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Research Article Volume 10 Issue 1
Use of microalgae to grow garden vegetable (Solanum lycopersicum) tomatoes in saline soil
B Chaudhary, S Awal
Received: February 13, 2026 | Published: February 24, 2026
Citation: Chaudhary B, Awal S. Use of microalgae to grow garden vegetable (Solanum lycopersicum) tomatoes in saline soil. Horticult Int J. 2026;10(1):16-24. DOI: 10.15406/hij.2026.10.00352
Abstract
Soil salinity is a major constraint to global food production, reducing nutrient availability, impairing plant physiological processes, and limiting crop establishment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of freshwater microalgae as a biological amendment for improving saline soil properties and supporting early growth of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum). Saline soil collected from Point Cook, Victoria, was amended with either microalgae, commercial fertilizer, or left untreated. Soil physicochemical properties were monitored across three stages, followed by assessment of seed germination, seedling growth, and biomass accumulation. Microalgae significantly improved soil nutrient status, producing the highest nitrate, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations while achieving the greatest reduction in electrical conductivity. Microalgae treatment consistently produced the highest nutrient concentrations (nitrate, phosphorus, potassium) and the lowest conductivity,” indicating strong remediation effects. Germination occurred only in fertilizer and microalgae treatments, with microalgae achieving the highest and most consistent rates. Microalgae-treated plants exhibited superior shoot and root development, greater total biomass, and the steepest length–weight relationship, reflecting efficient biomass accumulation and robust structural growth. These findings demonstrate that freshwater microalgae function as an effective biofertilizer and salinity mitigation agent, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for improving crop performance in saline soils.
Keywords: tomato seedlings, biofertilizer, soil remediation, electrical conductivity, germination, plant growth, nutrient mobilization
©2026 Chaudhary, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.