Investigating the Effect of Humic Acid and Potassium Silicate Fertilizers on Growth Indicators, Yield and Essential Oil of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

M. H. Aminifard ¹

L. Asdollaei ²

H. Bayat ²

¹ 1- Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran 2- Regional Plant Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran

² Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jhs.2025.93814.1433

Abstract

Introduction
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of the most important domestic herbs in Iran and is one of the earliest spices used by humans. Due to its characteristics such as short growing season, low water requirement, non-interruption of growth season with other agricultural products as well as high economic justification for other crops and export, it has found a special place in arid and semi-arid areas. Organic and chemical fertilizers are necessary for each other and both types of fertilizers are needed to create favorable conditions to improve quantitative and qualitative traits. Overuse of chemical fertilizers has caused several problems in agriculture including changes in the soil structure, contamination of underground waters, and heavy metal toxicity. Agricultural scientists suggest replacing chemical fertilizers with organic products to reduce negative effects on the environment and soil properties. In recent years, neglecting the importance of organic matters to improve soil fertility has led to an increase in chemical fertilizer use in Iran. Organic matter, due to its positive effects on soil, is identified as one of the important pillars of soil productivity. However, more than 60 percent of agricultural soils in Iran contain less than one percent of organic matter. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of humic acid and potassium silicate on morphology parameters and the essential oil yield of cumin.

Materials and Methods
In order to investigate the effect of humic acid and potassium silicate on the growth and yield of Birjand cumin, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with replication in the research field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University in 2023. The first factor included humic acid at three levels (0, 5, and 10 kg.ha^-1) and the second factor was potassium silicate at three levels (0, 2, and 4 per thousand). Humic acid fertilizer was applied with irrigation water at the three-leaf stage, tillering and after fruit formation of cumin. Potassium silicate fertilizer was applied as a foliar spray at the three-leaf stage, tillering and after fruit formation of cumin. After the crop ripened, the plant height, number of lateral shoots per plant, number of umbels per plant, number of umbels per umbel, number of seeds per umbel, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, percentage and yield of essential oil were measured.

Results and Discussion
The results of variance analysis showed that the use of potassium silicate and humic acid had a significant effect on the vegetative (plant height, number of lateral shoots), reproductive (number of umbels per plant, number of umbels per umbel, number of seeds per umbel, 1000 weight seed and seed yield) and essential oil characteristics of cumin, such that the highest plant height (15.27 cm) and the number of lateral shoots (3.77) were obtained from the use of 2 per thousand potassium silicate and the highest fresh and dry plant weight was obtained from the use of 4 per thousand potassium silicate. The results of the interaction of treatments showed that the highest 1000-seed weight, seed yield and essential oil yield were obtained from the use of 4 per thousand potassium silicate and 10 kg.ha^-1 humic acid, and the highest plant height, number of umbels and number of seeds per umbel were obtained from the use of 2 per thousand potassium silicate and 5 kg.ha^-1 humic acid.

Conclusion
In general, the results indicated a positive effect of potassium silicate and humic acid on cumin yield and yield components. Therefore, according to the findings of this study, it seems that simultaneous use of potassium silicate (4 per thousand) and humic acid (10 kg.ha^-1) can be used to improve the seed yield and essential oil of cumin.

Keywords

Chemical fertilizer

Medicinal plant

Organic fertilizer

Silica

Subjects

• Medicinal Plants

---

Authors retain the copyright. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

 

References

1.       AbdAllah, A. M., Mohamed, T. S., Mohamed, M. S., & Noreldin, T. (2021). Alleviation of water deficiency effect by application of potassium silicate to faba bean intercropped with sugar beet in sandy soil. Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research, 48(1), 1-18.

2.       Abdel-Latif, A. A., Ibrahim, N. M., & Ismail, S. A. (2019). Effect of foliar application of potassium silicate and some postharvest treatments on growth, productivity and storability of Garlic. Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 27(1), 761-773.

3.       Abdel-Mawgoud, A. M. R., EL-Greudy, N. H. M., Helmy, Y. I., & Singer, S. M. (2007). Responses of tomato plants different rates of humic based fertilizer and NPK fertilization. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 3, 169-174.

