Solid-state fermentation of green waste for the production of biostimulants to enhance lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivation under water stress: Closing the organic waste cycle

Food production faces important challenges such as water scarcity and the overall need of novel sustainable strategies. This study assesses the effect of the biostimulant produced through solid-state fermentation (SSF) of green waste (wood chips and grass residues) inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum with and without l-tryptophan as a precursor for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, a well-known plant hormone. The fermented solid demonstrated significant positive effects on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under different irrigation conditions. Substantial enhancements were observed in growth parameters such as fresh weight, plant height, leaf area and leaf quantity, along with chemical parameters including total phenol content, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity (DPPH). The results also showed a positive impact on the nutritional quality of lettuce, particularly under normal irrigation conditions. In conclusion, this study highlights the biostimulant potential to improve the yield and nutritional quality of lettuce crops by reusing plant residues. Additionally, it poses the relevance of applying circular economy principles in sustainable agriculture and organic waste management.