Effects of foliar application of selenium and potassium

Scientific Reports volume 12, Article number: 15119 (2022) Cite this article

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In this study, the effects of foliar application of selenium (Se) at different concentrations were examined based on changes in several parameters such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) concentration in soil and oat plant, oat yield, organic matter in the soil (OMS), non-enzymatic antioxidants, and total phenol content. Chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentrations were also assessed in oat straw and seeds. The study complies with local and national guideline. Simultaneous application of potassium humate (K-humate) with Se was also investigated in this study. Se application increased the bioavailability of N and P in soil and their total concentration in the straw and seeds of each plant. Se concentrations were proportional to the amount of phosphorous found in soil (P-soil) but not with K concentrations in seed (K-plant). Application of K-humate with Se increased the bioavailable fraction of K-soil; however, it did not increase the bioavailable fraction of K-straw or K-seed. Although the application of Se alone substantially enhanced yield, the simultaneous application of K-humate showed no additional effect. Moreover, responses of seed yield and plant length were not significant after the application of Se with or without K-humate. OMS and total phenol content were proportional to the application rate of Se with and without K-humate. Non-enzymatic antioxidant content was also proportional to Se concentrations but not proportional to K-humate. The total Se concentrations in the soil, plant straw, and seeds increased with the addition of K-humate. Furthermore, the total Cr concentrations were reduced after the application of Se and K-humate. Fe concentration in the straw and seeds varied from one treatment to another, and Mn concentration was reduced in response to the foliar application of Se and K-humate. Zn concentrations in the straw and seeds of plants were reduced with the application of varying concentrations of Se. Increasing the application rate of Se induced a reduction in the Cu concentration in seeds. In contrast, the simultaneous application of Se and K-humate increased the Cu concentration in seeds.

Research on selenium (Se) began when Schwartz and Foltz found that Se in fodder prevented liver cirrhosis and muscular dystrophy in rats1. Based on its antioxidant and anticancer properties, Se has various functions such as acting as an antioxidant in plants2.

Plant growth does not depend on the Se concentration available in soil. However, Se concentrations in human food and animal feed have important health implications3. The boundary between Se concentrations that fulfill essential nutritional requirements and toxic Se concentrations is narrow and is affected by the chemical form and environmental conditions2. Se may modify the ability of plants to tolerate UV-induced oxidative stress, promote the growth of aging seedlings, and delay senescence. Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) affected the growth of groundnut cultivars by altering photosynthetic pigments, total soluble sugars, antioxidant enzymes (ascorbic acid peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase), phenol content, total flavonoids, and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, sandy soil conditions enhanced plant tolerance after the application of SeNPs as a stressor or a stimulant4. Se application also reversed the negative salinity effect on photochemical efficiency2. Se additive application reduced the occurrence of adverse responses caused by heavy metals, heat, ultraviolet(UV)-B, cold, salt stress, and drought5.

Organic fertilizers, such as potassium humate (KHM) and potassium fulvic acid (BSFA) are used to prevent plant diseases, improve soil structure, and augment soil nutrient levels6. KHM and BSFA addition reshaped microbial functions and nutrient levels were found to increase in ginseng soil6. Furthermore, the application of KHM enhanced seed germination, nutrient uptake, and the growth of seedlings7.

The oat plant (Avena sativa L.) is rich in a variety of antioxidant compounds, such as avenanthramides, vitamin E (tocols), phenolic compounds, and phytic acid. Moreover, flavonoids and sterols are primarily found in the outer layers of the oat kernel8. Commercial plant-based dairy alternatives are manufactured using oats such as beverages and yogurt-like products. However, a drawback of these products is their low protein content, ~ 0%–1%, when oat is the main source9. Starch derived from oats has attracted attention for its potential use in various food and nonfood applications10. A serious environmental pollutant may be caused by Cr that may be derived through its wide industrial use that becomes of recent concern. Plants toxicity caused by Cr relies on its valence state (e.g., Cr(III) is less toxic, however, Cr(VI) is highly toxic and mobile). Owing to the lack of a specific transport system of plants for Cr, it is subject to be taken up by carriers of essential ions (e.g., iron or sulfate). The harmful effect of Cr on plant growth and development is found in the alterations germination process, in addition to, roots, stems, and leaves growth that ultimately affects the amounts of dry matter production and yield. Also, deleterious effects may be caused by Cr (e.g., water relations, photosynthesis, and mineral nutrition), as well as, metabolic alterations through its effect on enzymes or other metabolites, as well as, its oxidative stress11.

This study assessed different foliar applications of Se (12 × 10−3, 63 × 10−3, and 88 × 10−3 mM) on the productivity of oat plants. Study endpoints included the nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) concentration in soil and oat plants, oat yield, organic matter in soil (OMS), antioxidant and total phenols, Se concentrations in soil and oats, and chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentrations in oat straw and seeds. Simultaneous application of Se with K-humate was also investigated in parallel.

In the North Sinai area of Baloza, Egypt, soil samples were collected from two depth intervals of 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm. Plant samples were taken from a private land and permission was obtained for sampling of plants as well as the study complies with local and national guidelines. Soils were air-dried, crushed, and sieved through a 2 mm mesh. The international pipette method was used to assess soil texture. Soil organic matter content was measured as previously described12. Some chemical and physical properties of the studied soils are listed in Table 1. pH and electrical conductivity were measured in the soil paste, and element content was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP) after digestion with a mixture of HNO3, H2SO4, and HClO4 as previously described13. Total non-enzymatic antioxidant and total phenol levels were measured as previously described14.

Field experiments were performed during cropping season 2020–2021 to understand the effect of Se and K-humate application on non-enzymatic the antioxidant content and yield of oats (Avena sativa) in Baloza, North Sinai, Egypt. Fertilizers were applied at constant rates in all experiments. Ammonium sulfate, calcium superphosphate, potassium sulfate, and biofertilizers were used. Experiments were based on a split-plot design with three replicates and foliar application of Se at concentrations of 12 × 10−3, 63 × 10−3, and 88 × 10−3 mM with and without K-humate. The source of Se was sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). The source of K-humate was potassium humate (C9H8K2O4—2.3 mM). Plants were cut at the soil surface 120 days after planting and washed with deionized water. Following this, the plants were oven-dried at 70 °C for 48 h, weighed for their dry matter yield, and then ground. Plants and soil samples obtained after the application of different treatments were digested as previously described13 and analyzed using ICP. NPK was also analyzed using these digestions15. Available N in soil samples was extracted by adding 2 M potassium chloride as previously described16. The available K and P were extracted with DTPA and ammonium bicarbonate as previously described17.

Data were statistically analyzed, and means were compared using the least significant differences. Results were considered to be statistically significant at p < 0.05 (Statistic version 9). Statistic version 9 was used for analyses and customizable graphs were generated. Details of the program are available online18.

The N concentration in the soil varied in availability and total content in oat straw and seeds after the foliar application of Se and K-humate. Se alone increased the availability of N in the soil in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 > control. Thus, Se was found to increase the available N-soil in an application-rate-dependent manner (Table 2). The availability of N-soil after Se application was improved via the simultaneous application of K-humate with the same rate-dependence as observed with Se alone. Comparable results were found using the sum of means for analysis. The insignificant difference found between the sum of means for control and treatment at an Se concentration of 12 × 10−3 mM Se may reflect the relatively low concentration of Se used.

The total N-straw content increased as a result of an increased content of N-plant (Table 2). Differences were found to be insignificant between Se concentrations of 12 × 10−3 mM, 63 × 10−3 mM, and controls. Likewise, the simultaneous application of K-humate showed insignificant differences between Se concentrations of 63 × 10−3 mM and 88 × 10−3 mM. Insignificant differences were noted between the control and Se concentration of 12 × 10−3 mM and the Se concentration of 63 × 10−3 and 88 × 10−3 mM using the sum of means. The total N-seeds content increased for application rates of 12 × 10−3–88 × 10−3 mM, and the simultaneous application of K-humate augmented this increase. The application rate dependency of the effects of Se and K-humate application was identical to that observed in N-soil and N-straw. No significant differences among Se and K-humate applications were observed. An insignificant difference was observed among the sum of means for Se and K-humate applications at concentrations of 63 × 10−3 and 88 × 10−3 mM.

The application of Se caused proportional increases in N-soil, N-straw, and N-seeds, and the simultaneous application of K-humate improved this effect. Previously, the application of Se resulted in an increase in the accumulation of NPK which altered N and K distribution. However, the distribution of P was not affected19. Furthermore, the application of Se ultimately resulted in an increase in the accumulation of N, calcium (Ca), K, and Mn20. A significant increase in concentrations of N and S in the rice grain plants grown under N-limiting conditions was also observed while the Ca that have been treated with Se regardless of N supply21. Thus, a synergistic interaction between Se and N in total grain proteins was reported21.