4.       Abou-Baker, N. H., Abd-Eladl, M., & Abbas, M. M. (2011). Use of silicate and different cultivation practices in alleviating salt stress effect on bean plants. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(9), 769-781.

5.       Agarie, S., Hanaoka, N., Ueno, O., Miyazaki, A., Kubota, F., Agata, W., & Kaufman, P. B. (1998). Effects of silicon on tolerance to water deficit and heat stress in rice plants (Oryza sativa L.), monitored by electrolyte leakage. Plant Production Science, 1(2), 96-103. https://doi.org/10.1626/pps.1.96

6.     Ahmad, M., El-Saeid, M. H., Akram, M. A., Ahmad, H. R., Haroon, H., & Hussain, A. (2016). Silicon fertilization–a tool to boost up drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop for better yield. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 39(9), 1283-1291. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2015.1105262

7.       Aiyafar, S., Poudineh, H. M., & Forouzandeh, M. (2015). Effect of humic acid on qualitative and quantitative characteristics and essential oil of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under water deficit stress. DAV International Journal of Science, 4(2), 90-102.

8.       Akbarinia, A., Ghalavand, A., Sefidkan, F., Rezaei, M. B., & Sharifi Ashourabadi, A. (2004). Study on the effect of different rates of chemical fertilizer, manure and mixure of them on seed yield and main, compositions of essential oil of ajowan (Trachyspermum copticum). Pajouhesh & Sazandegi, 61(1), 32-41.

9.       Alavi Asl, S. A., Majidian, M., Modares Sanavy, S. A. M., & Esfahani, M. (2023). Effect of wood vinegar and humic acid on morphological and biochemical traits, antioxidant enzymes, and essential oil of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) under water deficit stress conditions. Iranian Journal of Field Crop Science, 54(3), 163-176. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22059/IJFCS.2023.356625.654990

10.    Al-Taai, S. H. H. (2021). The effect of fertilizer uses on environmental pollution: A review. Review of International Geographical Education Online, 11(5), 3620-3529.

11.    Amtmann, A., Hammond, J. P., Armengaud, P., & White P. J. (2006). Nutrient sensing and signalling in plants: potassium and phosphorus. Advances in Botanical Research, 43, 209-257. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2296(05)43005-0

12.    Ariafar, S., & Forouzandeh, M. (2017). Evaluation of humic acid application on biochemical composition and yield of black cumin under limited irrigation condition. Bulletin de la Société Royale des Sciences de Liège, 86, 13.

13.    Artyszak, A. (2018). Efect of silicon fertilization on crop yield quantity and quality—a literature review in Europe. Plants, 7, 54. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants7030054

14.    Artyszak, A., & Kucin´ska, K. (2016). Silicon nutrition and crop improvement: Recent advances and future perspective. In Silicon in Plants. D. K. Tripathi, V. P. Singh, P. Ahmad, D. K. Chauhan & S. M. Prasad (Eds.). CRC Press: London, UK. New York, NY, USA. pp. 297-319.

15.    Attia, K. E., & Elbohy, N. F. (2019). The influence of spraying with potassium silicate and irrigation with saline water in sandy soil on Calendula officinalis L. The Future Journal of Biology, 2, 39-56.

16.    Ayas, H., & Gulser F. (2005). The effect of sulfur and humic acid on yield components and macronutrient contents of spinach (Spinacia oleracea Var. Spinoza). Journal of Biological Science, 5(6), 801-804. https://doi.org/10.3923/jbs.2005.801.804

17.    Ayyat, A. M., & Abdel-Mola, M. A. M. (2020). Response of Tagetes patula plants to foliar application of potassium silicate and seaweed extract under various irrigation intervals. Scientific Journal of flowers and Ornamental Plants, 7(4), 513-526.

18.    Babarabie, M., Zarei, H., Badeli, S., Danyaei, A., & Ghobadi, F. (2020). Humic acid and folic acid application improve marketable traits of cut tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa). Journal of Plant Physiology and Breeding, 10(1), 85-91. https://doi.org/10.22034/JPPB.2020.12526

19.    Badran, F. S., & Safwat, M. S. (2004). Response of fennel plants to organic manure and bio-fertilizers in replacement of chemical fertilization. Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research, 82, 247.

