Partial Substitution of Chemical Fertilizers with Compost and Natural Biostimulants Enhances Productivity and Seed Quality in Pisum sativum

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Soils, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt

10.21608/jassd.2025.406049.1072

Abstract

Partial substitution of chemical NPK fertilizers with compost along with the foliar application of natural biostimulants as humic acid (HA) and licorice root extract (LRE), offers a promising strategy to improve pea (Pisum sativum L.) productivity while enhancing soil features as an effective approach to sustainable crop production. Over two consecutive winter seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025), field plots received either 100% NPK or a 25% reduction in NPK supplemented with compost alone or combined with HA and/or LRE. The 75% NPK + compost + HA + LRE treatment increased chlorophyll a and b up to 30%, and green pod yield by 9.06% and 6.44% relative to the full NPK control. Seed mineral NPK content and quality parameters, including total carbohydrates, soluble sugars, and crude fiber, were significantly enhanced, while phytic acid levels declined. Post-harvest soil analyses revealed residual gains in available N, P, K, and organic matter up to 10.83%. A comprehensive correlation study demonstrated strong positive associations among soil nutrient availability, leaf pigment concentrations, vegetative growth, yield components, and seed quality traits (r > 0.85), whereas phytic acid exhibited consistent negative correlations (r ≈ –0.60). These findings support a mechanistic cascade whereby improved soil fertility and natural biostimulant-mediated nutrient uptake boost photosynthetic capacity, drive biomass accumulation, and yield gains, simultaneously  seed nutritional value.

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