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Azolla pinnata Extract as a Biostimulant Enhances Soil Fertility, Potato Yield, and Tuber Compositional Quality
Abstract
Sustainable potato production requires eco-compatible biological inputs capable of improving soil fertility, crop productivity, and tuber nutritional quality while reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals. This study evaluated Azolla pinnata extract as a natural biostimulant for potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Spunta) under field conditions. Dried A. pinnata biomass was first characterized for its biochemical composition, and aqueous extracts were applied at 25, 50, 75, and 100% and compared with the untreated control and a commercial seaweed-based biostimulant. Soil physicochemical properties, potato growth and yield traits, and tuber chemical composition were assessed after cultivation. A. pinnata biomass showed a protein-rich and phytochemically active profile, containing 28.36±2.44% protein, 6.23±0.60 mg g-1 DM chlorophyll, 2.80±0.55 mg g-1 DM carotenoids, 4.00±0.81 mg GAE g-1 DM total polyphenols, 3.20±0.73 mg QE g-1 DM flavonoids, and 1.20±0.18 mg CE g-1 DM tannins. Field application improved soil chemical indicators, particularly pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, and organic matter. The strongest agronomic response was obtained with the 100% extract, which increased tuber weight to 974.0±10.82 g plant-1 and estimated yield to 46.36±3.55 tons ha-1, compared with 615.0±29.34 g plant-1 and 32.60±1.20 tons ha-1 in the untreated control. Tuber composition was also enhanced at 100%, with higher total carbohydrates, protein, starch, total sugars, ash, and dietary fiber. These findings indicate that A. pinnata extract can enhance soil fertility, potato productivity, and tuber compositional quality, supporting its use as a sustainable input for quality-oriented potato production.
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