Organic farming innovations: Cultivation of wheatgrass microgreens in soil enriched with fruit peels and antimicrobial assessment

Objective

This study explores the viability of fruit peel-enriched soils as a sustainable growth medium, acting as a biofertilizer for wheatgrass microgreens. Additionally, the research seeks to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of fruit peels, typically considered agricultural waste, to determine their influence on plant growth parameters.

Methods

Fruit peels from pomegranate, orange, and sweet lime were collected and processed into powder, and diluted with water to create enriched soil. Wheatgrass microgreens were cultivated in conventional potting soil and soil enriched with fruit peel powder. Growth parameters, including germination rates, shoot and root length, and total yield of wheatgrass microgreens, were monitored over a 15-day growth cycle. Antimicrobial analysis was conducted on selected fruit peels, assessing their impact on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to a control (Rifampicin).

Results

The results, analyzed through ANOVA and Tukey (post hoc) tests, indicate significant differences among fruit peel-enriched soils. Pomegranate peel emerged as a particularly effective enhancer of wheatgrass microgreen growth. Furthermore, the antimicrobial analysis revealed that pomegranate and sweet lime peels exhibited superior properties, with a notable zone of inhibition effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to the control (Rifampicin).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential of fruit peels as effective biofertilizers to promote wheatgrass microgreen growth in sustainable agricultural practices. The multifaceted benefits include enhanced crop development and the discovery of natural antimicrobial agents, particularly in pomegranate and sweet lime peels. These findings support the broader adoption of environmentally conscious approaches in agriculture, emphasizing the value of utilizing agricultural waste for plant growth promotion and the development of natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents.