The effect of seaweed extract on tomato plant growth, productivity and soil

• DOI: 10.1007/s10811-021-02387-2
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01T04:28:21Z
• Authors: Hashmath Inayath ...; Naga Kasinadhuni; Tony Arioli
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 2. Zero hunger; 03 medical and health sciences; 15. Life on land

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of seaweed extract (SWE) made from the brown algaeDurvillaea potatorumandAscophyllum nodosumon plants and soil. The application of SWE to soil growing tomato plants showed dual effects. SWE comprehensively improved tomato plant growth (flower clusters, flower number, fruit number, root length, root and shoot dry weight, SPAD) and increased plant productivity (yield and quality). Similarly, SWE application effected soil biology at the soil root zone by increasing total bacterial count and available soil nitrogen and impacting bacterial community diversity with an increase in certain bacterial families linked to soil health. A broader understanding of the effects of SWE on the plant-soil ecosystem may offer breakthrough approaches for sustainable food production.