ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Biogas Slurry Application to Enhance Spinach
(Spinacia oleracea L.) Growth and Improve
Polluted Soil Properties
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1
Agricultural Biotechnology Department, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University,
Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
2
Agricultural Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
3
Department of Arid Land Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University,
Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
4
Pests and Plant Diseases Unit, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University,
Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
5
Soil Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, 12619, Egypt
6
Department of Environment and Agricultural Natural Resources, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences,
King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Submission date: 2025-02-24
Final revision date: 2025-04-08
Acceptance date: 2025-04-19
Online publication date: 2025-05-22
Corresponding author
Hossam S. El-Beltagi
Agricultural Biotechnology Department, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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ABSTRACT
Biogas slurry contains high levels of organic matter and essential nutrients, which enhance soil
fertility and structure. Although it can reduce the uptake of heavy metals by plants, improper application
may result in soil contamination. This research evaluated the effects of applying semi-solid biogas
slurry (SSBS) at 72 or 96 m3/ha, either on its own or combined with a foliar spray of liquid biogas slurry
(LBS) at 48 L/ha or a recommended NPK fertilizer on spinach growth. Results showed that all SSBS
treatments, whether individually or combined with NPK or LBS, improved growth traits such as plant
height and total leaf area. They also increased chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, b, and total), vitamin
C, total phenolic compounds in leaves, and concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and
zinc, along with enhanced nitrate reductase activity. Furthermore, these treatments boosted leafy yield
and lowered levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nitrate, and oxalate content in spinach leaves. The most
pronounced positive effects on growth and physiological-biochemical parameters occurred when SSBS was applied at 96 m3/ha along with either the recommended NPK dose or LBS. These findings indicate
that biogas slurry could serve as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers in agriculture.