The effects of Humix key pus biofertilizer when partially replacing mineral fertilizer on growth, yield and seed quality of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) in Phu Tho province

Abstract

Humic acid can help plants enhance mineral absorption and helping to increase crop yield. Evaluating the effects of Humix key plus biofertilizer when partially replacing mineral fertilizer on milk thistle's growth, yield, and seed quality to save mineral fertilizer is considered an excellent potential trend. The experiment consisted of four treatments arranged in a completely randomized block design. Monitor growth indicators, yield components, yield, silymarin content, and preliminary economic efficiency assessment. Research results show that Humix key plus biofertilizer is effective when used to replace mineral fertilizers for milk thistle. Fertilizing Humix key plus biofertilizer combined with a 20% reduction in mineral fertilizer gives the number of flowers 7.8 flowers/plant with 58.2 seeds/flower, individual seed yield of 11.6 g/plant and actual seed yield of 420.5 kg/ha; these indicators are not significantly different from the control. This fertilization level gives a silymarin content of 2.60%, a profit of 237,951,000 VND/ha and a margin of 3.07. The above results show that a 20% reduction in mineral fertilizer is appropriate to replace by Humix key plus biological fertilizer for milk thistle grown in Phu Tho province.