Effect of biostimulants on soil characteristics, plant growth and yield of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) under field conditions

Abstract

Because of the safe use of biostimulants as they are eco-friendly and modern technique for substituting chemical fertilizers which have negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of two biostimulants, Spirulina platensis and Trifolium alexandrinum on soil properties, growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum L.) grown under silty clay soil conditions. The field experiment was carried out during the winter season by applying each fertilizer to the cultivated soil at 3 concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10 g) either singly or in combination, forming 15 treatments in addition to control. It was found that the vegetative growth parameters as well as, yield components were significantly increased by two fertilizers applied singly or in combination. In comparison with control, the highest concentration of combined treatment (10 g) significantly increased shoot length, number of leaves, leaf area and number of branches by 145, 200, 300 and 100 % respectively. Furthermore, the combined treatment (10 g) showed the highest values of the number of pods (8), pod length (12 cm), no. of seeds (13) and dry weight of seeds (21.5 g), compared to control. Biostimulants boosted the plant growth and yield by enhancing the estimated parameters. Also, the physicochemical properties and mineral status of soil were improved after the application of the biostimulants. The current study indicates that the single and combined treatments of Spirulina platensis and Trifolium alexandrinum may potentially increase soil fertility and enhance the growth and yield of pea.