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Effects of humic acids and soil symbionts on growth, physiology, and productivity of two crop species

Peterson, Kendra Leigh

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science in Botany, Miami University, Biology.
Farming practices place an intense strain on the soil in terms of nutrient usage and erosion, thus requiring constant review for improvements for sustainability. This study looks at the effects of a soil additive and soil symbionts on physiological plant properties and productivity in a field study. Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and green pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants were treated with humic acids and soil symbionts and physiological parameters were tested over several weeks and fruit collected at the end of the season. Treatments had no effect on bean growth and leaf number, Rhizobium increased physiological parameters, humic acids increased chlorophyll retention, and no treatments had an effect on seed production. Peppers with mycorrhizal fungi had less initial growth, humic acids increased physiological parameters, humic acids-plus-mycorrhizal fungi had the highest chlorophyll content, and mycorrhizal fungi produced smaller peppers than other treatments but had no effect on overall fruit production. Results indicate beneficial effects to overall plant physiology, but no noticeable effects on crop productivity. Future studies consider long term effects of humic acid additions to sandy or weathered soils and their effect on crop physiology and productivity as these soil additives may need more than one season to be effective.
Alfredo Huerta (Advisor)
Nancy Smith-Huerta (Committee Member)
Melany Fisk (Committee Member)
52 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Peterson, K. L. (2017). Effects of humic acids and soil symbionts on growth, physiology, and productivity of two crop species [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1501187076919492

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Peterson, Kendra. Effects of humic acids and soil symbionts on growth, physiology, and productivity of two crop species. 2017. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1501187076919492.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Peterson, Kendra. "Effects of humic acids and soil symbionts on growth, physiology, and productivity of two crop species." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1501187076919492

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)