses Of Moringa Oleifera or Malunggay

Other Uses of Moringa or Malunggay

farmeric January 15th, 2011

Fertiliser
The seed cake, which is produced by pressing the seeds to extract oil, cannot be eaten as it contains harmful substances. However, it contains high levels of protein and makes a good fertiliser for use in agriculture.

Living fence
Planted as a living fence, Moringa provides wind protection and shade. It grows very quickly and if cuttings are planted close together they will form a fence that livestock cannot get through in just 3 months.

Alley cropping
Moringa has a large tap root and few lateral roots so it will not compete for nutrients with the crops. It will also add to the nutrients available as it produces many protein rich leaves. They grow very quickly but do not provide too much shade due to the structure of their leaves. They are also very good at
reclaiming marginal land.

Natural pesticide
By digging Moringa leaves into the soil before planting, damping off disease (Pythium debaryanum) can be prevented among seedlings.
Domestic cleaning agent
Crushed leaves are used to clean cooking utensils or even walls.

Fuelwood and other uses

The wood is light and is a good fuel for cooking. However, it is not suitable for building. The bark can be beaten into a fibre that can be used to make rope or mats and the wood produces a blue dye. Chippings of wood can be used to make a good quality paper. The tree also produces viscose resin that is used in the textile industry.