Improving the growth, yield and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) by applying a potassium-solubilizing bacteria and foliar spray of seaweed extract

Abstract

Potassium dissolving Bacteria possess the ability to solubilize insoluble forms of potassium present in the soil, converting them into a soluble form that plants can easily uptake and utilize. As well as seaweed extract contains a wide range of nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace elements like iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and are often easily absorbed by plants. The experiment was carried out during the two seasons of 2021 and 2022 to study the effect of using microbial potassium solubilizers (Potasiomag) which contains Bacillus circulans mixed with seeds at a rate (0, 600g, 900g/ seeds) and foliar application of seaweed extract (Kelpak) at a rate of (0, 2 and 4 cm3/L) on plant growth, total yield, and its components, as well as the root quality of beetroot compared with control. The results indicated that the higher rate of Potasiomag 900g/seeds with Kelpak at a rate 4cm3/L as a foliar application gave a strong beetroot plant and with a good quality roots.