Soil Organic Carbon Fraction Dynamics and Morphological Responses of Allium Species under Chlorella vulgaris Application

This study investigated the impact of Chlorella vulgaris on the soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions and morphology of leek (Allium porrum L.), onion (Allium cepa), and garlic (Allium sativum). The experimental design followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications in a Greenhouse condition. Morphological parameters, including plant height, fresh and dry weight of the plant, root length, and fresh and dry weight of the root, were determined and evaluated using t-tests. No statistically significant difference was seen between the leeks treated with C. vulgaris and the control plants. Nonetheless, the leek plants subjected to C. vulgaris consistently exhibited superior mean values across all evaluated parameters. This indicated a favorable growth tendency; yet it lacked statistical significance. Onion plants and their roots showed distinct differences in fresh and dry weight. The control treatment produced more biomass than the C. vulgaris treatment, but other morphological traits remained unchanged. In garlic, the application of C. vulgaris significantly increased root length, indicating accelerated root development, while other morphological parameters remained unchanged. Soil carbon fractions responded more significantly to C. vulgaris application compared to plant morphology. Chlorella increased passive carbon (PC) levels and total SOC in leek soils by 37% and 33.7%, respectively. The soil with onions had the most significant response. They had a substantial increase in active carbon (AC), PC, and total SOC, and a decrease in intermediate carbon (IC). Chlorella treatment also caused significant rises in PC and SOC in garlic soils. The results indicated that Chlorella significantly influences soil carbon stability more than short-term plant growth, suggesting its potential to enhance soil carbon storage and improve long-term soil health.