Effect of phosphorus fertilization and humic acid on the growth, yield and nutritional status of pea plants grown in sandy soil

Abstract

Two field experiments were carried out in consecutive winter season of 2022 and 2023 at the Research and Production Station of the National Research Centre at the Nubaria site in Beheira Governorate, Egypt, to determine the response of pea (Pisum sativum L.) to foliar application of humic acid and phosphorus fertilization on growth, yield parametres and nutrients content of pea plant. Phosphate fertilization rates (0, 36, 72 and 108 P₂O₅ kg ha^-1) were used as the main factor, while humic acid concentrations (0, 1000 and 2000 mg l^-1) were used as a second factor. The results showed significant growth and yield responses to phosphate fertilizer application and humic acid spraying. Increasing the application rate of humic acid at various concentrations and at the same time increasing the application rate of phosphorus fertilizer affected the growth and yield of pea in two consecutive growing seasons. The experimental treatment (humic acid at 2000 mgl^-1 + 108 Kg P₂O₅ ha^-1of phosphorus fertilizer) was given the highest values for the pea growth and yield coordinates.  Increasing the concentration of humic acid spraying led to a raise in the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of pea seeds. The research results summarize the importance of paying attention to phosphorus fertilization, and spraying plants with humic acid during plant growth can increase the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilization and its effect on pea plants growing on sandy soils.