Impact of Soil Additions Fertilizers and Foliar Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Soil Properties and productivity of Lettuce Plant Grown Under Saline Soil Conditions

Impact of Soil Additions Fertilizers and Foliar Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Soil Properties and productivity of Lettuce Plant Grown Under Saline Soil Conditions | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Impact of Soil Additions Fertilizers and Foliar Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Soil Properties and productivity of Lettuce Plant Grown Under Saline Soil Conditions Ahmed R. Abd El-Tawwab, Basma R. Abdel-Moatamed, Mohammed A. H. Gyushi This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6008559/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Sustainable agriculture is essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. This study, conducted at Fayoum University’s Demo Farm in Egypt, investigated the effects of mineral and organic amendments, combined with foliar application of Chlorella vulgaris extract, on soil properties and lettuce productivity in salt-affected soils during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winter seasons. Treatments included compost (C), biochar (B), a compost-biochar blend (CB-blend), and mineral fertilizers, with or without Chlorella vulgaris extract foliar spray. Results revealed that the CB-blend significantly enhanced soil properties, including bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, organic matter, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. The combination of CB-blend (5 t fad − 1 of compost + 5 t fad − 1 of biochar were mixed) and a chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr) 10% foliar spray increased lettuce yield by 194.68% compared to untreated soil, demonstrating improved growth parameters such as head weight, circumference, and leaf area. These findings highlight the synergistic benefits of organic amendments and bio-stimulants in improving soil health, crop resilience, and productivity under saline conditions. The study advocates for the adoption of compost, biochar, and chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr) 10% foliar spray as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers, offering a viable strategy for organic farming systems to mitigate saline stress and promote environmental sustainability. Compost-Biochar blend Chlorella vulgaris extract Lettuce salinity Soil microbial activity Soil physicochemical properties and Yield Figures Figure 1 1. Introduction The environmental effects of organic agriculture are influenced by various factors, including the sustainability of production practices, the reduction of reliance on external inputs, and the preservation of soil and animal health [ 1 ]. Research indicates that organic farming plays a significant role in decreasing chemical pollution and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, thereby promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, it supports the responsible and safe use of water resources and enhances the quality of food products. Organic agriculture is recognized as a key component in advancing sustainable development efforts in the Arab world [ 2 ], [ 3 ]. Organic agriculture is an ecologically driven production system that is gaining global momentum in response to the growing demand for sustainable practices [ 4 ]. Organic agriculture is a system that emphasizes environmental conservation and relies on natural farming techniques, avoiding the use of artificial inputs such as genetically modified organisms, synthetic pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. It encompasses the entire agricultural cycle, from production and processing to distribution, with the goal of improving product quality and safeguarding the environment(Lampkin et al., 2000; Zikeli et al., 2014). The environmental advantages of organic farming position it as a sustainable agricultural practice. By focusing on ecosystem health, preserving natural resources, and minimizing the ecological footprint of food production, organic farming contributes significantly to fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system [ 8 ], [ 9 ]. Organic farming employs various techniques, such as applying organic fertilizers derived from decomposed organic waste—like compost, vermicompost, and biochar—to enhance soil fertility and boost plant productivity. Additionally, it utilizes natural substances to manage diseases and pests that affect crops [ 10 ], [ 11 ]. Manure compost has been recognized as a viable alternative to synthetic fertilizers for enhancing soil fertility and increasing crop yields in organic farming systems [ 12 ], [ 13 ]. The agricultural application of manure compost serves not only as an economical waste management solution but also as a means to recycle essential nutrients for plant development and counteract the reduction of organic matter in soils. This practice aligns with modern sustainable agricultural principles [ 14 ]. In organic farming, where chemical inputs are restricted, compost serves as an effective alternative fertilizer, providing essential nutrients while adhering to organic principles [ 10 ], [ 15 ]. Biochar is a carbon-dense substance produced from plant biomass, known for its beneficial effects on ecological systems [ 16 ]. Biochar has the potential to enhance soil fertility, capture and store carbon, and improve water retention, all of which contribute to better plant growth and higher crop yields [ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ]. Among the natural biostimulants suitable for organic agriculture, microalgae and their extracts stand out for their demonstrated ability to enhance plant growth and improve seed germination. Their use supports the development of sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices[ 20 ], [ 21 ]. Microalgae, including Chlorella vulgaris , are highly significant as a sustainable source of biofertilizers in agriculture. They perform various roles, such as enhancing soil fertility, fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and providing vital microelements essential for crop growth. Additionally, microalgae produce bioactive compounds that suppress the growth of detrimental plant pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, while simultaneously promoting the growth and development of specific plant species[ 22 ]. Soil salinity is quantitatively described as the total amount of soluble salts dissolved in the soil solution, commonly assessed and represented through measurements of electrical conductivity (EC) [ 23 ]. Soil salinity poses a major challenge, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where the demand for water for irrigation and agricultural purposes is steadily rising [ 24 ]. Soil salinity has been increasingly acknowledged as a growing issue, further exacerbated by climate change. Tackling soil salinization by adopting improved soil, water, and crop management strategies is essential for safeguarding global food security and reducing losses in crop productivity [ 25 ]. Salinity negatively impacts plant growth, resulting in significant annual losses. Precise assessment of soil salinity is a critical first step for developing targeted and effective solutions to promote sustainable land management practices[ 26 ]. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the most widely cultivated leafy vegetables globally and is consumed in various forms, including salads, sandwiches, and wraps[ 27 ]. Among the diverse lettuce varieties, capuchin lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capuchinensis) holds particular significance due to its unique characteristics, potential agricultural and nutritional value[ 28 ]. Capuchin lettuce is a variety known for its robust growth, nutritional properties, and adaptability to different environmental conditions. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in interest toward sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural practices. Capuchin lettuce is particularly well-aligned with these objectives, as it can be successfully cultivated using organic farming techniques. These methods significantly reduce dependency on synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby minimizing environmental impact. By leveraging organic approaches, such as natural soil amendments and integrated pest management, Capuchin lettuce cultivation supports ecological balance, promotes soil health, and contributes to the production of safe, high-quality food in an environmentally sustainable manner. This approach supports the production of nutritious, safe, and environmentally sustainable food[ 29 ], [ 30 ]. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of mineral and organic soil amendments on the physicochemical properties of soil, as well as to evaluate the influence of foliar application of Chlorella vulgaris extract on the growth and productivity of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) cultivated under saline soil conditions. The investigation aimed to elucidate the potential of these interventions to mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance in challenging agricultural environments. 2. Material and Methods 2.1. Field environmental conditions 2.1.1 Soil A field experiment was designed to evaluate the impact of farming techniques such as the effect of foliar application of chlorella vulgaris extract and mineral and organic soil additions (mineral fertilizers, compost, biochar, and compost- biochar blend manure on the vegetative growth of Lettuce plants cv. Nader. The study was carried out during 2023 and 2024 seasons at site was selected in Demo Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt. As shown in Table (1), soil physical properties were measured as described by[ 31 ]. The Mean soil bulk density and hydraulic conductivity values were 1.49 Mg m − 3 and 3.10 cm h − 1 , respectively, as averages in soil depth (0–20 cm). Soil moisture constants, i.e., field capacity and wilting point averaged 24.04 and 14.18% respectively at the same soil depth. Soil chemical analysis were measured as described by [ 32 ] e.g., soil pH (1: 2.5 soil-water extracts), organic matter content (Walkley and Black,s), cation exchangeable capacity and CaCO 3 amounted 7.49, 0.75%, 9.89 cmole kg − 1 and 3.54% respectively, as averages in soil depth (0–30 cm), As shown in Table (2). According to soil analysis results, the soil texture of the experimental site was a sandy loam and level ECe value which 8.30 dS m − 1 at the mean soil layers surface (0–30 cm) for two seasons. Lettuce seeds were sown in the nursery on the 1st of November in both seasons, lettuce seedlings at the 2–3 leaf stage were transplanted when the seedlings were three weeks old at both sides of rows at 25 cm between plants and 60 cm between rows, giving a plant population of ~ 50,000 stands per feddan under drip irrigation system at saline soil. Table (1). Some initial physical characteristics of the studied soil samples (as averages of two seasons) *. (2022/2023) – (2023/2024). Depth (cm) Particle size distribution Initial soil moisture content, % Dry bulk density, (g cm − 3 ) Particle density, (g cm − 3 ) Total porosity, (%) Hydraulic conduct. (cm hr − 1 ( Soil moisture constant, % at Sand , % Silt , % Clay , % Texture Class Field capacity Wilting point Available Water 0–30 81.90 9.60 8.50 S.L. 13.98 1.49 2.65 43.77 3.10 24.04 14.18 9.86 * Each value in this table is an average of three replicates. ** S.L. = Sandy loam Table (2). Some initial chemical characteristics of the studied soil samples (as averages of two seasons) *. (2022/2023) – (2023/2024). Depth (cm) pH in soil suspen. (1 : 2.5) ECe (dS/m) in soil paste extract CEC (meq/ 100 g soil) Exchangeable cations (meq/100g soil) CaCO 3 , % Organic matter, % Ca ++ Mg ++ Na + K + 0–30 7.49 8.30 9.89 4.54 3.23 1.54 0.58 3.54 0.75 * Each value in this table is an average of three replicates. CEC = cation exchangeable capacity 2.2. Experimental design and treatment applications The arrangement of the trial was a split-plot system in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Treatments were divided into Two spraying regimes (With spray chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr1) and without (CVextr0)) were applied to the main plots at two times 45 and 60 days after transplanting and the subplots with soil additions fertilizers (mineral fertilizers, compost, biochar, and compost- biochar blend manure were used were incorporated into the surface layers (0–20 cm, soil depth) . 2.2.1 Soil additions used were adding mineral fertilizers (M), Compost (C), Biochar (B) and compost- biochar blend (CB). The soil additions were added before the season of Lettuce cultivation, where the soil was prepared, and the experiment was designed so that the area of each experimental plot had a 10 m long by 1 m row width area (10 m 2 ). The treatments were {(zero addition (control)), (mineral fertilizers 100%), (Compost 100% ), ( Biochar 100%), (Compost 50% + Biochar 50%), ( zero addition with spray chlorella vulgaris extract), ( mineral fertilizers with spray chlorella vulgaris extract),( Compost with spray chlorella vulgaris extract), ( Biochar with spray chlorella vulgaris extract) and (compost-biochar blend with spray chlorella vulgaris extract)} = 10 treatment × 3 Replicate = 30 experimental plot. Usage rates of soil additions were the recommended rates : Where mineral fertilizers treatment (M) was used at a rate of the following quantities of mineral fertilizers were added before planting for each acre of lettuce, which are as follows (100 kg ammonium sulfate, 300 kg ordinary superphosphate, 50 kg potassium sulfate). Adding these fertilizers should be scattered on the surface of the soil and mixed well in cultivation rows. During plant growth, 150 kg ammonium nitrate, 100 kg calcium nitrate, and 100 kg potassium sulfate. These fertilizers are dissolved and added to irrigation water in two batches, the first about three weeks after planting, and the second about a month after the first with the addition. In the compost addition treatment, the recommended amount was added at a rate of 10 t fad − 1 before planting, and the compost was obtained from compost and decomposition of plant waste on the farm. In the biochar addition treatment, the recommended amount was added at a rate of 10 t fad − 1 before planting, and biochar was obtained from burning wood and plants waste on the farm under anaerobic conditions. In the compost- biochar blend addition treatment (5 t fad − 1 of compost + 5 t fad − 1 of biochar were mixed), Table (3) shows the chemical analysis of the applied compost and biochar additions. Table (3). Some chemical analysis of the used organic addition (compost, biochar) in the study. Soil organic addition Organic carbon, % Total nitrogen (%) C / N Ratio pH, (1: 2.5) suspension ECe, (dS/m) CaCO 3 % K g/kg P g/kg Moisture content (%) Compost 46.50 1.30 35.77 7.76 3.10 1.60 4.50 3.40 38.50 Biochar 45.10 0.90 50.11 7.80 4.10 1.35 4.70 3.20 35.30 CB-blend 48.32 1.20 40.27 7.50 3.20 1.50 4.80 3.35 40.10 * Each value in this table is an average of three replicates. 2.2.2 Chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr) Preparation Chlorella vulgaris algae were sourced from the Soil, Water, and Environment Research Institute, ARC, Giza. To prepare the extract, one kilogram of Chlorella vulgaris powder was soaked in one liter of 90% ethanol for 24 hours and then thoroughly blended. The mixture was filtered twice using two layers of gauze cloth. The resulting solution was considered 100% concentrated Chlorella algae extract. To achieve a 10% concentration, 10 ml of this extract was diluted with 90 ml of distilled water. The diluted extract was stored in a refrigerator at 4°C until use. Tween 20 at 0.1% (v/v) was added as a surfactant, following the method described by [ 33 ]. The elements composition of the chlorella vulgaris extract are shown in Table 4. Table (4) Elements composition (%) of the chlorella vulgaris Extract (CVextr) C N P S Mg Ca Fe K Na % CVextr 56.80 4.56 0.22 0.36 0.49 0.27 0.07 0.30 2.16 * Each value in this table is an average of three replicates. 2.3. Measurements 2.3.1 Some soil properties of the experimental field Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were initially collected from the experimental field at surface layer (0–20 cm) from each investigated site and repeated after the conducted organic addition and spraying chlorella vulgaris extract treatments. Measurements and calculations of some soil properties have been done on these collected soil samples. 2.3.1.1. Physical properties of the studied soils Soil physical measurements, determinations and calculations were conducted according to the methods and procedures outlined and described by[ 31 ], [ 34 ]. 2.3.1.2. Chemical properties of the studied soils The measurements and calculations of some soil chemical properties were carried out using the techniques described by [ 32 ]. 2.3.2. Morphological Parameters and Yield and its Components . Plant leaf area (cm 2 ) was measured after 75 days of transplant using the relationship of leaf area–leaf weight as demonstrated by [ 35 ] with some modifications. The leaf surface was thoroughly washed in running tap water followed by washing with double-distilled water, thereafter 10–20 leaf disks (10–20 cm 2 ) were dried in an oven at 85°C for 24 h to get disks dry weight (DDW). Total leaf area plant − 1 was calculated using the following formula: Total leaf area plant − 1 = (LDW ÷ DDW) × DA Where: LDW is the total leaf dry weight (g), DDW is the disks dry weight (g), and DA is the discs area. At the end of the trial, 10 plants were randomly selected from each experimental plot and evaluated for growth characteristics. Head weight (kg), Head circumference (cm), leaf area (cm 2 ) and total yield (t fed − 1 ) at the end of the trial 2-4-Soil Microbial Evaluation Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere zone, at a depth of 0–20 cm, in soil at the beginning and end of the experiment. A total of samples was collected from the experimental plots using a 5 cm diameter soil auger. Each sample was then diluted tenfold up to a dilution of 10 − 5 . The counts of phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) and Azotobacter bacteria were determined in terms of colony-forming units per gram of soil (cfu g − 1 soil).To determine the count of PSMs, the soil samples were allowed to grow on Pikovskaya's selective media for 7 to 10 days at a temperature of 25°C. Colonies surrounded by a clear halo zone were identified, and the number of cfu g − 1 soil was counted. For counting Azotobacter bacteria, the Ashby's N-free agar medium containing specific ingredients was used. This medium consisted of 0.5 g K 2 HPO 4 , 0.2 g MgSO 4 , 0.2 g NaCl, 5 g CaCO 3 , 10 g sucrose, 12 g agar, 1000 mL distilled H 2 O, and traces of manganese, iron, and molybdenum elements. The soil samples were subjected to serial dilution pour plate technique and incubated for 48–72 hours at a temperature of 28°C. The number of Azotobacter bacteria was counted based on the formation of medium to large, moist colonies. 2.5. Data Analysis The data collected during the two years of experimental work were analyzed according to a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Info STAT program. was used to analyze experimental data. The homogeneity test of error variance was conducted as stated in a method described by [ 36 ]. Data from the two seasons were subjected to a combined analysis and, among the means, differences were compared by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% probability (p ≤ 0.05) level. 3. Results 3-1- Effect of soil additions on soil physio-chemical properties. Soil physical and chemical properties as average values of the two successive seasons after harvest under the different treatments are presented in Table 5 and Table 6. Data in Table (5,6) illustrates the effects of additional levels of soil additions on some soil physio-chemical properties. There was a positive effect in the values of bulk density, Saturated hydraulic conductivity, total porosity (TP) water holding pores (WHP), Field capacity (FC), Soil pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), organic matter (O.M%), nitrogen(N), phosphors(P) and potassium(K) when soil additions were used. The mean values of soil bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil pH and electrical conductivity (ECe) were significantly decreased when soil additions used were added (M), (C), (B) and (CB) by (0.59, 5.96, 1.94 and 1.72%),( 16.57, 17.87, 4.26 and 10.20%), (7.69, 15.99, 3.48 and 20.88%) and ( 22.49, 19.75, 3.10 and 29.36%) respectively, compared with control. Also, there was a significant increase in the mean values of total porosity (TP), water holding pores(WHP), field capacity(FC), organic matter (O.M%), cations exchangeable capacity (CEC), nitrogen (N), phosphors(P) and potassium(K) when soil additions used were added (M), (C), (B) and (CB) by (1.93, 0.22, 0.55, 0.35, 20.90, 45.01, 21.12 and 14.61%), (7.47, 15.43, 6.59, 37.72, 25.15, 49.82, 25.10 and 19.76%), (5.36,4.76,1.91, 35.89, 28.09, 47.40, 22.61 and 17.22%) and (10.63, 20.59, 10.78, 41.68, 32.05, 51.57, 28.99 and 22.06%) respectively, compared with control. Similarly, increasing the compost rate resulted in a gradual increase in soil nutrient content. Specifically, the application of compost or biochar and compost- biochar blend led to a significant increase in N, P, and K across all the compost treatments compared to the control. The highest increases in N, P, and K were observed in the CB treatment, indicating that the highest CB application rate had the most substantial impact on improving soil nutrient content. Table (5) Effect of soil addition on some soil physical properties at the end of experiment. Soil addition BD (g cm − 3 ) ksat (cm hr − 1 ) T. P % W.H. P% F. C% Control 1.69 ± 0.01a 3.19 ± 0.01a 38.67 ± 0.16e 13.81 ± 0.05c 23.67 ± 0.13de Mineral fertilizers 1.68 ± 0.02a 3.00 ± 0.00b 39.43 ± 0.18d 13.84 ± 0.51c 23.80 ± 0.50d Compost 1.41 ± 0.00b 2.62 ± 0.02d 41.79 ± 0.06b 16.33 ± 0.47b 25.34 ± 0.50b Biochar 1.56 ± 0.01c 2.68 ± 0.01c 40.86 ± 0.42c 14.50 ± 0.12c 24.13 ± 0.04c Compost-biochar blend 1.31 ± 0.03d 2.56 ± 0.01e 43.27 ± 0.17a 17.39 ± 0.04b 26.53 ± 0.53a Significance ** ** ** ** ** Values are means ± standard error. ** indicates differences at 0.01 probability level. Means values in each column followed by the same lower-case-letter for each soil addition or not significantly different according to the Duncan test (p ≤ 0.05), BD = bulk density, ksat = saturated hydraulic conductivity, T.P = total porosity, W.H.P = water holding pores and F.C% = field capacity> Table (6) Effect of soil addition on some soil chemical properties at the end of experiment. Soil addition Soil pH ECe (dS m − 1 ) O.M% CEC (cmol kg − 1 ) N (mg / kg) P (mg / kg) K (mg / kg) Control 7.75 ± 0.010a 8.14 ± 0.02a 0.568 ± 0.01e 9.88 ± 0.49e 14.05 ± 0.49e 13.52 ± 0.05e 15.19 ± 0.14f Mineral fertilizers 7.60 ± 0.006b 8.00 ± 0.04b 0.570 ± 0.01d 12.49 ± 0.46d 25.55 ± 0.11d 17.14 ± 0.18d 17.79 ± 0.07d Compost 7.42 ± 0.005e 7.31 ± 0.05c 0.912 ± 0.01b 13.20 ± 0.29bc 28.00 ± 0.29b 18.05 ± 0.06b 18.93 ± 0.05b Biochar 7.48 ± 0.014d 6.44 ± 0.26d 0.886 ± 0.01c 13.74 ± 0.11b 26.71 ± 0.46bc 17.47 ± 0.04bc 18.35 ± 0.15c Compost-biochar blend 7.51 ± 0.003c 5.75 ± 0.05e 0.974 ± 0.01a 14.54 ± 0.01a 29.01 ± 0.01a 19.04 ± 0.28a 19.49 ± 0.22a Significance ** ** ** ** ** ** ** Values are means ± standard error. ** indicates differences at 0.01 probability level. Means values in each column followed by the same lower-case-letter for each soil addition or not significantly different according to the Duncan test (p ≤ 0.05), Ece = electrical conductivity, O.M%= organic matter and CEC = cations exchangeable capacity. 3 − 2 Effect of soil addition on soil microbial activity Soil microbial activity as average values of the two successive seasons after harvest under the different treatments are presented in Fig. 1. The total population of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and Azotobacter sp. in the rhizosphere soil of Lettuce were higher in organic soil additions than mineral additions. The highest phosphate-solubilizing and Azotobacter sp microorganisms corresponded to the addition compost-biochar blend. 3.3 Effect of soil addition combined with foliar chlorella vulgaris extract on plant growth and total yield. Statistical analysis in Table (7) showed significant increase in the mean values of Head weight, Head circumference, leaf area, and yield when additions used were added (M), (C), (B) and (CB) by (10.77, 2.63, 16.32 and 28.12%), (25.64, 11.52, 28.35 and 40.31%), (14.07, 6.03, 22.74 and 29.40%) and (31.76, 13.52, 37.74 and 43.82%) respectively, compared with control. Also, a significant increase was observed when using foliar chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr1) on the mean values Head weight, Head circumference, leaf area, and yield by (11.11, 14.79, 15.89 and 10.35) %) respectively, compared with non-foliar chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr 0).For the interaction between soil additions and foliar application of chlorella vulgaris extract on treatments the highest values were of Head weight, Head circumference, leaf area, and yield were (0.900 kg plant − 1 , 42.45 cm plant − 1 , 340.67cm 2 plant − 1 and 45.50 t fed − 1 ) respectively, at the compost- biochar blend manure treatment With spray chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr1). Table (7) Effect of soil addition combined with foliar chlorella vulgaris extract on plant growth of Lettuce plant grown under saline soil conditions in (S I ) 2022–2023 and (S II ) 2023–2024 seasons. Treatment Head weight. (kg) Head circumference (cm) leaf area cm 2 plant total yield (t fed − 1 ) Season * NS NS NS S1 0.710 ± 0.26a 29.33 ± 3.31a 144.50 ± 0.97a 35.84 ± 5.19a S2 0.714 ± 0.26a 30.00 ± 3.40a 144.37 ± 0.95a 35.17 ± 5.17b Soil addition ** ** ** ** Control (cont.) 0.580 ± 0.17e 31.48 ± 2.40e 150.66 ± 0.58e 23.65 ± 3.48e Mineral fertilizers (M) 0.650 ± 0.06d 32.33 ± 1.16d 180.05 ± 0.53d 32.90 ± 1.13bd Compost (C) 0.780 ± 0.10b 35.58 ± 1.26b 210.26 ± 0.22b 39.62 ± 1.98b Biochar (B) 0.675 ± 0.05c 33.50 ± 2.25c 195 ± 0.51c 33.50 ± 1.90c Compost-biochar blend (CB) 0.850 ± 0.10a 36.40 ± 2.44a 242 ± 0.45a 42.10 ± 1.95a chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr) 10% ** ** ** ** CVextr 0 0.720 ± 0.30b 35.84 ± 3.81b 160.28 ± 1.12b 36.21 ± 5.96b CVextr 1 0.810 ± 0.21a 42.06 ± 2.69a 190.57 ± 0.77a 40.39 ± 4.22a Soil addition × CVextr ** ** ** ** Cont. × CVextr 0 0.570 ± 0.05j 32.87 ± 0.46j 160.66 ± 0.16j 24.44 ± 0.95j Cont. × CVextr 1 0.590 ± 0.04i 35.67 ± 0.16i 195.33 ± 0.34i 25.83 ± 0.79i M× CVextr 0 0.650 ± 0.04h 34.83 ± 0.46h 220.38 ± 0.52h 34.90 ± 0.89h M × CVextr 1 0.695 ± 0.05g 38.83 ± 0.67g 250.72 ± 0.26g 38.90 ± 1.08g C× CVextr 0 0.785 ± 0.05d 40.50 ± 0.37d 270 ± 0.38d 39.85 ± 0.90d C × CVextr 1 0.800 ± 0.04c 41.67 ± 0.43c 285 ± 0.35c 40.90 ± 0.82c B× CVextr 0 0.780 ± 0.04f 36.50 ± 0.45f 235 ± 0.30f 39.00 ± 0.95e B × CVextr 1 0.799 ± 0.04e 39.80 ± 0.48e 269 ± 0.25e 39.35 ± 1.50f CB× CVextr 0 0.885 ± 0.04b 41.95 ± 0.52b 330.86 ± 0.24b 44.25 ± 1.40b CB × CVextr 1 0.900 ± 0.03a 42.45 ± 0.35a 340.67 ± 0.31a 45.50 ± 0.99a Values are means ± SE. * and ** refer to significant difference at p ≤ 0.05 , p ≤ 0.05, and p ≤ 0.01, respectively , ns not significant at p = 0.05. Mean values in each column followed by a different lower-case letter are significantly different by Duncan’s least-significant difference test at p ≤ 0.05. fed = feddan is unit of area measurement (4200 m 2 ), t = ton is unit of weight measurement (1000Kg). 4. Discussion To enhance crop growth and productivity in salinity-affected regions and compare the effects of mineral fertilizers with organic amendments, researchers have suggested the use of organic soil additions, such as foliar applications of Chlorella vulgaris extract. This innovative method has demonstrated positive impacts on various soil properties, including physicochemical characteristics, soil-water dynamics, nutrient retention, plant growth, and environmental health. Recent studies have revealed that applying exogenous organic amendments like compost, biochar, and compost-biochar blends can significantly improve the physicochemical properties and soil biota of salt-affected soils. For instance, in one study, lettuce was grown in soil with a salinity level of 8.30 dS m⁻¹. When the soil was treated with 10 tons per feddan (fed⁻¹) of a compost-biochar blend, the soil's electrical conductivity (ECₑ) gradually decreased. This reduction in soil salinity is likely due to the presence of charged sites, such as COO⁻, which enable the compost-biochar blend to chelate cations and render them inactive [ 37 ]. Moreover, the application of a compost-biochar (CB) blend to saline soils can accelerate the removal of salts and sodium chloride (NaCl) while reducing exchangeable sodium (Na⁺) levels and electrical conductivity (ECₑ). This is attributed to the CB blend's capacity to decrease soil bulk density, enhance soil porosity, and improve hydraulic conductivity, all of which facilitate the leaching of salts from the soil[ 38 ]. Similarly, the pH levels of the tested soil were found to decrease as the concentration of the compost-biochar (CB) blend increased. This effect can be linked to the CB blend's higher cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the stimulation of soil microbial activity, leading to the production of active organic acids like volatile fatty acids. The acidic properties of these by-products contribute to lowering the soil's pH, a phenomenon also observed in soils enriched with compost [ 39 ], [ 40 ], [ 8 ]. Furthermore, the increased microbial activity triggered by the addition of the compost-biochar (CB) blend promotes the breakdown of organic nitrogen, generating ammonia/ammonium. These compounds can be absorbed by the negatively charged surfaces of the compost, potentially causing a slight decrease in soil pH. This phenomenon has been documented in studies conducted by [ 41 ]. The analysis of soil samples revealed that the addition of compost (C), biochar (B), and the compost-biochar (CB) blend significantly increased the levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When combined with other organic amendments, the available nitrogen levels were further enhanced due to an increase in charged surfaces and improved nitrogen absorption, as highlighted in studies conducted by [ 14 ]. The rise in phosphorus availability resulting from organic amendments can be linked to the generation of chelating agents, such as organic acids and enzymes, driven by enhanced microbial activity. These agents are essential for the mineralization of phosphorus in the compost-biochar (CB) blend, as demonstrated in studies conducted by [ 42 ]. The addition of compost (C), biochar (B), and the compost-biochar (CB) blend to the soil resulted in a reduction in bulk density. This can be attributed to the significant presence of organic colloidal particles, which effectively redistribute the pore size structure within the soil. These findings align with observations made by [ 43 ]who highlighted that bulk density is closely linked to the properties of the soil's solid phase and its pore size distribution. The reduction in soil bulk density observed with the addition of compost (C), biochar (B), and the compost-biochar (CB) blend was associated with increases in water-holding pores and field capacity (Table 5). This suggests that the CB blend enhanced soil micropores, thereby increasing capillary potential. The CB-amended soil exhibited significant improvements in favorable soil properties, such as water-holding pores and field capacity. Given that the CB blend is rich in organic carbon and porosity, its application likely promotes soil aggregation [ 44 ], [ 45 ] and creates interstitial spaces, resulting in more micropores [ 46 ], These changes enhance water-holding pores and useful pores, contributing to increased soil water retention capacity [ 14 ]. Consequently, the application of (C), (B), and CB blend to salt-affected soils can boost available water content, leading to improved lettuce growth and yields. Compared to untreated soil, soils treated with (C), (B), and CB blend showed lower bulk density and higher water-holding pores and field capacity, which play a significant role in modifying the distribution pattern of pore spaces in the soil. The use of (C), (B), and CB blend may also alter soil biological communities due to its highly porous nature, enabling it to absorb soluble organic matter and inorganic nutrients. Additionally, these amendments can enhance the soil's physical and chemical properties, creating a favorable environment for microorganisms. These findings align with those reported by[ 30 ], [ 39 ], which noted an increase in bacterial cell counts (as shown in Table 4). Furthermore, the application of (C), (B), and CB blend, combined with foliar Chlorella vulgaris extract, resulted in increased values for head weight, head circumference, leaf area, and yield. The addition of CB blend to saline soils may have compensated for physicochemical deficiencies, while certain components of the CB blend and Chlorella vulgaris extract could support soil microorganisms by enhancing their production of vitamins, growth compounds, and antibiotics, further promoting plant growth [ 47 ], [ 48 ]. Therefore, adopting organic farming practices using organic soil amendments and algae extracts can enhance soil fertility and productivity, improve its natural, chemical, and biological properties, accelerate plant growth, increase crop yields, reduce production costs, and achieve a higher net return that is ecologically beneficial compared to the use of mineral fertilizers. These findings are consistent with those reported by[ 49 ], [ 50 ], [ 51 ] Conclusion Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that the application of organic farming techniques effectively mitigates the adverse effects of salinity on lettuce cultivation. The study demonstrated that organic soil amendments, such as compost, biochar, and the compost-biochar (CB) blend, significantly improved soil physical properties (e.g., bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, total porosity, water-holding pores, and field capacity), chemical attributes (e.g., pH, ECₑ, organic matter percentage, cation exchange capacity, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and soil microbial activity (e.g., phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and Azotobacter species). The addition of CB-blend (5 t fad − 1 of compost + 5 t fad − 1 of biochar were mixed) and a chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr1) 10% foliar spray, resulted in a remarkable 194.68% increase in lettuce yield compared to untreated soil. These results suggest that the CB blend combined with Chlorella vulgaris extract can be recommended as an effective organic fertilizer for vegetable crops like lettuce in organic farming systems. This approach not only helps overcome the negative impacts of saline stress but also reduces reliance on mineral fertilizers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Declarations Conflict of interest The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics approval Not applicable Consent to participate Not applicable Consent for publication Not applicable Funding This research no funded Author Contribution Ahmed R. Abd El-Tawwab1, Basma R. Abdel-Moatamed and Mohammed A. H. Gyushi write the original draft and Ahmed R. Abd ELTawwab edit and finalize the manuscript. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6008559","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":415830470,"identity":"90f5ea20-72db-41c0-9845-b5caa4fea064","order_by":0,"name":"Ahmed R. 