Evaluation of biostimulants and organic foliar fertilizers in sustainable landscape management

Abstract

This dissertation presents a comprehensive approach to sustainable landscape management by integrating a professional landscape design and installation project with a targeted physiological study on plant biostimulants. The project, centered at the USAID Sustainable Agriculture Labs at Perrotis College, aimed to transform a new, empty space into a resilient Mediterranean garden despite significant challenges, including severe soil compaction and the use of poor-quality excavated subsoil. The landscaping plan was developed using advanced tools such as Rhinoceros 7, Lands Design, and GIS software, prioritizing species like Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula dentata, and Tulbaghia violacea for their drought resistance and environmental benefits. The installation included mechanical subsoiling to break compaction, manual planting with composted manure and attapulgite, and the setup of a smart irrigation system. Concurrent with the landscape establishment, an experimental trial evaluated four treatments—Microflora Starter, YieldON, PRIME Bio CE, and a Control—to assess their impact on plant development and ecosystem services. Statistical analysis using JMP 19 and ImageJ digital phenotyping revealed distinct functional "winners": Microflora Starter was superior for the vegetative expansion of Rosemary (2795.3cm2) and achieved a critical 4.0C leaf temperature reduction in Lavender, directly mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. YieldON significantly accelerated canopy coverage in Society Garlic (1710.5cm2), while PRIME Bio CE acted as a powerful reproductive primer, increasing floral production by 360%. By demonstrating that these treatments promote dense, resilient plant architecture without unstable vertical elongation, the study provides a precision protocol for modern landscaping projects. These results suggest that tailored biostimulant application can maximize the environmental, aesthetic, and social returns of sustainable urban greening initiatives.