REDEFINING FERTILIZERS: EXAMINING THE BIOSTIMULANT POTENTIAL OF SEAWEED AQUEOUS EXTRACTS ON KALE SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The overuse of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture has led to significant environmental damage due to residual nitrate in soil, soil acidification, river water pollution, and high N2O emissions. To address this issue, the potential of seaweed extracts as biostimulants in promoting plant growth and reducing environmental damage was investigated. The study focused on the effects of aqueous extracts from three estuarine seaweed species, Ulva lactuca, Fucus ceranoides, and Gracilaria gracilis, on kale seed germination and seedling development. Results revealed that all three seaweed extracts had a positive effect on seed germination and seedling vigor index. The potential of estuarine seaweed extracts as a sustainable option for promoting agriculture growth requires further research and investigation. Seaweed extracts provide a way to decrease the overuse of inorganic fertilizers while delivering nutrients and carbon dioxide absorption that generate oxygen. Our findings suggest that seaweed extracts could potentially reduce the environmental impact of agriculture while increasing the yield of crops