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H.","lastName":"Gyushi","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-02-11 15:08:30","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6008559/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6008559/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":76485156,"identity":"362ac527-306d-4355-9e8e-e6ab805f779f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-17 15:30:03","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":20456,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect of soil addition combined with foliar chlorella vulgaris extract on soil microbial activity of Lettuce plant grown under saline soil conditions in (S\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e) 2022–2023 and (S\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eII\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e) 2023–2024 seasons. \u003c/strong\u003e* CFU= Colony Forming Units. Control=zero addition, M= Mineral fertilizers, C=Compost, B=Biochar and CB=Compost-biochar blend.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6008559/v1/74f0dd50a9b47b7016b7586d.png"},{"id":77156861,"identity":"367e1348-72bd-46da-8e93-682d822c479e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-25 16:31:38","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2309891,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6008559/v1/2accc21d-2774-4ef2-b578-d0d321d1e3a4.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Impact of Soil Additions Fertilizers and Foliar Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Soil Properties and productivity of Lettuce Plant Grown Under Saline Soil Conditions","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe environmental effects of organic agriculture are influenced by various factors, including the sustainability of production practices, the reduction of reliance on external inputs, and the preservation of soil and animal health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Research indicates that organic farming plays a significant role in decreasing chemical pollution and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, thereby promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, it supports the responsible and safe use of water resources and enhances the quality of food products. Organic agriculture is recognized as a key component in advancing sustainable development efforts in the Arab world [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrganic agriculture is an ecologically driven production system that is gaining global momentum in response to the growing demand for sustainable practices [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Organic agriculture is a system that emphasizes environmental conservation and relies on natural farming techniques, avoiding the use of artificial inputs such as genetically modified organisms, synthetic pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. It encompasses the entire agricultural cycle, from production and processing to distribution, with the goal of improving product quality and safeguarding the environment(Lampkin et al., 2000; Zikeli et al., 2014). The environmental advantages of organic farming position it as a sustainable agricultural practice. By focusing on ecosystem health, preserving natural resources, and minimizing the ecological footprint of food production, organic farming contributes significantly to fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrganic farming employs various techniques, such as applying organic fertilizers derived from decomposed organic waste\u0026mdash;like compost, vermicompost, and biochar\u0026mdash;to enhance soil fertility and boost plant productivity. Additionally, it utilizes natural substances to manage diseases and pests that affect crops [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManure compost has been recognized as a viable alternative to synthetic fertilizers for enhancing soil fertility and increasing crop yields in organic farming systems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. The agricultural application of manure compost serves not only as an economical waste management solution but also as a means to recycle essential nutrients for plant development and counteract the reduction of organic matter in soils. This practice aligns with modern sustainable agricultural principles [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. In organic farming, where chemical inputs are restricted, compost serves as an effective alternative fertilizer, providing essential nutrients while adhering to organic principles [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiochar is a carbon-dense substance produced from plant biomass, known for its beneficial effects on ecological systems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. Biochar has the potential to enhance soil fertility, capture and store carbon, and improve water retention, all of which contribute to better plant growth and higher crop yields [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmong the natural biostimulants suitable for organic agriculture, microalgae and their extracts stand out for their demonstrated ability to enhance plant growth and improve seed germination. Their use supports the development of sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. Microalgae, including \u003cem\u003eChlorella vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e, are highly significant as a sustainable source of biofertilizers in agriculture. They perform various roles, such as enhancing soil fertility, fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and providing vital microelements essential for crop growth. Additionally, microalgae produce bioactive compounds that suppress the growth of detrimental plant pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, while simultaneously promoting the growth and development of specific plant species[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil salinity is quantitatively described as the total amount of soluble salts dissolved in the soil solution, commonly assessed and represented through measurements of electrical conductivity (EC) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. Soil salinity poses a major challenge, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where the demand for water for irrigation and agricultural purposes is steadily rising [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Soil salinity has been increasingly acknowledged as a growing issue, further exacerbated by climate change. Tackling soil salinization by adopting improved soil, water, and crop management strategies is essential for safeguarding global food security and reducing losses in crop productivity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Salinity negatively impacts plant growth, resulting in significant annual losses. Precise assessment of soil salinity is a critical first step for developing targeted and effective solutions to promote sustainable land management practices[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the most widely cultivated leafy vegetables globally and is consumed in various forms, including salads, sandwiches, and wraps[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Among the diverse lettuce varieties, capuchin lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capuchinensis) holds particular significance due to its unique characteristics, potential agricultural and nutritional value[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. Capuchin lettuce is a variety known for its robust growth, nutritional properties, and adaptability to different environmental conditions. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in interest toward sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural practices. Capuchin lettuce is particularly well-aligned with these objectives, as it can be successfully cultivated using organic farming techniques. These methods significantly reduce dependency on synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby minimizing environmental impact. By leveraging organic approaches, such as natural soil amendments and integrated pest management, Capuchin lettuce cultivation supports ecological balance, promotes soil health, and contributes to the production of safe, high-quality food in an environmentally sustainable manner. This approach supports the production of nutritious, safe, and environmentally sustainable food[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of mineral and organic soil amendments on the physicochemical properties of soil, as well as to evaluate the influence of foliar application of \u003cem\u003eChlorella vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e extract on the growth and productivity of lettuce (\u003cem\u003eLactuca sativa\u003c/em\u003e) cultivated under saline soil conditions. The investigation aimed to elucidate the potential of these interventions to mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance in challenging agricultural environments.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Material and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Field environmental conditions\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1.1 Soil\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA field experiment was designed to evaluate the impact of farming techniques such as the effect of foliar application of chlorella vulgaris extract and mineral and organic soil additions (mineral fertilizers, compost, biochar, and compost- biochar blend manure on the vegetative growth of Lettuce plants cv. Nader. The study was carried out during 2023 and 2024 seasons at site was selected in Demo Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt. As shown in Table\u0026nbsp;(1), soil physical properties were measured as described by[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]. The Mean soil bulk density and hydraulic conductivity values were 1.49 Mg m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3\u003c/sup\u003e and 3.10 cm h\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e, respectively, as averages in soil depth (0\u0026ndash;20 cm). Soil moisture constants, i.e., field capacity and wilting point averaged 24.04 and 14.18% respectively at the same soil depth. Soil chemical analysis were measured as described by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e] e.g., soil pH (1: 2.5 soil-water extracts), organic matter content (Walkley and Black,s), cation exchangeable capacity and CaCO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e amounted 7.49, 0.75%, 9.89 cmole kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 3.54% respectively, as averages in soil depth (0\u0026ndash;30 cm), As shown in Table\u0026nbsp;(2).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to soil analysis results, the soil texture of the experimental site was a sandy loam and level ECe value which 8.30 dS m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e at the mean soil layers surface (0\u0026ndash;30 cm) for two seasons. Lettuce seeds were sown in the nursery on the 1st of November in both seasons, lettuce seedlings at the 2\u0026ndash;3 leaf stage were transplanted when the seedlings were three weeks old at both sides of rows at 25 cm between plants and 60 cm between rows, giving a plant population of ~\u0026thinsp;50,000 stands per feddan under drip irrigation system at saline soil.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(1). Some initial physical characteristics of the studied soil samples (as averages of two seasons) *. (2022/2023) \u0026ndash; (2023/2024).