Effects of chlorella-based liquid bio-fertilizer on growth, forage quality, antioxidant activity, and soil chemical properties of forage corn (Zea mays L.)

This study evaluated the effects of a Chlorella-based liquid bio-fertilizer (LBF) on the growth, forage quality, antioxidant capacity, and soil chemical properties of forage corn.Regarding plant growth, the shoot length of LBF-treated corn increased from 107.47 cm to 126.98 cm at 23 days after sowing, representing an 18.2% increase.Similar improvements were observed at 40 days and 66 days.The crude fiber content significantly decreased from 23.23% in the control group to 20.58% in the LBF-treated group, indicating improved digestibility.Antioxidant activity was also significantly enhanced.In LBF-treated plants, total polyphenol content increased from 3.42 mg GAE/mL to 4.15 mg GAE/mL, and total flavonoid content increased from 7.82 mg QE/mL to 9.22 mg QE/mL.DPPH radical scavenging activity showed a highly significant increase, and ABTS activity was also significantly improved.Soil chemical properties were notably improved following LBF application.Soil pH increased from 5.70 to 6.25, organic matter content rose from 4.30% to 5.50%, and total nitrogen content increased from 2,230.41 mg/kg to 2,656.88 mg/kg.Additionally, available phosphorus increased from 994.68 mg/kg to 1,234.19 mg/kg, and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) improved from 16.07 cmol+/kg to 17.23 cmol+/kg.Overall, these findings suggest that LBF application can promote early-stage growth, improve forage quality by reducing fiber content, enhance antioxidant capacity, and improve soil fertility, thereby supporting more sustainable crop production.