ekofertile and microfertile plant biostimulants enhanced wheat productivity and water use efficiency

Abstract

The extensive reliance on synthetic agrochemicals in modern agriculture has raised environmental concerns, prompting the need for sustainable alternatives. ekofertile and microfertile biostimulants, consisting of nutrients, organic acids, and beneficial microbes, offer eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers. However, their potential remained unexploited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of these biostimulants on wheat productivity and water use efficiency (WUE) under controlled greenhouse conditions. A split-plot experimental design was employed, incorporating two biostimulants (ekofertile and microfertile) and five treatment levels (control, inorganic fertilization, 2.5%, 5% and 10% biostimulant dosages), triplicated in the greenhouse. Results showed that ekofertile had a significantly higher tillering total chlorophyll content than microfertile. Treatment level 10% had the highest significant tillering and stem elongation total chlorophyll content (3.05 and 3.02 mg/g, respectively). microfertile x 10% stem elongation, total chlorophyll content was the highest significant (3.03 mg/g). ekofertile (9.4 t ha⁻¹) yielded more than microfertile (8.8 t ha⁻¹) in grain yield, while the 10% treatment level yielded the highest (10.4 t ha⁻¹). Water use efficiency was higher under ekofertile (3,279 g mL⁻¹) compared to microfertile (2,928 g mL⁻¹), with the 10% treatment level achieving higher WUE (3553 g mL⁻¹). These findings highlight the potential of ekofertile and microfertile biostimulants in enhancing wheat productivity at appropriate treatment levels, making them viable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers.