Microalgal liquid biofertilizer and biostimulant effect on green gram (Vigna radiata L) an experimental cultivation

Microalgae-based biofertilizers have been proven to be very successful and an alternate source for agricultural sectors in reducing the usage of harmful chemical fertilizers. Focusing on this, liquid biofertilizer extracts of Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis are used to improve the growth of green gram Vigna radiata (L.). The microalgal extracts of Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis showed maximum chemical composition and elemental contents. Growth parameters of shoot, root length, and weight of green gram ( Vigna radiata ) at flowering stage were found to be at a higher level with treatments I and II. Similarly, maximum number of fresh weights of root nodules, plant heights, plant branches, plant leaves, and leaf area index were recorded as 100% with treatment I of Chlorella vulgaris and treatment II of Spirulina platensis in treated plants. The leaf chemical composition such as N, P, and K, total carbohydrates, Indole, and phenol evidenced with good results in plants treated with Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis. The soil characterisstics such as pH, EC (ds/m), Ca ++ , Na + , Mg ++ , K + , CO − 3 , Cl − , HCO − 3 , and So 4 and physical characteristics of green gram including water absorption index, water solubility index, water absorption, and oil absorption were observed in superior level in microalgae-treated plants. The proximate composition and mineral composition of green gram seed flour were also recorded to be higher with Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis treatments. The antinutritional factors and phytohaemagglutinating activities of green gram were also found to be higher in microalgal-treated plants. Thus, the implications of Chlorella vulgaris as well as Spirulina platensis were proven to be pros of liquid biofertilizers in the production of green gram. Graphical abstract Experimental cultivation of green gram field trials