Potassium application methods and natural extracts influence yield components and biochemical traits in Faba bean genotypes

Abstract

This study investigated the interactive effects of potassium application methods (foliar and soil) and natural extracts (yeast, algae, and molasses) on yield components and biochemical characteristics of three faba bean genotypes (Giza-716, Nubaria-4, and Nubaria-5). Field experiments were conducted over two consecutive growing seasons (2022/2023 and 2023/2024) using a split-plot design with four replicates. Results demonstrated significant effects of both fertilizer treatments and cultivar selection on most measured parameters, except for 100-seed weight. Molasses and foliar potassium applications significantly enhanced phosphorus content, seed yield, and yield components, while yeast and algae extract primarily improved nitrogen content. Among genotypes, Giza-716 consistently exhibited superior performance across most measured traits compared to the controls. The Giza-716/molasses treatment combination proved most effective for enhancing most studied traits across both seasons, with specific exceptions: Giza-716 with foliar potassium application maximized seed number per plant in the second season, while Nobaria5 with yeast extract optimized nitrogen content. For protein content enhancement, all three cultivars responded favorably to either yeast or algae extracts. Our findings suggest that combining potassium application with Giza-716 cultivation offers a promising approach for enhancing biochemical traits, seed yield, and yield components in faba bean production systems. Molasses and foliar potassium application proved particularly effective for most parameters evaluated.