Effects of Trichoderma harzianum on the Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Three Turfgrass Species Grown on Eco-Concrete

This study investigated the effects of Trichoderma harzianum inoculation on the growth, physiological responses, and soil nutrient uptake of three turfgrass species cultivated on eco-concrete—Axonopus compressus (Sw.) Beauv., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., and Zoysia sinica Hance. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to evaluate plant growth, physiological responses, and soil metrics under cement stress, incorporating T. harzianum inoculation (inoculated vs. control) and substrate composition (eco-concrete vs. pastoral soil). Our results indicate that inoculation with Trichoderma harzianum significantly enhanced the growth potential of the three turfgrass species compared to uninoculated controls. Furthermore, under cement stress conditions in vegetated concrete, inoculation with T. harzianum significantly alleviated the inhibition of growth and development. More specifically, in the vegetated concrete habitat, inoculated plants exhibited significantly increased root length and surface area. This enhancement promoted the uptake of available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) from the soil. Concurrently, inoculated plants showed higher leaf epidermal cell density, stomatal width, soluble sugar content, and antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, POD, CAT, and APX). Additionally, significant reductions were observed in root activity, relative conductivity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents. In conclusion, T. harzianum inoculation promotes the growth of the three turfgrass species under cement stress, likely by enhancing root development, increasing osmoregulatory substance accumulation, and elevating antioxidant enzyme activities.