Bovine biofertilizer mitigates yield losses in beet under brackish water irrigation

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of different fertilization strategies can mitigate the harmful effects of salt stress on beet (Beta vulgaris L.) crops. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of salt stress on the yield and quality of beet roots under different fertilization strategies. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, corresponding to four electrical conductivities of the irrigation water (ECw: 0.8, 2.2, 4.2, and 6.2 dS/m) and three types of fertilization: no fertilization (control); mineral fertilization (NPK), and organic fertilization (biofertilizer), with five replicates. Increased irrigation water salinity reduced root mass yield and tuber root yield in the beet crop; however, this effect was less pronounced with the application of organic fertilization using bovine biofertilizer. Organic fertilization was more effective for the diameter and length of the beet taproot. Saline stress increased the soluble solids content in the organic and mineral treatments and in the control treatment, indicating a plant response to osmotic stress.