\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"13\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDepth\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticle size distribution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInitial\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003esoil\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003emoisture\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003econtent,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDry\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ebulk\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003edensity,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticle\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003edensity,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eporosity,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHydraulic\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003econduct.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm hr\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e(\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil moisture constant, % at\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSand\u003c/b\u003e,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSilt\u003c/b\u003e,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClay\u003c/b\u003e,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTexture\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClass\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eField\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ecapacity\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWilting\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003epoint\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAvailable\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS.L.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"13\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e* Each value in this table is an average of three replicates. ** S.L. = Sandy loam\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(2). Some initial chemical characteristics of the studied soil samples (as averages of two seasons) *. (2022/2023) \u0026ndash; (2023/2024).\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabb\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDepth (cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003epH\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ein soil\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003esuspen.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(1 : 2.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eECe\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(dS/m)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ein soil paste\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eextract\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCEC\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(meq/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e100 g\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003esoil)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExchangeable cations\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(meq/100g soil)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCaCO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrganic matter, %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCa\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e++\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMg\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e++\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNa\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e+\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eK\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e+\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e* Each value in this table is an average of three replicates. CEC\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;cation exchangeable capacity\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Experimental design and treatment applications\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe arrangement of the trial was a split-plot system in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Treatments were divided into Two spraying regimes (With spray chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr1) and without (CVextr0)) were applied to the main plots at two times 45 and 60 days after transplanting and the subplots with soil additions fertilizers (mineral fertilizers, compost, biochar, and compost- biochar blend manure were used were incorporated into the surface layers (0\u0026ndash;20 cm, soil depth) .\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e2.2.1 Soil additions used were adding mineral fertilizers (M), Compost (C), Biochar (B) and compost- biochar blend (CB).\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe soil additions were added before the season of Lettuce cultivation, where the soil was prepared, and the experiment was designed so that the area of each experimental plot had a 10 m long by 1 m row width area (10 m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe treatments were {(zero addition (control)), (mineral fertilizers 100%), (Compost 100% ), ( Biochar 100%), (Compost 50% + Biochar 50%), ( zero addition with spray chlorella vulgaris extract), ( mineral fertilizers with spray chlorella vulgaris extract),( Compost with spray chlorella vulgaris extract), ( Biochar with spray chlorella vulgaris extract) and (compost-biochar blend with spray chlorella vulgaris extract)} = 10 treatment \u0026times; 3 Replicate\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;30 experimental plot.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eUsage rates of soil additions were the recommended rates\u003c/b\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere mineral fertilizers treatment (M) was used at a rate of the following quantities of mineral fertilizers were added before planting for each acre of lettuce, which are as follows (100 kg ammonium sulfate, 300 kg ordinary superphosphate, 50 kg potassium sulfate). Adding these fertilizers should be scattered on the surface of the soil and mixed well in cultivation rows. During plant growth, 150 kg ammonium nitrate, 100 kg calcium nitrate, and 100 kg potassium sulfate. These fertilizers are dissolved and added to irrigation water in two batches, the first about three weeks after planting, and the second about a month after the first with the addition.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the compost addition treatment, the recommended amount was added at a rate of 10 t fad\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e before planting, and the compost was obtained from compost and decomposition of plant waste on the farm.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the biochar addition treatment, the recommended amount was added at a rate of 10 t fad\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e before planting, and biochar was obtained from burning wood and plants waste on the farm under anaerobic conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the compost- biochar blend addition treatment (5 t fad\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e of compost\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;5 t fad\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e of biochar were mixed), Table\u0026nbsp;(3) shows the chemical analysis of the applied compost and biochar additions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(3). Some chemical analysis of the used organic addition (compost, biochar) in the study.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabc\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil organic addition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrganic carbon,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal nitrogen (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC / N\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRatio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003epH,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(1: 2.5) suspension\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eECe,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(dS/m)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCaCO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoisture content (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompost\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiochar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCB-blend\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e* Each value in this table is an average of three replicates.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.2 Chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr) Preparation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eChlorella vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e algae were sourced from the Soil, Water, and Environment Research Institute, ARC, Giza. To prepare the extract, one kilogram of \u003cem\u003eChlorella vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e powder was soaked in one liter of 90% ethanol for 24 hours and then thoroughly blended. The mixture was filtered twice using two layers of gauze cloth. The resulting solution was considered 100% concentrated \u003cem\u003eChlorella\u003c/em\u003e algae extract. To achieve a 10% concentration, 10 ml of this extract was diluted with 90 ml of distilled water. The diluted extract was stored in a refrigerator at 4\u0026deg;C until use. Tween 20 at 0.1% (v/v) was added as a surfactant, following the method described by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. The elements composition of the chlorella vulgaris extract are shown in Table\u0026nbsp;4.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(4) Elements composition (%) of the chlorella vulgaris Extract (CVextr)\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabd\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCa\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNa\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCVextr\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e* Each value in this table is an average of three replicates.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3. Measurements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1 Some soil properties of the experimental field\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDisturbed and undisturbed soil samples were initially collected from the experimental field at surface layer (0\u0026ndash;20 cm) from each investigated site and repeated after the conducted organic addition and spraying chlorella vulgaris extract treatments. Measurements and calculations of some soil properties have been done on these collected soil samples.