Effect of triple superphosphate and leonardite application on the correlation between selected soil properties and yield of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 PhD student in Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran

2 Professor of Plant Ecophysiology Department, Field of Crop Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

3 CEO of Qizil Topraq Sahand Company, Maragheh, Iran

10.22069/ejsms.2026.23441.2187

Abstract

Background and Objective: One of the key factors in improving crop management is evaluating the processes of yield formation and the plant nutrition system. The amount of soil organic matter, the activity of soil organisms, and the availability of essential elements are all considered influential in determining crop yield. This study aimed to assess the impact of different levels and combinations of leonardite (a rich source of humic acid) and triple superphosphate on the yield of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). The ultimate goal was to reduce or replace the use of phosphorus fertilizers with leonardite to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce input costs, and enhance crop productivity.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted during the 2021–2022 growing season using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a clay loam soil cultivated with safflower in the Parchin region of Ardabil Province, Iran. The study included nine treatments: control (no fertilizer), 100 kg/ha triple superphosphate (P100), 50 kg/ha triple superphosphate (P50), 200 kg/ha leonardite (H200), 100 kg/ha leonardite (H100), 50 kg/ha triple superphosphate + 100 kg/ha leonardite (P50H100), 25 kg/ha triple superphosphate + 150 kg/ha leonardite (P25H150), 75 kg/ha triple superphosphate + 50 kg/ha leonardite (P75H50), and 25 kg/ha triple superphosphate + 50 kg/ha leonardite (P25H50). Measured parameters included microbial population indices in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil, microbial R/S ratio, soil nitrogen content, C/N ratio, pH, grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index of safflower. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and correlations between soil and plant traits were also evaluated.
Results: The H200 treatment resulted in the highest percentage of soil organic carbon, while the P25H150 treatment had the highest soil nitrogen content. Treatments P25H150 and H200 showed the lowest soil C/N ratio, and P25H150 exhibited the highest rhizosphere microbial population and microbial R/S ratio. The P50H100 treatment produced the highest grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index. A significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) was observed between grain and biological yield of safflower and both rhizosphere microbial population and microbial R/S ratio. Conversely, grain and biological yield were negatively and significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with the soil C/N ratio and pH.
Conclusion: Among the treatments applied in this study, H200 and P25H150 had the most substantial effects on soil-related traits, while P25H150, P50H100, and H200 showed the most significant improvements in safflower yield indicators. The results demonstrate that leonardite, as a rich source of humic acid, can effectively enhance phosphorus use efficiency and thereby reduce the need for triple superphosphate fertilizer. For achieving optimal safflower yield while preserving soil health and supporting sustainable production, integrated treatments of leonardite with triple superphosphate—particularly P25H150 and P50H100—are recommended.

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Main Subjects

References

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