The effect of applications of different Se concentrations without K-humate on the available P-soil showed a reduction in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 > control (Table 3). Thus, the foliar application rate of Se caused a rate-dependent increase in the available P-soil. Simultaneous application of K-humate further increased P-soil availability. A rate dependency similar to Se alone was also observed with simultaneous Se and K-humate application. A similar result was observed using the sum of means for data analysis. Significant differences were observed among all treatments.

Foliar application of Se increased total P-straw. An insignificant difference was found between the control and Se concentrations of 12 × 10−3 and 63 × 10−3 mM, which was similar to findings observed after the application of K-humate. Moreover, insignificant differences were observed between the applications of Se and Se + K-humate. An insignificant effect was found between control and Se concentrations of (12 × 10−3 and 63 × 10−3 mM), and K-humate application using the sum of means.

The application of Se having concentrations ranging from 12 × 10−3 to 88 × 10−3 mM resulted in increased P-seeds and the addition of K-humate augmented this effect (Table 3). The effect of Se and K-humate applications showed a decrease in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 > control. Insignificant differences between values were observed when Se was applied without K-humate at concentrations of 12 × 10−3 and 63 × 10−3 mM, and for the sum of means for Se and K-humate applications at concentrations of 12 × 10−3 and 63 × 10−3 mM. Thus, the application rate of Se caused a proportional increase in P-soil, P-straw, and P-seeds. Furthermore, the simultaneous application of K-humate augmented this effect.

Consistently, concentrations of P and Ca increased in response to the application of selenite-Se (Na2SeO3⋅5H2O) to maize seedlings22, and the application of Se led to an increase in the accumulation of NPK, with alteration of N and K distribution. However, the distribution of P was not influenced19.

Different application rates of Se without humate increased K-soil and this effect showed a decrease in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 = control (Table 4). Again, the foliar application rate of Se causes a proportional increase, in this case, in K-soil. The application of K-humate with Se augmented this effect. A similar rate dependency was also observed with simultaneous application and when the sum of means was used. An insignificant difference was observed between the sum of means for controls and Se concentrations of 12 × 10−3 mM.

The foliar application of Se led to a slight increase in the total K-straw content (Table 4). An insignificant change was observed for Se concentrations from 12 × 10−3 to 88 × 10−3 mM, and similar results were found with the additional application of K-humate.

The application of Se at concentrations from 12 × 10−3 to 88 × 10−3 mM resulted in a slight increase in K-seeds, and the additional application of K-humate only slightly increased the accumulation of K (Table 4). An insignificant difference was observed between Se alone and with K-humate. Similar findings were noted when the sum of means was used for analysis. Se application rates thus produce a proportional increase in K-soil but not in K-straw or K-seeds. Comparable data were noted after K-humate addition. Concentrations of K previously decreased in response to selenite-Se (Na2SeO3⋅5H2O) application to maize seedlings; however, magnesium (Mg) concentrations did not change22. Moreover, the application of Se led to the accumulation of NPK and altered N and K distribution without affecting the P distribution19. Consistently, the application of Se ultimately resulted in increasing K accumulation20.

Application of Se improved the yield, which was assessed as kg × 10−3/feddan (Table 5). Higher concentrations of Se produced a higher yield of oat. The effect of Se showed a reduction in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 > control. The simultaneous application of K-humate increased the yield only slightly, resulting in insignificant differences. Similar findings were also observed when the sum of means was used. In contrast, seed production was not significantly affected, and plant length (m × 10–2) did not show a significant response. In contrast, Se application to potato plants enhanced tuber yield, plant growth, and quality compared with controls. Moreover, Se application along with different N additions ultimately increased potato productivity compared with Se or N alone23. Similarly, the grain yield increased when Se was applied; this application was significant at low levels24.

The total OMS content increased with increasing Se concentrations, perhaps due to stimulation of root growth or microbial biomass. This effect showed a decrease in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 > control. The addition of K-humate by foliar application significantly augmented the OMS content (%) (Table 6). Application of Se also increased the non-enzymatic antioxidant content; however, the increases were insignificant at Se concentrations of 12 × 10−3 and 63 × 10−3 mM. The highest values for non-enzymatic antioxidants were observed at Se concentrations of 88 × 10−3 mM. The application of K-humate along with Se did not significantly augment the effects observed after the application of Se alone. Analyses using the sum of means were completely consistent with these findings.