20.    Barghamadi, K., & Najafi, S. (2015). Effect of different levels of nitroxin and humic acid on quantitative properties and essential oil of ajowan (Carum copticum (L.) C. B. Clarke). Journal of Horticultural Science, 29(3), 321-341. https://doi.org/10.22067/jhorts4.v0i0.22523

21.    Bayanati, M., Mohammad Al‑Tawaha, A. R., Bayanati, M., Rasouli, M., & Asgari Lajayer, B. (2023). Conferring drought and salinity stress tolerance in horticultural crops by Si application. Silicon, 15(14), 5833-5843. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-023-02489-1

22.    Bayati, P., Karimmojeni, H., & Razmjoo, J. (2020). Changes in essential oil yield and fatty acid contents in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) genotypes in response to drought stress. Industrial Crops and Products, 155(1), 112764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112764

23.    Befrozfar, M. R., Habibi, D., Asgharzadeh, A., Sadeghi-Shoae, M., & Tookallo, M. (2013). Vermicompost, plant growth promoting bacteria and humic acid can affect the growth and essence of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Annual Biological Research, 4, 8-12.

24.    Bhatt, J., Kumar, S., Patel, S., & Solanki, R. (2017). Sequence-related am-plified polymorphism (SRAP) markers based genetic diversity analysis of cumin genotypes. Annals of Agrarian Science, 15(4), 434-438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aasci.2017.09.001

25.    Celik, H., Katkat, A. V., Asık, B. B., & Turan, M. A. (2011). Effect of foliar applied humic acid to dry weight and mineral nutrient uptake of maize under calcareous soil conditions. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 42(1), 29-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2011.528490

26.    Chalki, A. B., Shoor, M., Kakhki, S. F. F., & Abedi, B. (2022). Evaluation of potassium silicate applying to reduce adverse effects of salinity on marigold plant (Tagetes erecta L.'nana'). Journal of Plants Ornamental, 12(2), 57-166.

27.    Chen, Y., & Aviad, T. (1990). Effect of humic substances on plant growth. In: P. MacCarthy, C. E. Clapp, R. L. Malcolm & P. R. Bloom (Eds.). Humic Substances in Soil and Crop Sciences: Selected Readings. pp. 161-187. American Society of Agronomy, Inc. Soil Science Society of America, Inc., USA.

28.    Cooke, J., & Leishman, M. R. (2016). Consistent alleviation of abiotic stress with silicon addition: A meta‐analysis. Functional Ecology, 30(8), 1340-1357. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.12713

29. Dar, J. S., Cheema, M. A., Rehmani, M. I. A., Khuhro, S., Rajput, S., Virk, A. L., & Hessini, K. (2021). Potassium fertilization improves growth, yield and seed quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under drought stress at different growth stages. Plos One, 16(9), e0256075. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256075

29.    Delfine, S., Tognetti, R., Desiderio, E., & Alvino, A. (2005). Effect of foliar application of N and humic acids on growth and yield of durum wheat. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 25, 183-191. https://doi.org/10.1051/agro:2005017

30.    El-Banna, H., & Fouda, K. (2018). Effect of mineral, organic, biofertilizers and humic acid on vegetative growth and fruit yield quality of caraway plants (Carum carvi L.). Journal of Soil Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, 9(5), 237-241.

31.    El-Bassiouny, H. S. M., Bakry, B. A., Attia, A. A. E. M., & Abd Allah, M. M. (2014). Physiological role of humic acid and nicotinamide on improving plant growth, yield, and mineral nutrient of wheat (Triticum durum) grown under newly reclaimed sandy soil. Agricultural Sciences, 05, 687-700. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2014.58072

32.    El-Ghamry, A. M., Abdel-Hai, K. M., & Ghoneen, K. M. (2009). Amino and humic acids promote growth, yield and disease resistance of faba bean cultivated in clayey soil. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3(2), 731-739.

33.    El-Leithy, A. S. I., Abdallah, S. A. S., & Ali, M. A. M. (2019). Effect of soil application with nitrogen levels and potassium silicate foliar spray on growth and yield of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.). SINAI Journal of Applied Sciences, 8(2), 185-198.

