Use of a Biostimulant Obtained from Slaughterhouse Sludge in a Greenhouse Tomato Crop

Abstract

Currently, the use of biostimulants is widespread in sustainable agriculture because they represent an alternative to chemical fertilizers. In this manuscript, we investigate the response of a greenhouse tomato crop grown in pots to a biostimulant obtained from slaughterhouse sludge applied continuously to the substrate under which the tomato crop was grown or applied directly via the foliar route. Two doses of biostimulant (0.7 and 1.4 g L−1), applied four times throughout the crop growth period (120 days), were used. During this period, the height of the plants, number of flowers and number of fruits obtained were measured. After 90 days of the growth period, the nutrient contents in leaves as well as the chlorophyll a and b contents were analyzed. For fruits, nutrient and lycopene contents were determined, and the equatorial diameter and average fresh and dry weight were measured. The results indicate a higher content of nutrients and chlorophyll a and b in the leaves of plants treated with the highest dose of biostimulant and applied continuously to the substrate. This higher content of photosynthesis pigments in the plant is possibly responsible for a greater absorption of N by the plant and, consequently, for better growth.

Enzymatic Preparation of Mushroom By-product Protein Hydrolysates (Mb-PPHs)

“…To promote the efficiency of plant nutrient uptake and reduce environmental pollution, new agricultural strategies based on the application of a wide spectrum of natural substances and/or beneficial microbes have been evaluated to reduce negative environmental impacts and improve crop performance and sustainability under adverse ecological conditions [2,3]. This type of compound is known as a positive plant growth regulator or metabolic enhancer, as well as a biostimulant [4][5][6], and it is considered capable of enhancing plant growth and development when applied in small amounts to the soil or directly to the foliar surface. Biostimulants can be grouped into four main groups: humic substances, products containing amino acids and peptides, microbial inoculants (mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria), and seaweed extracts [7,8].…”

“…Biostimulants can be grouped into four main groups: humic substances, products containing amino acids and peptides, microbial inoculants (mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria), and seaweed extracts [7,8]. Specifically, biostimulants belonging to the amino acid-and peptidecontaining group mainly consist of free amino acids, oligos and polypeptides [8] obtained by enzyme and/or chemical hydrolysis of proteins from animal or vegetal sources [6,[9][10][11].…”

Application of a Protein Hydrolysate-Based Biostimulant Obtained from Slaughterhouse Sludge on Pepper Crops

“…These issues arise from both agricultural practices and techniques, as well as the quantities applied. When chemical fertilizers are solubilized in the soil, only part of the nutrients is consumed by plants, and the rest is lost to the environment through leaching, volatilization, degradation, or immobilization, causing environmental, economic, and health problems [3][4][5].…”

“…Consequently, one of the most important contemporary challenges for agriculture center around producing enough food to meet the needs of the world's growing population while simultaneously reducing the damage caused in food production [1,5].…”

“…Currently, biostimulants are being proposed as promising, safe, effective, and meaningful alternatives to tackle sustainability challenges in agriculture while also ensuring high yields and quality in agricultural products [5][6][7].…”