Efficiency of different potassium sources, and soil bio-fertilizers for growth, productivity, and biochemical constituents of Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.)

Abstract

An experimental field was carried out to study the effect of soil bio-fertilizers (biochar and vermicompost) and foliar application of some potassium sources (K-nano, K-nitrate, K-sulfate, K-chloride, K-humate, and K-silicate) on the growth, flowering, bulbs production, leaf minerals content, and some bulb active ingredients of Narcissus tazetta L. cv. cheerfulness bulbs, during two successive seasons (2019–2020 and 2020–2021). The results showed that foliar application of different potassium sources and soil treated by bio-fertilizers significantly affected growth, flowering, and bulb production compared to control. The highest values of vegetative growth, flowers, and bulbs quality (plants height, large leaves, leaves number/ plant, leaves fresh and dry weights, vase life, bulbs yield, and root length), as well as total chlorophylls, carbohydrates content of leaves, and mineral content of bulbs were obtained when plants sprayed by K-nano or K-humate and soil treated by vermicompost. Also, the higher values of active ingredients in bulbs, especially total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were recorded when plants were sprayed with K-chloride. So, it can be concluded that foliar application of K-nano or K-humate and soil treated by vermicompost can be used as a partial substitution of the recommended soil amended for increasing nutrient uptake and thus stimulating growth, flowering, and bulbs yield of N. tazetta. In addition, vermicompost combined with K-nano or K-humate can be used to enhance the agronomic performance and bestow resilience and sustainability to plant production by sustaining soil biological activity and it is recommended as eco-friendly management in sustainable agriculture.