Abstract
Sprayable agricultural mulch suspensions were prepared from the combination of sodium alginate (Alg) and three different concentrations of the seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (A) microparticles: 0.5, 1, and 2 wt%. Growth parameters were measured in tomato plants cultivated under each type of mulches, including polyethylene (PE) as a control treatment. The aerial fresh and dry weights (FW and DW, respectively), chlorophyll (Chl) content, green canopy cover, and the anthocyanin content were determined in tomato plants at the end of the bioassays. The soil temperature and moisture were measured during the experiment. Besides, the impact of the different mulch treatments on soil microorganisms was assayed by measuring the relative abundance of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Results indicated that the percentage of A in the mulch formulation was crucial to confer it with biostimulant properties. Alg with 1 wt% of A provided a significant increment in FW and DW and the Chl level of tomato plants, demonstrating that the developed formulations represent a useful material for horticulture production.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