34.    El-Samie, A., El-Aref, K. A. O., El-Said, M. A. A., & Ahmed, H. A. (2022). Impact of foliar spraying with potassium silicate and planting dates on the productivity and quality of canola plants (Brassica napus L.). Archives of Agriculture Sciences Journal, 5(3), 29-40.

35.    El-Sayed, H. E. A., & El Morsy, A. H. A. (2012). Response of productivity and storability of garlic (Allium sativum L.) to some potassium levels and foliar spray with mepiquat chloride (PIX). International Research Journal of Agriculture Science and Soil Science, 2(7), 298-305.

36.    Eyheraguibel, B., Silvestre, J., & Morard, P. (2008). Effects of humic substances derived from organic waste enhancement on the growth and mineral nutrition of maize. Bioresource Technology, 99(5), 10-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2007.08.082

37.    Farahani, H., Sajedi, N. A., Madani, H., Changizi, M., & Naeini, M. R. (2021). Effect of potassium silicate on water use efficiency, quantitative traits and essential oil yield of damask rose (Rosa damascena Miller) under water deficit stress. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science, 52(1), 171-182. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22059/ijhs.2020.289865.1727

38.    Farouk, S., & Omar, M. M. (2020). Sweet basil growth, physiological and ultrastructural modification, and oxidative defense system under water deficit and silicon forms treatment. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 39(3), 1307-1331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-020-10071-x

39.    Fuentes, M., Baigorri, R., González-Gaitano, G., & García-Mina, J. M. (2018). New methodology to assess the quantity and quality of humic substances in organic materials and commercial products for agriculture. Journal of Soils Sediments, 18, 1389-1399. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-016-1514-2

40.    Gugała, M., Sikorska, A., Zarzecka, K., Kapela, K., & Mystkowska, I. (2017). The effect of sowing method and biostimulators on autumn development and overwintering of winter rape. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Agricultura, 16, 111-120.

41.    Hafez, Y. (2018). Effect of humic acid soil application and foliar spray of some nutrient elements on growth, yield and chemical composition of Lepidium sativum plant. Journal of Productivity and Development, 23(3), 607-625.

42.    Hakim, Y., Khan, A., Shinwari, Z., Kim, D., Waceas, M., Kamran, M., & Junglee, I. (2012). Silicon treatment to rice (Oryza sativa L. cv “Gopumbyeo”) plants during different growth periods and its effects on growth and grain yield. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 44(3), 891-897.

43.    Harper, S. M., kerven, G. L., Edwards, D. G., & Ostatek Boczyski, Z. (2000). Characterizyion on fulvic and humic acids from leavesof eucalyptus comaldulensis and from decomposed hey. Soil Biochemistry, 32, 1331-1336. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-0717(00)00021-3

44.    Hassan, A. A. (2019). Effects of irrigation water salinity and humic acid treatments on caraway plants. Journal of Plant Production, 10(7), 523-528.

45.    Heidari, M., & Khahlil, S. (2014). Effect of humic acid and phosphorus fertilizer on seed and flower yield, photosynthetic pigments and mineral elements concentration in sour tea (Hisbiscus sabdariffa L.). Iranian Journal of Field Crop Science, 45(2), 191-199. (In Persian). https://dor.isc.ac/dor/20.1001.1.20084811.1393.45.2.3.2

46.    Jafari, S., Sattari, R., & Ghavamzadeh, S. (2017). Evaluation of the effect of 50 and 100 mg doses of Cuminum cyminum essential oil on glycemic indices, insulin resistance and serum inflam-matory factors on patients with diabetes type II: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 7(3), 332-338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.08.004

47.    Jeer, M., Yele, Y., Sharma, K. C., & Prakash, N. B. (2021). Exogenous application of different silicon sources and potassium reduces pink stem borer damage and improves photosynthesis, yield and related parameters in wheat. Silicon, 13(3), 901-910. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-020-00481-7

48.    Kalandyk, A., Waligorski, P., & Dubert, F. (2014). Application of biostimulators in alleviation of effects of drought and other environmental stresses in common soybean (Glycine max. L. Merr.). Episteme, 22, 267-274.

