Growth and Germination of Barley Seedlings (Hordeum vulgare) using local Freshwater Algae

While it is true that chemical fertilizers are effective when it comes to increasing production and compensating for a lack of resources, they do result in soil, water, and biological resource depletion and destruction, and the search for alternatives is a considerable focus of much research around the globe. It has become increasingly important to explore the use of beneficial biological organisms, including microbes (which microalgae are generally accepted as being classified as) in industrial agriculture as agents that may assist with fertilization, since they can also contribute to sustainable crop production and potential improvements in food safety. In this study, the potential for freshwater microalgae to act as biofertilizers was explored with a view to improving yield quality and productivity whilst minimizing environmental pollution. The purpose of this study was to determine whether freshwater algae (Pseudo coccomyxa sp and Chlorella sp) could be used to increase barley (Hordeum vulgare) seed germination rates and plant growth through the process of biofertilization. A comparison of barley seed growth with algae applied as a fertilizer before sowing was conducted in three control vessels and three treatment vessels. Weekly monitoring and watering schedules were followed while the barley germinated and grew. There was a significant difference in height, root length, and fresh and dry root, leaf, and stem weights between the experimental and control plants. After six weeks, barley seedlings treated with freshwater algae grew the fastest and gained the most weight. Treatment plants averaged 48 cm in length, while control plants averaged 37 cm. As a result of the treatment, the total fresh weights of the plants were heavier (0.37g) than those of the control plants. In addition, microalgae treated soil retained essential nutrients even after plants were removed at the end of the experiment.