Zeolite and <i>Ascophyllum nodosum</i>-Based Biostimulant Effects on Spinach Gas Exchange and Growth

oleh: Donato Castronuovo, Alessandro Comegna, Claudia Belviso, Antonio Satriani, Stella Lovelli

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-03-01

Deskripsi

Among the innovative practices of dry-farming in recent years, the possibility of the combined use of biostimulants and soil conditioners is assuming an important role. In a preliminary pot experiment, this study aimed to verify the combined effects of <i>Ascophyllum nodosum</i>-based biostimulant and zeolite applied to the soil on gas-exchange and spinach growth. We also monitored the soil water content to study the effect on spinach soil water uptake. Pots were filled with soil to which zeolite and an <i>Ascophyllum nodosum</i>-based biostimulant were added. Spinach plants grew into pots and were subjected to four treatments: (1) soil plus zeolite at a percentage of 1%, (2) soil plus the biostimulant, (3) soil plus zeolite at 1% and biostimulant, (4) bare soil as control. The use of the zeolite and the <i>A. nodosum</i>-based biostimulant led to a higher (+10%) soil water content, highlighting the positive role in allowing a good water uptake by the spinach plant. Plant growth was not changed, while only photosynthesis showed an increase equal to 6% in spinach plants. These results are discussed with the soil water content variation according to modification induced by treatments. The combined use of zeolite and <i>A. nodosum</i>-based biostimulant can be considered a strategy to improve water storage and, at the same time, improve spinach cultivation in terms of sustainability.