Lithothamnion calcareum Nanoparticles Increase Growth of Melon Plants

Abstract

The application of alternative fertilizers to the soil in a sustainable way in order to supply nutrients to plants is important for growers and for the environment. Calcareous algae, Lithothamnion calcareum (Lit), is considered an alternative fertilizer because it is rich in nutrients, particularly magnesium and calcium, that are essential for plants. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different formulations, doses and fertilization intervals of L. calcareum on growth of melon plants. Two experiments were performed. The first experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of various formulations and doses of Lit on the growth of melon plants. The second experiment was carried out to evaluate the use of formulations and fertilization intervals of Lit. Formulations and doses of Lit had a significant effect on the efficiency in the development of melon plants. No impact was observed when using a concentrated suspension of Lit. However, four applications of Lit nanoparticle formulations every 7 days increased the growth of melon plants at doses close to 1 kg ha-1. We provide the first data related to beneficial effects on melon growth of L. calcareum, in different formulations, application intervals and doses, applied to red-yellow soil.