Evaluating the Impact of Phosphorus and Solid Oxygen Fertilization on Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): A Two-Year Field Study

Abstract

The snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is highly sensitive to both phosphorus (P) deficiency and hypoxic stress, which together can significantly hinder plant growth, nutrient uptake, and yield; however, limited information exists on the effect of P and oxygen (O2) fertilization to alleviate these stresses and enhance yield. A two-year field experiment assessed the effects of P and O2 fertilization on plant growth, pod yield, and P uptake in acidic sandy soil. Using a randomized complete block design with four replications, we tested five P rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 179 kg ha−1 of phosphorus pentoxide, P2O5) in the form of triple superphosphate (TSP) along with two rates (0 and 45 kg ha−1) of solid O2 fertilizer as calcium peroxide (CaO2). Phosphorus and O2 fertilizers improved plant growth and pod yield, with the highest yield from the combination of 135 kg ha−1 P2O5 and 45 kg ha−1 CaO2. Pearson correlation analysis indicated strong associations between plant growth, pod yield, and nutrient accumulation. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted notable seasonal differences in snap bean and soil characteristics. This study provides essential insights into the use of O2 fertilizers as a cost-effective approach to mitigate hypoxia, enhance P use efficiency, and improve yield in snap bean. Our findings may inspire the development of sustainable nutrient protocols for high-quality snap bean production and serve as a foundation for similar applications in other crops.