Publication Details
Abstract
Background & aim: Several researchers studied the effect of ironand zinc fertilization in different types of plant. Therefore, the study aimed to reveal the role of foliar fertilization with zinc, iron, and water type on the productive characteristics of fava beans.
Materials & Methods: The laboratory experiment was conducted in the Horticulture Department / College of Agriculture / University of Kirkuk, where different concentrations of iron were prepared in the form of iron chelate (0, 2, 4) % and different concentrations of zinc were prepared in the form of zinc chelate (0, 2, 4) %. Spraying was done during the cool hours of the day to obtain the maximum absorption of these two micronutrients. Plants were planted during the 2024-2025 season according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates for each treatment in plastic pots with a capacity of 10 kg of soil.
Results: The results showed that irrigation with tap water significantly increased plant height (12.38 cm), leaf area (4.21 cm2. plant-1), and chlorophyll content (10.6); while irrigation with gray water increased protein content (20.78). Foliar application of zinc (4%) increased leaf area (3.52 cm2 plant-1), chlorophyll content index (12.39 CCI), and protein content index (23.89 PI). Meanwhile, spraying with 2% iron significantly increased plant height (13.01 cm). Regarding interactions, irrigation with tap water and 4% zinc application increased plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content index. Gray water with 2 g. 4% iron spray recorded the highest protein content (28.16) in the two-way interactions. The interaction between 2% zinc and 2% iron sprays showed the highest protein content (23.51).
Conclusions: The study indicates the importance of appropriate combinations of irrigation water quality and foliar treatments to improve the growth and productivity of Vicia faba.