Synergistic Effects of Silicon and Bio fertilizers on Growth and Water Stress Tolerance of Faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Abstract
Elkaramany M. F, Saied ElSayed, Doaa M. AbouBasha, Hanan H. Abdel-Kader and Hanan H. Abdel-Kader*
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar application of silicon (Si) in improving growth, yield, and chemical composition of faba bean plants grown under sufficient and deficit irrigation conditions, with or without bio fertilizer application in sandy soils.
Methods: A field experiment was conducted at the National Research Centre experimental station, Nubaria District, Behira Governorate, Egypt, during two consecutive winter seasons (2023/2024). Silicon was applied as a foliar spray at rates of (0, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) under sufficient and deficit irrigation regimes, combined with bio fertilizer treatments. The experiment followed a split-block design arranged factorial. Growth traits, physiological parameters, yield components, and macro- and micronutrient contents were assessed.
Results: Silicon application significantly affected all studied parameters. The 75 ppm Si treatment achieved the highest chlorophyll content (SPAD), total water status (TWS %), and relative water content (RWC %). However, 100 ppm Si produced the greatest improvements in vegetative growth, seed yield, and nutrient accumulation (N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) in roots, shoots, and seeds. Sufficient irrigation significantly enhanced plant performance compared with deficit irrigation. The interaction between 100 ppm Si and sufficient irrigation resulted in maximum values for most traits, while the combined application of 100 ppm Si, sufficient irrigation, and bio fertilizer produced the highest fresh and dry biomass as well as seed protein content.
Conclusion: Foliar application of 100 ppm silicon integrated with adequate irrigation and bio fertilizer represents an effective strategy for improving faba bean productivity and nutritional quality under sandy soil conditions.