This research shows how combining beneficial soil fungi with an eco-friendly mulching technique can significantly improve lettuce-like vegetable growth. The study found that when these two approaches are used together, plants grow better by more efficiently using nutrients and maintaining optimal hormone levels. This has important real-world implications: • Provides farmers with a sustainable way to increase crop yields without relying on chemical fertilizers • Helps reduce agricultural plastic waste by using biodegradable mulching materials • Demonstrates how natural biological partnerships can improve food production • Offers solutions for growing food more efficiently in Mediterranean climates • Shows potential for reducing water usage in agriculture while maintaining crop productivity