Effects of Humic Substances Obtained from Shives on Flax Yield Characteristics

Abstract

The effects of humic substances (HS) extracted from flax shives on the fiber and seed yield of fiber flax were examined during 3 years field experiment. HS from shives consists of humic acids—5.3 gL−1 and fulvic acids—0.7 gL−1 were applied (6·10–2 gL−1 concentration, with 300 Lha−1 of spraying liquid) in “herring-bone” stage (BBCH 13 growth stage). The HS action was evaluated in different climatic conditions and in three varieties. Application of HS on early stage of vegetation of flax plants increased fiber yield (exceeding control on 16.0–28.1%) and quality (5% of cellulose content), protein and oil content in seeds (up to 1.9–4.2% and 1.6–3.5%, respectively). Positive reply of flax plants on HS from flax shives in tested cultivars allows saying about prospects of this type of humic substances.

Keywords

• fiber
• flax
• humic substances
• seeds
• shives
• yield