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1.1. Physical properties of the studied soils\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil physical measurements, determinations and calculations were conducted according to the methods and procedures outlined and described by[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1.2. Chemical properties of the studied soils\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe measurements and calculations of some soil chemical properties were carried out using the techniques described by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.2. Morphological Parameters and Yield and its Components\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e. Plant leaf area (cm\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) was measured after 75 days of transplant using the relationship of leaf area\u0026ndash;leaf weight as demonstrated by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e] with some modifications. The leaf surface was thoroughly washed in running tap water followed by washing with double-distilled water, thereafter 10\u0026ndash;20 leaf disks (10\u0026ndash;20 cm\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) were dried in an oven at 85\u0026deg;C for 24 h to get disks dry weight (DDW). Total leaf area plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e was calculated using the following formula:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTotal leaf area plant\u003c/b\u003e \u003csup\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/sup\u003e \u003cb\u003e= (LDW\u0026thinsp;\u0026divide;\u0026thinsp;DDW) \u0026times; DA\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere: LDW is the total leaf dry weight (g), DDW is the disks dry weight (g), and DA is the discs area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt the end of the trial, 10 plants were randomly selected from each experimental plot and evaluated for growth characteristics. Head weight (kg), Head circumference (cm), leaf area (cm\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) and total yield (t fed\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) at the end of the trial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2-4-Soil Microbial Evaluation\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoil samples were collected from the rhizosphere zone, at a depth of 0\u0026ndash;20 cm, in soil at the beginning and end of the experiment. A total of samples was collected from the experimental plots using a 5 cm diameter soil auger. Each sample was then diluted tenfold up to a dilution of 10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/sup\u003e. The counts of phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) and Azotobacter bacteria were determined in terms of colony-forming units per gram of soil (cfu g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e soil).To determine the count of PSMs, the soil samples were allowed to grow on Pikovskaya's selective media for 7 to 10 days at a temperature of 25\u0026deg;C. Colonies surrounded by a clear halo zone were identified, and the number of cfu g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e soil was counted.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor counting Azotobacter bacteria, the Ashby's N-free agar medium containing specific ingredients was used. This medium consisted of 0.5 g K\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eHPO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e, 0.2 g MgSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e, 0.2 g NaCl, 5 g CaCO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, 10 g sucrose, 12 g agar, 1000 mL distilled H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO, and traces of manganese, iron, and molybdenum elements. The soil samples were subjected to serial dilution pour plate technique and incubated for 48\u0026ndash;72 hours at a temperature of 28\u0026deg;C. The number of Azotobacter bacteria was counted based on the formation of medium to large, moist colonies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5. Data Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data collected during the two years of experimental work were analyzed according to a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Info STAT program. was used to analyze experimental data. The homogeneity test of error variance was conducted as stated in a method described by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. Data from the two seasons were subjected to a combined analysis and, among the means, differences were compared by Duncan\u0026rsquo;s Multiple Range Test at 5% probability (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05) level.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003ch3\u003e3-1- Effect of soil additions on soil physio-chemical properties.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoil physical and chemical properties as average values of the two successive seasons after harvest under the different treatments are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;5 and Table\u0026nbsp;6.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData in Table\u0026nbsp;(5,6) illustrates the effects of additional levels of soil additions on some soil physio-chemical properties. There was a positive effect in the values of bulk density, Saturated hydraulic conductivity, total porosity (TP) water holding pores (WHP), Field capacity (FC), Soil pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), organic matter (O.M%), nitrogen(N), phosphors(P) and potassium(K) when soil additions were used. The mean values of soil bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil pH and electrical conductivity (ECe) were significantly decreased when soil additions used were added (M), (C), (B) and (CB) by (0.59, 5.96, 1.94 and 1.72%),( 16.57, 17.87, 4.26 and 10.20%), (7.69, 15.99, 3.48 and 20.88%) and ( 22.49, 19.75, 3.10 and 29.36%) respectively, compared with control. Also, there was a significant increase in the mean values of total porosity (TP), water holding pores(WHP), field capacity(FC), organic matter (O.M%), cations exchangeable capacity (CEC), nitrogen (N), phosphors(P) and potassium(K) when soil additions used were added (M), (C), (B) and (CB) by (1.93, 0.22, 0.55, 0.35, 20.90, 45.01, 21.12 and 14.61%), (7.47, 15.43, 6.59, 37.72, 25.15, 49.82, 25.10 and 19.76%), (5.36,4.76,1.91, 35.89, 28.09, 47.40, 22.61 and 17.22%) and (10.63, 20.59, 10.78, 41.68, 32.05, 51.57, 28.99 and 22.06%) respectively, compared with control. Similarly, increasing the compost rate resulted in a gradual increase in soil nutrient content. Specifically, the application of compost or biochar and compost- biochar blend led to a significant increase in N, P, and K across all the compost treatments compared to the control. The highest increases in N, P, and K were observed in the CB treatment, indicating that the highest CB application rate had the most substantial impact on improving soil nutrient content.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(5) Effect of soil addition on some soil physical properties at the end of experiment.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabe\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil addition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBD (g cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eksat (cm hr\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT. P %\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eW.H. P%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF. C%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.16e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.81\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.13de\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMineral fertilizers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.00b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.18d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.84\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.51c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.50d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompost\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.00b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.47b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.50b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiochar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.42c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompost-biochar blend\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.31\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.53a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSignificance\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eValues are means\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard error. ** indicates differences at 0.01 probability level. Means values in each column followed by the same lower-case-letter for each soil addition or not significantly different according to the Duncan test (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05), BD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;bulk density, ksat\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;saturated hydraulic conductivity, T.P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;total porosity, W.H.P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;water holding pores and F.C% = field capacity\u0026gt;\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(6) Effect of soil addition on some soil chemical properties at the end of experiment.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabf\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil addition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil pH\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eECe\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(dS m\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eO.M%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCEC\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cmol kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(mg / kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(mg / kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eK\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(mg / kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.010a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.568\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.49e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.49e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14f\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMineral fertilizers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.006b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.570\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.46d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.18d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.07d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompost\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.31\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.912\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29bc\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiochar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.48\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.014d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.886\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.71\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.46bc\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04bc\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.15c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompost-biochar blend\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.974\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.28a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.22a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSignificance\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eValues are means\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard error. ** indicates differences at 0.01 probability level. Means values in each column followed by the same lower-case-letter for each soil addition or not significantly different according to the Duncan test (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05), Ece\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;electrical conductivity, O.M%= organic matter and CEC\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;cations exchangeable capacity.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3 − 2 Effect of soil addition on soil microbial activity\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eSoil microbial activity\u003c/b\u003e as average values of the two successive seasons after harvest under the different treatments are presented in \u003cb\u003eFig.\u0026nbsp;1.\u003c/b\u003e The total population of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and \u003cem\u003eAzotobacter\u003c/em\u003e sp. in the rhizosphere soil of Lettuce were higher in organic soil additions than mineral additions. The highest phosphate-solubilizing and \u003cem\u003eAzotobacter\u003c/em\u003e sp microorganisms corresponded to the addition compost-biochar blend.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e3.3 Effect of soil addition combined with foliar chlorella vulgaris extract on plant growth and total yield.