The effect of Enteromorpha intestinalis and Corallina elongata on physiological parameters of Zea mays L.

Abstract

Purpose: Algae are living organisms capable of photosynthesis and live mainly in an aquatic environment (marine or freshwater), and considered as plants like those growing on the soil. It can therefore be used to enrich the soil in organic matter, and mineral elements, as for composting green waste, for example. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of marine macroalgae Enteromorpha intestinalis (Ulvophycae) and Corallina elongata (Corallinacae) as biofertilizers on the growth of Zea mays L. Method: After rinsing, the algae were ground into a fine powder. The powder obtained from each seaweed was divided into two batches. For the first batch, the seaweed powder (AP), was used directly in the pots one week before planting. Two concentrations, 5% and 10%, were studied. The second batch was used to prepare liquid algal fertilizer (ALF). To determine the mineral composition of each seaweed, X-ray fluorescence analysis was performed. the biofertilizing potential of Enteromorpha intestinalis and Corallina elongata was studied on corn plants, evaluating the effect of these two algae at different growth stages (15, 25, 45 and 60 days) and the chlorophyll a and b content. Results: The elemental analysis of the two algae by X-ray Fluorescence shows that the main elements are water, chlorine, potassium, calcium, silicon, natrium, magnesium, iron and sulfur. The results show that E.intestinalis is richer in minerals compared to C.elongata, except for Strontium and calcium, where C.elongata is more rich. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the macroalgae Enteromorpha intestinalis and Corallina elongata from the Atlantic coast of Morocco are valuable biofertilizers. On the other hand, the application of seaweed extract is more effective than the application of seaweed powder, and Enteromorpha intestinalis can affect the growth parameters at a low concentration (5%), unlike Corallina elongata. The different positive roles of algae in agriculture should be clarified, as our results showed that they can be used as an excellent fertilizer.