Humic acid (HA) can be considered as an important alternative to chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted for two years (2014–2015) as a factorial in the form of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in Chalous city. First factor included time of application (T1 – application of HA before planting, T2 – spraying HA at middle of vegetative growth, T3 – spraying HA at early time of reproductive growth). Second factor included the amount of HA as foliar application at four levels (0 (control), 200, 300 and 400 mg l–1 ha–1). The results of the mean comparison show that the highest seed yield was obtained by spraying HA at 200 and 300 mg l–1 ha–1 at the beginning time of reproductive growth and recorded 2821 and 2773 kg ha–1, respectively. The results also show that the highest percentage of protein were recorded by foliar application of HA at 300 mg l–1 ha–1 during T2 treatment. The use of HA at 200 and 400 mg l–1 ha–1 treatments and T2 treatment had the highest protein percentage and protein yield. The results showed that the use of HA at different concentrations had a positive effect on chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, seed yield and protein yield. Also, the time of application of HA had a significant impact on the measured traits. It seems that foliar application at the early period of reproductive growth has improved growth, increased flower fertility, and seed yield by increasing the absorption of nutrients. According to the results, foliar spraying with 300 mg l–1 ha–1 HA at the T3 is the most appropriate treatment for proper faba bean.
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