Synergistic effect of organic amendments and biostimulants on faba bean grown under sandy soil conditions

Abstract

A combination of abiotic stresses in sandy soils, such as saline water, saline soil, and lack of nutrients, affects productivity of faba bean. In this study, organic amendments and biostimulants (VIUSID ® agro) were used in combination to increase yield of faba bean seed as well as the protein content under a sandy soil and irrigation affected by salt water. Two field experiments were carried out during two successive winter seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. A split-split-plot design in a randomized complete block was used. The main plots were allotted to the organic amendments, rates of biostimulants (VIUSID ® agro) were assigned to sub-plot, and the cultivars were applied to sub-sub-plot. The results showed that the treatment of plant compost applied as an organic amendment and 1.5 L ha -1 of biostimulants (VIUSID ® agro) with foliar application significantly increased seed yield of cultivars, Sakha-4, Sakha-1, and Giza-843 by 17.2, 33.0, and 19.8 % respectively, compared to control under a sandy soil and irrigation water affected by salts. The interaction between Sakha-1 cultivar, plant compost, and 1.5 L ha -1 of biostimulants (VIUSID ® agro) achieved the optimal combination, providing the highest grain yield, as compared to all other treatments. The combination of these treatments is recommended in order to improve faba bean productivity under similar conditions.