Evaluating the Impact of Biofertilizers vs. Chemical Fertilizers on Wheat Growth and Soil Fertility Using Self-Organizing Maps
摘要
This study investigated the potential of biofertilizers derived from readily available organic waste—shrimp waste (SW), potato peels (PP), and almond shells (AS)—as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers (CF) for promoting common wheat growth. To comprehensively evaluate their impact, we employed a combination of statistical analysis and data visualization techniques, including self-organizing maps (SOMs) and hierarchical classification. Our findings revealed significant differences in fertilizer efficacy. Biofertilizers derived from SW and PP demonstrated superior agronomic performance, leading to improved plant growth parameters (height, weight, root development) and enhanced soil health indicators. Conversely, AS exhibited detrimental effects, while CF delivered moderate performance. Notably, the 200% application rate of SW biofertilizer resulted in the highest plant weight (20.86 g/pot), while the 150% rate maximized plant height (98.93 cm). Furthermore, the 300% dose of SW significantly stimulated root growth, achieving a root volume of 110 mL and a root weight of 104.22 g. Similarly, PP biofertilizer demonstrated a marked enhancement in root development, with the 200% application rate yielding the highest root volume (194.66 mL) and root weight (140.07 g). These results were further supported by strong correlations between plant growth, nutrient availability (phosphorus, potassium), and organic matter degradation, suggesting that biofertilizers facilitate sustained nutrient release through the gradual breakdown of organic matter. The application of SOMs and hierarchical classification revealed distinct patterns in fertilizer performance, clustering treatments based on their impacts on wheat growth and soil properties. SW and PP biofertilizers clustered together, reflecting their consistent positive influence, while AS formed a separate cluster due to its negative effects. CF treatments exhibited varying similarities with both control soil and some biofertilizer treatments at specific application rates, highlighting their intermediate performance. By harnessing readily available resources and promoting healthy plant growth, these biofertilizers offer a promising solution for enhancing soil fertility and fostering environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Furthermore, the insights gleaned from this research can contribute to the development of targeted fertilization strategies, ultimately leading to improved food safety, quality, and overall agricultural sustainability.
Graphical Abstract