Effect of humic acid on growth and crop nutrient status of wheat on two different soils

The effect of plant-derived humic acid (PDHA) and coal-derived humic acid (CDHA) on wheat growth was tested on two alkaline calcareous soils in pots. Humic acid derived from plant and coal materials was applied at the rate 0 (control), 50 and 100 kg/ha to wheat in pots carrying two soils viz. clayey loam soil and sandy loam soil separately. Data was collected on plant growth parameters such as spike weight, grain and straw weight, and plant nutrients (macronutrients and micronutrients). Results showed that spike weight increased by 19%, 15%, and 26%, and 11% with application of PDHA at the rate of 50 and 100 mg/kg in clayey loam and sandy loam soil, respectively. Grain yield show an increase of 21% and 11% over control with application of PDHA and CDHA at the rate of 50 mg/kg on both soils, respectively, and 10% and 22% with application of PDHA and CDHA at the rate of 100 mg/kg on both soils.