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStatistical analysis in Table\u0026nbsp;(7) showed significant increase in the mean values of Head weight, Head circumference, leaf area, and yield when additions used were added (M), (C), (B) and (CB) by (10.77, 2.63, 16.32 and 28.12%), (25.64, 11.52, 28.35 and 40.31%), (14.07, 6.03, 22.74 and 29.40%) and (31.76, 13.52, 37.74 and 43.82%) respectively, compared with control. Also, a significant increase was observed when using foliar chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr1) on the mean values Head weight, Head circumference, leaf area, and yield by (11.11, 14.79, 15.89 and 10.35) %) respectively, compared with non-foliar chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr 0).For the interaction between soil additions and foliar application of chlorella vulgaris extract on treatments the highest values were of Head weight, Head circumference, leaf area, and yield were (0.900 kg plant \u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e, 42.45 cm plant \u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e, 340.67cm\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e plant\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 45.50 t fed \u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) respectively, at the compost- biochar blend manure treatment With spray chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr1).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;(7) Effect of soil addition combined with foliar chlorella vulgaris extract on plant growth of Lettuce plant grown under saline soil conditions in (S\u003c/b\u003e \u003csub\u003e \u003cb\u003eI\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/sub\u003e \u003cb\u003e) 2022\u0026ndash;2023 and (S\u003c/b\u003e \u003csub\u003e \u003cb\u003eII\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/sub\u003e \u003cb\u003e) 2023\u0026ndash;2024 seasons.\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Tabg\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHead weight.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHead circumference (cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eleaf area\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ecm\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e plant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003etotal yield\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(t fed \u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeason\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.710\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.31a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e144.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.97a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.84\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.19a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.714\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.40a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e144.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.95a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.17b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil addition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eControl (cont.)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.580\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.48\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.40e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.58e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.65\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.48e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMineral fertilizers (M)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.650\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.16d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e180.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.53d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.13bd\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompost (C)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.780\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.26b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e210.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.22b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.98b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiochar (B)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.675\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.25c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e195\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.51c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.90c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompost-biochar blend (CB)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.850\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.44a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e242\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.45a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.95a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003echlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr) 10%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCVextr 0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.720\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.30b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.84\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.81b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160.28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.12b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.96b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCVextr 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.810\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.69a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e190.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.77a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.22a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil addition \u0026times; CVextr\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCont. \u0026times; CVextr 0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.570\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05j\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.87\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.46j\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.16j\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.44\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.95j\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCont. \u0026times; CVextr 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.590\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04i\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.16i\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e195.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.34i\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.79i\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u0026times; CVextr 0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.650\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.46h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e220.38\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.89h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM \u0026times; CVextr 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.695\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05g\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.67g\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e250.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.26g\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.08g\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC\u0026times; CVextr 0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.785\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.37d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e270\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.38d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.90d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eC \u0026times; CVextr 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.800\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.43c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e285\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.35c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.82c\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eB\u0026times; CVextr 0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.780\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04f\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.45f\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e235\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.30f\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.95e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eB \u0026times; CVextr 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.799\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.48e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e269\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.25e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.50f\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCB\u0026times; CVextr 0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.885\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.95\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.52b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e330.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.24b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.40b\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCB \u0026times; CVextr 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.900\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.35a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e340.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.31a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.99a\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eValues are means\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SE. * and ** refer to significant difference at\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05, and\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.01, respectively\u003c/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ens\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003enot significant at\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e=\u0026thinsp;0.05. Mean values in each column followed by a different lower-case letter are significantly different by Duncan\u0026rsquo;s least-significant difference test at\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05. fed\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;feddan is unit of area measurement (4200 m\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cb\u003e), t\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;ton is unit of weight measurement (1000Kg).