The Short-Term Effects of Mineral- and Plant-Derived Fulvic Acids on Some Selected Soil Properties: Improvement in the Growth, Yield, and Mineral Nutritional Status of Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) under Soils of Contrasting Textures

Abstract

Fulvic acids (FAs) improve the structure and fertility of soils with varying textures and also play a crucial role in increasing crop production. The pot experiment was carried out using wheat grown on three soils with a silty clay, sandy loam, and clay loam texture, respectively. The soils were treated with FAs derived from plant and mineral materials. Plant-derived solid (PSFA), mineral-derived liquid (NLFA), and plant-derived liquid (PLFA) were applied at a rate of 2.5, 5, and 5 g kg ⁻¹ and control applied at 0 g kg ⁻¹. The results showed that in treated soils, the heavy fraction C was higher by 10%–60%, and the light fraction C increased by 30%–60%. Similarly, the available N content significantly increased in treated soils by 30%–70% and the available K content increased by 20%–45%, while P content significantly increased by 80%–90% in Aridisols and Vertisols and decreased by 60%–70% in Mollisols. In contrast, for P, the organic–inorganic compounds were greater in Aridisols and Vertisols and lower in Mollisols. However, organic–inorganic composites decreased in Vertisols relative to the other two soils. Further results showed that PSFA and NLFA accelerated the plant growth parameters in Mollisols and Aridisols, respectively. Our study demonstrates that the application of PSFA and NLFA had a positive effect on the physical and chemical properties and plant growth characteristics of Mollisol and Vertisol soils. Moreover, the application of solid-state FA yields better results in Mollisols. However, liquid FA increases the nutrient availability and the effects on the chemical, biological, and physical properties of Aridisol and Vertisol soils.