Se positively enhanced the total phenol content with effects decreasing in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 > control. Furthermore, this effect was significantly amplified with the simultaneous application of K-humate. Analysis using the sum of means gave comparable results. Se enhances the ability of plants to cope with stress by stimulating plant cell antioxidant capacity though the upregulating of antioxidant enzymes, such as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px. Se also increases the synthesis of PCs, GSH, proline, ascorbate, alkaloids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Se may also induce the spontaneous dismutation of the superoxide radical into H2O2. Elevated antioxidant capacity can reduce lipid peroxidation by lowering ROS accumulation under metal-induced oxidative stress conditions25. Application of Se using foliar spray also induced an increase in the concentration of rosmarinic acid20.

After the application of Se, Se-soil concentrations increased. The effects of Se concentrations decreased in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 > control. The additional application of K-humate significantly amplified these effects (Table 7). The treatment of K-humate that increased Se content in the soil may be owing to experimental errors, however, increasing Se content in either straw or seeds may be owing to the increased stimulating movement from soil to different parts of the plant. Se-straw content increased with increasing the Se foliar application; this effect decreased in the following order: Se3 > Se2 > Se1 > control. The simultaneous application of K-humate augmented the effects observed after the application of Se alone. Total Se concentration also increased Se-seeds like Se-straw for Se alone, Se with K-humate, and using the sum of means for analysis.

The highest concentrations of Cr were observed in control plants followed by Se2 > Se3 > Se1. In response to Se application, the Cr-straw content decreased (Table 8). The difference between Se2 and Se3 was insignificant. K-humate addition induced a notable increase in Cr-straw in the following order: control > Se3 > Se2 > Se1. This may be owing to the increased stimulating movement of Cr from soil to different parts of the plant. Results obtained from Se treatments varied depending on the presence of K-humate. Cr-seeds decreased in the following order: Se2 > Se3 > Se2 > control. The addition of K-humate increased the Cr-seed content compared with Se alone; however, the difference between Se2 and Se3 was insignificant. Analysis using the sum of means did not produce significant differences.

Variable effects were produced using different application rates of Se on Fe-straw, and this effect was observed in the following order: Se3 > Se1 > control > Se2 (Table 9). Differences were insignificant among control, Se1, and Se2. K-humate caused concentrations of Fe-straw to significantly increase in the following order: control > Se3 > Se2 > Se1. Differences between control and Se3 as well as Se1 and Se2 were insignificant. Analysis using the sum of means was similar. Neither Se nor Se with K-humate applications produced significant changes in Fe-seeds. Analysis using the sum of means was similar. Low concentration of Se application may enhance plant productivity and encourage phytoremediation by improving plant tolerance to stress and enhancing photosynthesis25. Further, a significant increase was observed in concentrations of Fe and S in rice grain grown in N-limiting conditions while Ca that have been treated with Se regardless of N supply21.

Application of Se reduced the Mn-straw content, and this effect was observed in the following order: control > Se2 > Se1 > Se3. No significant difference was found between control and Se1 (Table 10). In contrast, K-humate addition further reduced Mn-straw concentrations in the following order: control > Se1 > Se3 > Se2. The control and Se1 were not significantly different when using the sum of means for analysis. Likewise, no significant difference was seen between Se1 and Se3. Accumulation of Mn in seeds varied among treatments in the following order: control > Se2 > Se3 > Se1. K-humate addition altered this order to be in the following order: control > Se2 > Se1 > Se3. No significant differences were observed between Se2 and Se3 when the sum of means for analysis was used. Previously, the application of Se increased the concentrations of Mg and molybdenum in grains grown in 16 and 24 mM N compared with N-limited plants21.

