Utilization of microalgae [Chlorella vulgaris Beyerinck (Beijerinck)] on plant growth and nutrient uptake of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) grown in different fertilizer applications

Abstract

This study was employed as a pot experiment in the controlled greenhouse conditions in order to investigate the effect of microalgae [Chlorella vulgaris Beyerinck (Beijerinck)] application on plant growth and nutrient uptake of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) grown in different doses of mineral fertilizer applications. Sieved soil in 3-liter pots was used as the growing medium. Equal amount of irrigation was applied to all pots during the period from seed sowing to the end of the experiment. Microalgae application was applied twice (100 ml and 150 ml per pot) to the seedling-growing medium. As chemical fertilizer, 0%, 50% and 100% of NPK (160 mg N kg-1, 80 mg P2O5 kg-1, and 100 mg K2O kg-1) were applied. As the parameters in garden cress, shoot height, shoot fresh weight, total soluble content (TSS), chlorophyll amount (SPAD value) and some nutrients element (K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) contents were examined. At the end of the study, microalgae applications were found to have a promising effect on plant growth and some nutrient uptake. It was observed that the values of the studied traits generally increased in the microalgae application compared to the control group.