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Effect of Mussel Shells as Soil pH Amendment on the Growth and Productivity of Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Cultivation

Author

Listed:
  • Alexios Lolas

    (Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Ichthyology & Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Street, 38446 Volos, Greece)

  • Aikaterini Molla

    (Hellenic Republic, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Acharnon 2 Street, 10176 Athens, Greece)

  • Konstantinos Georgiou

    (Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Ichthyology & Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Street, 38446 Volos, Greece)

  • Chrysoula Apostologamvrou

    (Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Ichthyology & Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Street, 38446 Volos, Greece)

  • Alexandra Petrotou

    (Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Ichthyology & Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Street, 38446 Volos, Greece)

  • Konstantinos Skordas

    (Laboratory of Marine Biology, Department of Ichthyology & Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Street, 38446 Volos, Greece)

Abstract

Mussel shells, with their calcium carbonate content, serve as a natural pH buffer, aiding in neutralizing acidic soils and, consequently, enhancing nutrient availability for plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treating soils with mussel shells as a soil pH amendment on the agronomic characteristics and productivity of Rosmarinus officinalis . A pot experiment was set up for two growing years. The treatments were amended using different doses of mussel shells. Overall, the treatments were the following: C: unamended soil (control); T1: 0.1%; T2: 0.3%; T3: 0.5%; T4: 1%; T5: 3%; T6: 6%. Plant height was higher in pots amended with 6% mussel shells and reached the value of 32.2 cm in the first year and 51 cm in the second. The application of mussel shells increased the branch length by 53.4–58.7% and the number of branches per plant by 61.3–62% in T6 compared to the control. The total yield of fresh and dry weight in the 1st and 2nd year was ordered as follows: T6 > T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 > C. In conclusion, while the established optimal quantity for neutralizing soil pH is 300 g of mussel shells per 10 kg of soil, it has been observed that a ratio of 600 g of mussel shells proves more effective in terms of both the productivity and agronomic characteristics of rosemary.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexios Lolas & Aikaterini Molla & Konstantinos Georgiou & Chrysoula Apostologamvrou & Alexandra Petrotou & Konstantinos Skordas, 2024. "Effect of Mussel Shells as Soil pH Amendment on the Growth and Productivity of Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Cultivation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:1:p:144-:d:1321916
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elsayed Omer & Saber Hendawy & Abdel Nasser ElGendy & Alberto Mannu & Giacomo L. Petretto & Giorgio Pintore, 2020. "Effect of Irrigation Systems and Soil Conditioners on the Growth and Essential Oil Composition of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Cultivated in Egypt," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-14, August.
    2. Daniela Summa & Mattia Lanzoni & Giuseppe Castaldelli & Elisa Anna Fano & Elena Tamburini, 2022. "Trends and Opportunities of Bivalve Shells’ Waste Valorization in a Prospect of Circular Blue Bioeconomy," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-16, May.
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