Effect of humic acid doses on yield and quality parameters of cowpea[Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] cultivars

Abstract

Present research was conducted to determine the effect of humic acid (HA) on the yield and nutritional characteristics of cowpea varieties to provide an alternative crop for sustainable agricultural systems. Field trials were carried out for 2 years in Konya/Turkey ecology. HA was applied in 4 doses (0, 70, 110 and 150 kg ha-1 in total) on 2 cowpea varieties (Akkiz and Karagoz) and a total of 20 parameters were evaluated. Results showed that, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, protein yield, potassium and manganese showed an increasing tendency by increased dose of humic acid. Furthermore, 70 kg ha-1 dose of humicacid recorded higher stomatal conductance and first pod height, while applicationof 110 kg ha-1 of humic acid recorded higher plant height and proteinratio. Future research related with nutritional values is needed for achieving better growing techniques and mineral composition in cowpea genotypes