| Faba beans (Vicia faba) are an important legume crop known for their high protein content and ability to improve soil health through nitrogen fixation. This research aimed to analyze the effects of different application methods and concentrations of buffalo manure compost tea on the growth and productivity of the Luz de Otoño faba bean cultivar. A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2023–2024 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The trial examined two factors: the method of application (soil drenching versus foliar spray) and the concentration of compost tea (0, 100, and 200 mL L⁻¹). The compost tea was prepared through controlled aerobic fermentation of buffalo manure, adhering to all relevant agronomic principles. Statistical analyses of vegetative growth, yield, and physiological measurements were performed using GenStat, with treatment means compared through Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The study's findings indicated that the application method and compost tea concentration significantly affected the growth characteristics measured. Soil drenching consistently outperformed foliar spraying, leading to significant increases in various growth metrics: plant height (15.13%), number of branches (23.69%), leaf area (53.87%), shoot dry weight (71.57%), pod weight (81.70%), and chlorophyll content (13.73%). A strong dose-response relationship was noted, with the 200 mL L⁻¹ concentration yielding the highest improvements, including a 46.15% increase in pod length and an 88.8% increase in leaf carotene compared to the control. Additionally, a significant interaction between the application method and concentration was observed for pod weight and pod length, with soil drenching at 200 mL L⁻¹ proving to be particularly effective. |
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