Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Through the Application of Olive Pomace Compost
by
Mohammed Bouhadi, Qaiser Javed, Tvrtko Karlo Kovačević, Nikola Major, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Dean Ban, David Heath and Marko Černe
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10309; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910309 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2025
Abstract
Drought stress, a major abiotic factor, significantly threatens global agricultural productivity and food security. This study evaluated the potential of olive pomace compost to alleviate water stress in barley (
Hordeum vulgare L.). A pot experiment compared well-watered (80% FC) and drought-stressed plants
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Drought stress, a major abiotic factor, significantly threatens global agricultural productivity and food security. This study evaluated the potential of olive pomace compost to alleviate water stress in barley (
Hordeum vulgare L.). A pot experiment compared well-watered (80% FC) and drought-stressed plants (40% FC), with compost applied at recommended (40 tons/ha) and double doses (80 tons/ha). Water stress reduced growth (fresh (−28.6%) and dry biomass, (−49.9%) shoot length (−20.45%)), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a (−16.9%), chlorophyll b, (−52.16%) and carotenoids (−24.67%)), and water content, while impairing water relations, as shown by lower relative water content and higher water saturation deficit and consumption. Drought-stressed plants also exhibited elevated oxidative stress, indicated by increased malondialdehyde levels (+68.42%), and a modulated antioxidant defense system, with higher DPPH inhibition (+12.30%), with total phenolic content increasing by 220.70% and FRAP and ORAC values increasing by 55.18% and 37.44%, respectively. The application of olive pomace compost effectively mitigated these adverse effects, resulting in improved growth (ranging from 30% to 66%), pigment content (especially with double dose), and water relations; a lowering of oxidative stress (−37.5%); and moderation of the antioxidant response, indicating a reduced overall stress burden. The study findings show that olive pomace compost provides a sustainable and cost-effective strategy for improving crop resilience in water-scarce regions. By using this abundant agricultural waste, farmers can enhance soil health and maintain food security in the face of climate change.
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