Partial Substitution of Chemical Fertilizers with Compost and Natural Biostimulants Enhances Productivity and Seed Quality in Pisum sativum | ||
| Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Sustainable Development | ||
| Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2025, Pages 612-632 PDF (1.06 M) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/jassd.2025.406049.1072 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Reham M El-Saied* ; Basma R.A. Rashwan | ||
| Soils, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Partial substitution of chemical NPK fertilizers with compost along with the foliar application of natural biostimulants as humic acid (HA) and licorice root extract (LRE), offers a promising strategy to improve pea (Pisum sativum L.) productivity while enhancing soil features as an effective approach to sustainable crop production. Over two consecutive winter seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025), field plots received either 100% NPK or a 25% reduction in NPK supplemented with compost alone or combined with HA and/or LRE. The 75% NPK + compost + HA + LRE treatment increased chlorophyll a and b up to 30%, and green pod yield by 9.06% and 6.44% relative to the full NPK control. Seed mineral NPK content and quality parameters, including total carbohydrates, soluble sugars, and crude fiber, were significantly enhanced, while phytic acid levels declined. Post-harvest soil analyses revealed residual gains in available N, P, K, and organic matter up to 10.83%. A comprehensive correlation study demonstrated strong positive associations among soil nutrient availability, leaf pigment concentrations, vegetative growth, yield components, and seed quality traits (r > 0.85), whereas phytic acid exhibited consistent negative correlations (r ≈ –0.60). These findings support a mechanistic cascade whereby improved soil fertility and natural biostimulant-mediated nutrient uptake boost photosynthetic capacity, drive biomass accumulation, and yield gains, simultaneously seed nutritional value. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Pisum sativum L; compost; humic acid; licorice root extract; sustainable nutrient management; crop yield; correlation analysis | ||
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