Effects of calcium, boron, and microbial fertilizer applications on yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Kireçli toprak ve serin mevsim yetiştirme koşulları altında

Abstract

In this study, the effects of calcium, boron, and microbial fertilizer applications on growth, yield, and physiological characteristics of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) were investigated. The experiment was conducted during the autumn–winter growing season of 2025–2026 in Korkuteli district of Antalya, Türkiye, using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments (control, calcium, calcium + boron, calcium + microbial fertilizer, and calcium + boron + microbial fertilizer) and three replications. The temporal changes in leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) and electrolyte leakage (EL) were evaluated during the last four weeks prior to harvest. Significant differences were observed among treatments in terms of SPAD values, with the highest chlorophyll content obtained under calcium application. Electrolyte leakage values varied depending on the treatments, and the highest EL values were recorded in the control treatment. Significant differences were also found among treatments for growth and yield parameters at harvest. The highest root weight (73.58 g) and root length (55.09 mm) were obtained from the combined application of calcium, boron, and microbial fertilizer. Overall, combined fertilization significantly improved yield parameters, while calcium played a key role in enhancing chlorophyll content and maintaining membrane stability by reducing electrolyte leakage.