Lactuca sativa L. Responses to Aquaculture Sediment Application

For the sustainable use of resources, the possibility of using aquaculture bottom sediments, rich in nutrients and organic matter, in crop production is being studied and discussed. This study aimed to evaluate the potential for the utilization and application of sediments from fish farms by assessing its effects on plant physiological traits. In a 40-day pot experiment, Lactuca sativa L. plants were grown on peat soil with the addition of sediments in the ratios of 0 : 1, 1 : 10, 1 : 7, 1 : 5 (sediment : soil). Aquaculture sediment application could increase leaves area, carotenoid content, mass-based CO2 assimilation rate, O2 consumption during leaf respiration, as well as activate alternative respiratory partway. Furthermore, sediments could lead to a decrease in root dry mass accumulation, leaf mass per unit area, chlorophyll-to-carotenoid ratio, and malondialdehyde, soluble sugars, and starch content in plant leaves. The study demonstrated the ability to maintain optimal physiological processes in plants under fish sediment application. Therefore, this agricultural practice can serve as a partial replacement for fertilizers, ensuring sediment utilization and nutrient recycling.