Effect of foliar application of humic substances on qualitative and quantitative traits of the yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum l.) and sugar beet (beta vulgaris l.)

Abstract

Humic substances have a direct and indirect impact on plants and the environment. They stimulate the growth and development of plants, affect their metabolism, but also improve the chemical, physical and biological properties of soil, however their action is dependent on the dose and concentration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of humic substances (HumiPlant) on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of potato and sugar beet crops, depending on the dose and development phase of the plants during the substance application. The field studies were carried out in Institute of Plant Protection – National Research Institute in the years 2011–2012. For each cultivated plant two separate double-agent experiments were established. The studies testes HumiPlant containing humic substances (humic and fulvic acids). The experiments evaluated tuber size, starch content in tubers and tuber yield (potato), as well as content of sodium, potassium and alpha-amino nitrogen, polarization and root yield (sugar beet).