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eTo enhance crop growth and productivity in salinity-affected regions and compare the effects of mineral fertilizers with organic amendments, researchers have suggested the use of organic soil additions, such as foliar applications of \u003cem\u003eChlorella vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e extract. This innovative method has demonstrated positive impacts on various soil properties, including physicochemical characteristics, soil-water dynamics, nutrient retention, plant growth, and environmental health. Recent studies have revealed that applying exogenous organic amendments like compost, biochar, and compost-biochar blends can significantly improve the physicochemical properties and soil biota of salt-affected soils. For instance, in one study, lettuce was grown in soil with a salinity level of 8.30 dS m⁻¹. When the soil was treated with 10 tons per feddan (fed⁻¹) of a compost-biochar blend, the soil's electrical conductivity (ECₑ) gradually decreased. This reduction in soil salinity is likely due to the presence of charged sites, such as COO⁻, which enable the compost-biochar blend to chelate cations and render them inactive [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]. Moreover, the application of a compost-biochar (CB) blend to saline soils can accelerate the removal of salts and sodium chloride (NaCl) while reducing exchangeable sodium (Na⁺) levels and electrical conductivity (ECₑ). This is attributed to the CB blend's capacity to decrease soil bulk density, enhance soil porosity, and improve hydraulic conductivity, all of which facilitate the leaching of salts from the soil[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. Similarly, the pH levels of the tested soil were found to decrease as the concentration of the compost-biochar (CB) blend increased. This effect can be linked to the CB blend's higher cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the stimulation of soil microbial activity, leading to the production of active organic acids like volatile fatty acids. The acidic properties of these by-products contribute to lowering the soil's pH, a phenomenon also observed in soils enriched with compost [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the increased microbial activity triggered by the addition of the compost-biochar (CB) blend promotes the breakdown of organic nitrogen, generating ammonia/ammonium. These compounds can be absorbed by the negatively charged surfaces of the compost, potentially causing a slight decrease in soil pH. This phenomenon has been documented in studies conducted by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]. The analysis of soil samples revealed that the addition of compost (C), biochar (B), and the compost-biochar (CB) blend significantly increased the levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When combined with other organic amendments, the available nitrogen levels were further enhanced due to an increase in charged surfaces and improved nitrogen absorption, as highlighted in studies conducted by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. The rise in phosphorus availability resulting from organic amendments can be linked to the generation of chelating agents, such as organic acids and enzymes, driven by enhanced microbial activity. These agents are essential for the mineralization of phosphorus in the compost-biochar (CB) blend, as demonstrated in studies conducted by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. The addition of compost (C), biochar (B), and the compost-biochar (CB) blend to the soil resulted in a reduction in bulk density. This can be attributed to the significant presence of organic colloidal particles, which effectively redistribute the pore size structure within the soil. These findings align with observations made by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e]who highlighted that bulk density is closely linked to the properties of the soil's solid phase and its pore size distribution. The reduction in soil bulk density observed with the addition of compost (C), biochar (B), and the compost-biochar (CB) blend was associated with increases in water-holding pores and field capacity (Table\u0026nbsp;5). This suggests that the CB blend enhanced soil micropores, thereby increasing capillary potential. The CB-amended soil exhibited significant improvements in favorable soil properties, such as water-holding pores and field capacity. Given that the CB blend is rich in organic carbon and porosity, its application likely promotes soil aggregation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e] and creates interstitial spaces, resulting in more micropores [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e], These changes enhance water-holding pores and useful pores, contributing to increased soil water retention capacity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Consequently, the application of (C), (B), and CB blend to salt-affected soils can boost available water content, leading to improved lettuce growth and yields. Compared to untreated soil, soils treated with (C), (B), and CB blend showed lower bulk density and higher water-holding pores and field capacity, which play a significant role in modifying the distribution pattern of pore spaces in the soil.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe use of (C), (B), and CB blend may also alter soil biological communities due to its highly porous nature, enabling it to absorb soluble organic matter and inorganic nutrients. Additionally, these amendments can enhance the soil's physical and chemical properties, creating a favorable environment for microorganisms. These findings align with those reported by[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e], which noted an increase in bacterial cell counts (as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;4). Furthermore, the application of (C), (B), and CB blend, combined with foliar \u003cem\u003eChlorella vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e extract, resulted in increased values for head weight, head circumference, leaf area, and yield. The addition of CB blend to saline soils may have compensated for physicochemical deficiencies, while certain components of the CB blend and \u003cem\u003eChlorella vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e extract could support soil microorganisms by enhancing their production of vitamins, growth compounds, and antibiotics, further promoting plant growth [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, adopting organic farming practices using organic soil amendments and algae extracts can enhance soil fertility and productivity, improve its natural, chemical, and biological properties, accelerate plant growth, increase crop yields, reduce production costs, and achieve a higher net return that is ecologically beneficial compared to the use of mineral fertilizers. These findings are consistent with those reported by[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eBased on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that the application of organic farming techniques effectively mitigates the adverse effects of salinity on lettuce cultivation. The study demonstrated that organic soil amendments, such as compost, biochar, and the compost-biochar (CB) blend, significantly improved soil physical properties (e.g., bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, total porosity, water-holding pores, and field capacity), chemical attributes (e.g., pH, ECₑ, organic matter percentage, cation exchange capacity, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and soil microbial activity (e.g., phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and \u003cem\u003eAzotobacter\u003c/em\u003e species).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe addition of CB-blend (5 t fad\u003csup\u003e− 1\u003c/sup\u003e of compost + 5 t fad\u003csup\u003e− 1\u003c/sup\u003e of biochar were mixed) and a chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr1) 10% foliar spray, resulted in a remarkable 194.68% increase in lettuce yield compared to untreated soil. These results suggest that the CB blend combined with \u003cem\u003eChlorella vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e extract can be recommended as an effective organic fertilizer for vegetable crops like lettuce in organic farming systems. This approach not only helps overcome the negative impacts of saline stress but also reduces reliance on mineral fertilizers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eConflict of interest\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research no funded\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAhmed R. Abd El-Tawwab1, Basma R. Abdel-Moatamed and Mohammed A. H. Gyushi write the original draft and Ahmed R. Abd ELTawwab edit and finalize the manuscript. All authors read and agree for submission of manuscript to the journal.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData availability\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData are available from the corresponding author on request\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eM. Singh, \u0026ldquo;Organic farming for sustainable agriculture,\u0026rdquo; Indian J. Org. Farming, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1\u0026ndash;8, 2021.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eS. P. Palaniappan and K. Annadurai, \u003cem\u003eOrganic farming theory \u0026amp; practice\u003c/em\u003e. Scientific publishers, 2018.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eC. Kumar, N. Ramawat, and A. K. Verma, \u0026ldquo;Organic fertigation system in saline-sodic soils: A new paradigm for the restoration of soil health,\u0026rdquo; \u003cem\u003eAgron. 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Raghavender, \u0026ldquo;Cost-effective treatment of sewage wastewater using microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and its application as bio-fertilizer,\u0026rdquo; Energy Nexus, vol. 7, p. 100122, 2022.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Compost-Biochar blend, Chlorella vulgaris extract, Lettuce, salinity, Soil microbial activity, Soil physicochemical properties and Yield","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6008559/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6008559/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eSustainable agriculture is essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. This study, conducted at Fayoum University\u0026rsquo;s Demo Farm in Egypt, investigated the effects of mineral and organic amendments, combined with foliar application of Chlorella vulgaris extract, on soil properties and lettuce productivity in salt-affected soils during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winter seasons. Treatments included compost (C), biochar (B), a compost-biochar blend (CB-blend), and mineral fertilizers, with or without Chlorella vulgaris extract foliar spray. Results revealed that the CB-blend significantly enhanced soil properties, including bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, organic matter, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. The combination of CB-blend (5 t fad\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e of compost\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;5 t fad\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e of biochar were mixed) and a chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr) 10% foliar spray increased lettuce yield by 194.68% compared to untreated soil, demonstrating improved growth parameters such as head weight, circumference, and leaf area. These findings highlight the synergistic benefits of organic amendments and bio-stimulants in improving soil health, crop resilience, and productivity under saline conditions. The study advocates for the adoption of compost, biochar, and chlorella vulgaris extract (CVextr) 10% foliar spray as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers, offering a viable strategy for organic farming systems to mitigate saline stress and promote environmental sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Impact of Soil Additions Fertilizers and Foliar Chlorella Vulgaris Extract on Soil Properties and productivity of Lettuce Plant Grown Under Saline Soil Conditions","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-02-17 15:29:59","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6008559/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"a8b5864a-9a17-4f0a-b06f-14f88fc245b4","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 17th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-02-25T16:23:30+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-02-17 15:29:59","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6008559","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6008559","identity":"rs-6008559","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}