49.    Khaled, H., & Fawy, H. A. (2011). Effect of different levels of humic acids on the nutrient content, plant growth, and soil properties under conditions of salinity. Soil Water Research, 6(1), 21-29. https://doi.org/10.17221/4/2010-SWR

50.    Korndorfer, G. H., & Lepsch, I. (2001). Effect of silicon on plant growth and crop yield. Studies in Plant Science, 8, 133-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0928-3420(01)80011-2

51.    Laskosky, J. D., Mante, A. A., Zvomuya, F., Amarakoon, I., & Leskiw, L. (2020). A bioassay of long-term stockpiled salvaged soil amended with biochar, peat, and humalite. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, 3, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20068

52.    Li, S., Li, J., Zhang, B., Li, D., Li, G., & Li, Y. (2017). Effect of different organic fertilizers application on growth and environmental risk of nitrate under a vegetable field. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-17219-y

53.    Liu, P., Yin, L., Deng, X., Wang, S., Tanaka, K., & Zhang, S. (2014). Aquaporin-mediated increase in root hydraulic conductance is involved in silicon-induced improved root water uptake under osmotic stress in Sorghum bicolor L. Journal of Experimental Botany, 65(17), 4747-4756. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/eru220

54.    Mahdavi, M., Esmaielpour, B., & Fatemi, H. (2018). Effect of silicon nutrition on growth and physiology of spearmint (Mentha spicata) under cadmium stress condition. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Sciences, 49(1), 185- 198. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22059/ijhs.2017.218536.1110

55.    Mahmood, F., Khan, I., Ashraf, U., Shahzad, T., Hussain, S., Shahid, M., Abid, M., & Ullah, S. (2017). Effects of organic and inorganic manures on maize and their residual impact on soil physico-chemical properties. Journal of soil Science Plant Nutrition, 17(1), 22-32. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-95162017005000002

56.    Massoud, H. Y., Farag, A. A., El-Gamal, S., & El-Nabawy, S. A. (2024). Effect of different drip irrigation rates and potassium silicate spray on growth and essential oil production of french basil. Journal of Plant Production, 15(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.21608/JPP.2024.254953.1292

57.    Mattson, N. S., & Leatherwood, W. R. (2010). Potassium silicate drenches increase leaf silicon content and affect morphological traits of several floriculture crops grown in a peat-based substrate. Horticulture Science, 45(1), 43-47. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.45.1.43

58.    Meena, V. D., Dotaniya, M. L., Coumar, V., Rajendiran, S., Ajay, Kundu, S., & Subba Rao, A. (2014). A case for silicon fertilization to improve crop yields in tropical soils. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section b: Biological Sciences, 84(3), 505-518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-013-0270-y  

59.    Mohamadnia, R., Rezaei Nejad, A., & Bahrami Nejad, S. (2018). Effect of irrigation interval and silicon on some morpho-physiological and biochemical properties of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science, 49(1), 37-45. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22059/IJHS.2017.217636.1109

60.    Mohammad, M. H., Meawad, A. A. A., El-Mogy, E. E. A. M., & Abdelkader, M. (2019). Growth, yield components and chemical constituents of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. as affected by humic acid and NPK fertilization rates. Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research, 46(1), 13-26.

61.    Mohammadi, G. R., Chatrnour, S., Jalali-Honarmand, S., & Kahrizi D. (2015). The effects of planting arrangement and phosphate biofertilizer on soybean under different weed interference periods. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 105(2), 313-322. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2015.105.2.14

62.    Moraditochaee, M. (2012). Effects of humic acid foliar spraying and nitrogen fertilizer management on the yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Iran. Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science, 7(4), 289-293.

63.    Naderi, S., Pizzeghello, D., Muscolo, A., & Vianello, A. (2002). Physiological effects of humic substances on higher plants. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 34, 1527-1536. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-0717(02)00174-8

64.    Nardi, S., Ertani, A., & Francioso, O. (2017). Soil-root cross-talking: The role of humic substances. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 180, 5-13. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201600348

65.    Nardi, S., Pizzeghello, D., Muscolo, A., & Vianello, A. (2002). Physiological effects of humic substances on higher plants. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 34, 1527-1536. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-0717(02)00174-8

66.    Nardi, S., Schiavon, M., & Francioso, O. (2021). Chemical structure and biological activity of humic substances define their role as plant growth promoters. Molecules, 26, 2256. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26082256

67.  Nasiri Dehsorkhi, A., Makarian, H., Vernaseri Qandali, V., & Salari, N. (2018). The effect of humic acid and vermicompost application on yield and yield components of Cumin cyminum L. Journal of Crop Applied Research, 31(1), 93-113. (In Persian).

68.    Nassif, A. H., Abd, R. M., & Al-Zubaidi, N. A. J. (2023). Improving the growth of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) by humic acid and Trichodermia harzianum as biofertilizer. Modern Phytomorphology, 17, 37-40.

69.    Noorgholipour, F., Samavat, S., & Tehrani, M. (2010). The necessity of combined use of chemical and organic fertilizers in sustainable agricultural systems. The First Congress on Fertilizer Challenges in Iran: Half a Century of Fertilizer Use, Tehran, Iran. (in Persian)

70.    Nourihoseini, S. M., Khorassani, R., Astaraei, A. R., Rezvani Moghadam, P., Zabihi, H. R., (2016). Effect of different fertilizer resources and humic acid on some morphological criteria, yield and antioxidant activity of black zira seed (Bunium persicum Boiss.). Applied Field Crops Research, 29(4), 88-105. (In Persian).

71.    Osman, M. E., Mohsen, A. A., Elfeky, S. S., & Mohamed, W. (2017). Response of salt-stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to potassium humate treatment and potassium silicate foliar application. Egyptian Journal of Botany, 57(7th International Conf.), 85-102.

72.    Pujos, A., & Morard, P. (1997). Effects of potassium deficiency on tomato growth and mineral nutrition at the early production stage. Plant and Soil, 189(2), 189-196. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004263304657

73.    Rahghoshahi, M., Panahi Kord Laghari, K., & Rahimi, M. (2022). Study on humic acid and algae effects on grain yield and agronomical characteristics of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) under drought stress conditions. Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, 38(2), 286-300. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22092/ijmapr.2022.356393.3079

74.    Rastogi, A., Yadav, S., Hussain, S., Kataria, S., Hajihashemi, S., Kumari, P., & Brestic, M. (2021). Does silicon really matter for the photosynthetic machinery in plants…?. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 169, 40-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.11.004

75.    Rivandi, H., Rezvan, S., Jami Moeini, M., Sinaki, J. M., Damavandi, A., & Sanjani, S. (2020). Evaluation of quantity and quality yield of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) Ecotypes in different planting date under Sabzevar climatic conditions. Journal of Agroecology, 12(2), 227-240. https://doi.org/10.22067/jag.v12i2.78488

76.    Rubio, V., Bustos, R., Irigoyen, M. L., Cardona-Lopez, X., Rojas-Triana, M., & Paz-Ares, J. (2009). Plant hormones and nutrient signaling. Plant Molecular Biology, 69(4), 361-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11103-008-9380-y

77.    Sarhan, M. G. R., & Shehata, A. M. (2023). Evaluating the impact of biochar and foliar application of potassium silicate on the growth and productivity of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) plant under water stress in the newly reclaimed soil conditions. Egyptian Journal of Horticulture, 50(2), 247-263.

78.    Shah, Z. H., Rehman, H. M., Akhtar, T., Alsamadany, H., Hamooh, B. T., Mujtaba, T., Daur, I., Al Zahrani, Y., Alzahrani, H. A. S., Ali, S., Yang, S. H., & Chung, G. (2018). Humic substances: Determining potential molecular regulatory processes in plants. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.00263

79.    Shashidhar, H. E., Chandrashekhar, N., Narayanaswamy, C., Mehendra, A. C., & Prakash, N. B. (2008). Calcium silicate as silicon source and its interaction with nitrogen in aerobic rice. Silicon in Agriculture: 4th International Conference 26-31 Oct., South Africa, 93.

80.    Shehata, S. A., Fawzy, Z. F., & El-Ramady, H. R. (2012). Response of cucumber plants to foliar application of chitosan and yeast under greenhouse conditions. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 6(4), 63-71.

81.    Sible, C. N., Seebauer, J. R., & Below, F. E. (2021). Plant biostimulants: A categorical review, their implications for row crop production, and relation to soil health indicators. Agronomy, 11, 1297. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071297

82.    Silva, O. N., Lobato, A. K. S., Ávila, F. W., Costa, R. C. L., Oliveira Neto, C. F., Santos Filho, B. G., & Andrade, I. P. (2012). Silicon-induced increase in chlorophyll is modulated by the leaf water potential in two water-deficient tomato cultivars. Plant Soil Environmental, 58(11), 481-486. https://doi.org/10.17221/213/2012-PSE

83.     Sohrabi Rinani, R., Rezvani Moghaddam, P., Ghorbani, R., & Astaraei, A. (2021). Effect of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on yield, yield components and oil yield of black seed (Nigella sativa L.). Journal of Agroecology, 13(1), 23-38. https://doi.org/10.22067/jag.v12i1.22652

84.    Szczerba, M., Britto, D., & Kronzucher, H. (2009). K⁺ transport in plants: Physiology and molecular biology. Journal of Plant Physiology, 166, 447-466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jplph.2008.12.009

85.    Talebi, M., Moghaddam, M., & Pirbalouti, A. G. (2018). Methyl jasmonate effects on volatile oil compounds and antioxidant activity of leaf extract of two basil cultivars under salinity stress. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 40(2), 34-40.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-018-2611-1

86.    Talebi, S., Majd, A., Mirzai, M., Jafari, S., & Abedini, M. (2015). The study of potassium silicate effects on qualitative and quantitative performance of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Biological Forum-An International Journal, 7(2), 1021-1026.

87.    Tesfay, S. Z., Bertling, I., & Bower, J. P. (2011). Effects of postharvest potassium silicate application on phenolics and other anti-oxidant systems aligned to avocado fruit quality. Postharvest biology and Technology, 60(2), 92-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2010.12.011

88.    Ulukan, H. (2008). Effect of soil-applied humic acid at different sowing times on some yield components in wheat hybrids. International Journal of Botany, 4(3), 164-175. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijb.2008.164.175

89.    Vafaahd, F., Khalesro, S., Zareei, S., & Heidari, G. (2024). Response of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) to digested fertilizer and humic acid in the sustainable agricultural system. Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production, 33(4), 99-112. (In Persian).  https://doi.org/10.22034/saps.2022.51374.2867

90.    Varnaseri Ghandali, V., Nasiri Dehsorkhi, A., Makarian, H., & Haghighat jou, P. (2020). Effects of vermicompost and humic acid application on the uptake of macro-elements, seed, and essential oil yield of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, 35(6), 950-966. (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22092/ijmapr.2019.125423.2521

91.    Wang, M., Zheng, Q., Shen, Q., & Guo, S. (2013). The critical role of potassium in plant stress response. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(4), 7370-7390. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms14047370

92.    White, B., Tubana, B. S., Babu, T., Mascagni Jr, H., Agostinho, F., Datnoff, L. E., & Harrison, S. (2017). Effect of silicate slag application on wheat grown under two nitrogen rates. Plants, 6(4), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants6040047

93.    Xie, Z., Song, F., Xu, H., Shao, H., & Song, R. (2014). Effects of silicon on photosynthetic characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) on alluvial soil. The Scientific World Journal, 2014(1), 718716. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/718716

94.    Yang, F., Tang, C., & Antonietti, M. (2021). Natural and artificial humic substances to manage minerals, ions, water, and soil microorganisms. Chemical Society Reviews Journal, 50, 6221-6239.

95.    Yin, L., Wang, S., Li, J., Tanaka, K., & Oka, M. (2013). Application of silicon improves salt tolerance through ameliorating osmotic and ionic stresses in the seedling of Sorghum bicolor. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 35, 3099-3107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-013-1343-5

96.    Zadegan, K., Monem, R., & Pazoki, A. (2023). Silicon dioxide nanoparticles improved yield, biochemical attributes, and fatty acid profile of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) under different irrigation regimes. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 23(3), 3197-3208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01297-1

97.    Zahoor, R., Dong, H., Abid, M., Zhao, W., Wang, Y., & Zhou Z. (2017). Potassium fertilizer improves drought stress alleviation potential in cotton by enhancing photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Environmental & Experimental Botany, 137, 73-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2017.02.002