Calcium amendment based on the shells of Amiantis umbonella: Elaboration, characterization and its use in planta in the cultivation of Vicia faba L.

Abstract

This study aims to formulate calcium amendments from the shells of Amiantis umbonella and to evaluate their effectiveness in the cultivation of Vicia faba L. The physicochemical properties of these amendments were analyzed using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray diffraction (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The growth parameters of the plant (length of the aerial part and yield) as well as its nutritional characteristics (chlorophyll content, proteins, lipids and sugars) were rigorously monitored. The results indicate that the calcium amendments developed can be used at concentrations between 5% and 10% while maintaining optimal yield without altering nutritional quality. This study highlights the potential of calcium amendments from Amiantis umbonella shells to improve the cultivation of Vicia faba L., thus paving the way for more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices