Effect of Microalgae Application on Yield and Nutrient Composition of Arugula Sam Pratt1*, Shivani Kathi1, Steve Phillips2, and Justin Moss1 1Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078 2Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078 *Presenting author- Samatha.pratt@okstate.edu Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) has been used as a biofertilizer in horticultural crop production in controlled environment production systems. However, research gaps exist in the application of chlorella biofertilizer in field-based production systems. The goal of this research is to assess the impact of microalgae biofertilizers on crop productivity and nutritional quality of arugula grown in open-field using certified naturally grown production practices. To understand the impact of microalgae biofertilizer on soil nutrient and organic matter content, soil testing was done before and after treatment. Treatments included 50% and 100% nitrogen fertilizer and chlorella applied through foliar, soil and foliar soil application. Chlorella application began a week after transplanting. Data was collected on number of leaves per throughout the study and fresh and dry weight at harvest. Plant samples were analyzed for nutrient composition of leafy greens (chlorophyll, carotenoids, and mineral nutrients composition). Results show that soil applied chlorella was more effective application method regarding the overall impact on yield. Continued research on the addition of Chlorella in crop production can offer additional nitrogen sources for low chemical input and organic based production systems.