Application of Se2—the middle concentration of Se—resulted in highest accumulation in Zn-straw, and this effect was observed in the following order: Se2 > Se1 > control > Se3 (Table 11). The application of K-humate with Se resulted in some insignificant variations compared with the application of Se alone. Control, Se1, and Se3 were insignificantly different when the sum of means was used for the analysis. Concentrations of Zn in seeds were reduced after Se application. K-humate with Se foliar application altered the concentration of Zn in seeds with impacts in the following order: control > Se3 > Se1 > Se2. The difference between Se1 and Se3 was insignificant. Additionally, insignificant differences in Zn concentrations after application of Se1, Se2, and Se3 were found when the sum of means was used for analysis. Low concentrations of Se possibly enhance plant productivity and phytoremediation capacity by improving the ability of plants to tolerate stress and enhancing photosynthesis25.

Increasing concentrations of Se from 12 × 10−3 to 88 × 10−3 mM increased the concentration of Cu-seed, and this effect was observed in the following order: Se1 > control > Se2 > Se3 as it shown in Table 12. Application of Se with K-humate showed significant changes in the Cu-straw content in the following order: Se1 > Se2 > control > Se3. No significant differences were observed using the sum of means for analyses. In contrast, the foliar application of Se resulted in increases in Cu-seed at concentrations of Se1 and Se3; however, at 63 × 10−3 mM (Se2), a reduction in Cu-seed was observed. K-humate with Se simultaneously resulted in increased Cu-seed content with impacts decreasing in the following order: Se3 > Se1 > control > Se2. The sum of means analysis showed no significant variation between control and Se2. Previously, the application of Se led to a decrease in the concentrations of Cu in grains grown in 16 and 24 mm N compared with N-limited plants21.

This study focused on responses of oat plants to foliar application of Se (12 × 10−3, 63 × 10−3, and 88 × 10−3 mM) with and without the simultaneous application of K-humate (2.3 mM). Several parameters were used as relevant endpoints, including NPK concentrations in soil and plants, oat yield, soil organic matter, non-enzymatic antioxidants and total phenols, Se concentration in soil and plants, and Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in oat plant straw and seeds. Se supplementation increased the availability of N and P in soil and total concentrations in plant straw and seeds. The additional application of K-humate augmented these effects. Different concentrations of Se induced proportional increases in K-soil but not in plant straw or seeds. The application of K-humate with Se enhanced the effects in the soil but not in K-straw or K-seeds. The application of Se considerably improved the yield, but the simultaneous application of K-humate did not significantly augment this effect. Moreover, only significant responses were observed for seed productivity and plant length for Se application with and without K-humate. OMS was proportional to Se application with and without K-humate, as were total phenols. Conversely, the non-enzymatic antioxidant content was proportional to Se application, but K-humate addition showed no significant impact. The total Cr content was reduced by Se and K-humate application, and Fe in straw and seeds varied among treatments. Mn content of straw and seeds was reduced in response to Se and K-humate foliar application, and the middle concentrations of Se (Se2) produced the highest accumulation of Zn and the order of effects was in the following order Se2 > Se1 > control > Se3. Concentrations of Zn in oat seeds were reduced by Se supplementation. Increases in Se concentrations from 12 × 10−3 to 88 × 10−3 mM reduced Cu-seed, and Se application with K-humate produced only insignificant increases in the Cu-straw content in the following order: Se1 > Se2 > control > Se3. The additional application of K-humate altered this order to Se3 > Se1 > control > Se2.

Future investigations will be carried out to maximize the oat growth and productivity in marginal environments via foliar application of selenium and K-humate in which marginal water may be subject to be exploited as a result of global climate change.

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This work was funded by Desert Research Center. The authors are grateful to the Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB) for carrying out a free proofreading service.

Open access funding provided by The Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) in cooperation with The Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB).

Soil Fertility and Microbiology Department, Water Resources and Desert Soils Division, Desert Research Center, El-Matariya, Cairo, 4540031, Egypt

Rehab H. Hegab

Soil Physics and Chemistry Department, Water Resources and Desert Soils Division, Desert Research Center, El-Matariya, Cairo, 4540031, Egypt

Doaa Eissa & Ahmed Abou-Shady

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A.A.-S., participated in writing the main manuscript text, and all authors reviewed the manuscript. D.E., participated in writing the manuscript text, prepared tables, and all authors reviewed the manuscript. R.H., participated in writing the main manuscript text, prepared tables, and all authors reviewed the manuscript.

Correspondence to Ahmed Abou-Shady.

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Hegab, R.H., Eissa, D. & Abou-Shady, A. Effects of foliar application of selenium and potassium-humate on oat growth in Baloza, North Sinai, Egypt. Sci Rep 12, 15119 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19229-x

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