Upcycling Olive Mill Solid Waste into Lignin Nanoparticles for an Ecofriendly Soil Fertilization of Pomegranate
摘要
Olive oil industry is generating significant quantities of wastes, such as pomace, that pose challenges to the circular economy strategies. Therefore, implementing sustainable technologies to develop ecofriendly products from those wastes can concurrently enhance sustainable agriculture and the bioeconomy. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) derived from olive mill solid wastes (pomace) on pomegranate tree (Punica granatum L.) physiological and biochemical responses, as well as soil-related attributes. Pomegranate plants of two cultivars (Gabsi and Kalaii) grown under greenhouse conditions, were subject of -in soil- treatments with two doses of LNPs (C1 = 25 mg L− 1 and C2 = 75 mg L− 1) extracted from pomace. To assess the effects of these treatments, a range of phytochemical and mineral analyses were performed on plant leaves and soil samples. Pomegranate plants of two cultivars (Gabsi and Kalaii) grown under greenhouse conditions, were subject of -in soil- treatments with two doses of LNPs (C1 = 25 mg L− 1 and C2 = 75 mg L− 1) extracted from pomace. To assess the effects of these treatments, a range of phytochemical and mineral analyses were performed on plant leaves and soil samples. the outcomes of this study showed that LNPs, enhanced dry matter content, relative water content (RWC), Phi2, photosynthetic pigment, total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH), and mineral contents; phosphorus, potassium, calcium and zinc (P, K, Ca and Zn) for both cultivars. However, LNPs application reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents in leaf tissues. Both treatments increased soil organic matter and enzymatic activities by fostering beneficial microorganisms. Our findings suggested the beneficial impact of LNPs application on pomegranate tree agro-physiological responses, by acting as biostimulant and biofertilizer. Those beneficial actions deserve more attention for the up-coming researches to introduce LNPs for a greener agriculture.
Graphical Abstract