Humic acid and potassium synergy drives metabolic activation, antioxidant enhancement, and improved nutrient absorption in garlic plants (Allium sativum L.)
Alharby H.F. Ansabayeva A. Alamri A.M. Alghamdi S.A. Alhaithloul H.A.S. Puchkov M. Gaplaev M.S. Shehata Y.A.M. Elshamly A.M.S. Al-Harbi N.A. Abdelkader M.
15 February 2026Elsevier B.V.
Scientia Horticulturae
2026#358
Garlic is a widely cultivated vegetable valued for its health-promoting compounds. This study investigated the effects of humic acid (HA) and potassium (K) on garlic productivity, bioactive compounds, and nutrient uptake. A field trial was conducted to evaluate treatments combining potassium sulfate (120 and 150 kg K₂O ha⁻¹) and humic acid (10 and 20 kg ha⁻¹). Potassium and humic acid significantly enhanced garlic performance, with combined treatments producing the most potent effects. Applying humic and K significantly increased productivity. Photosynthetic pigments increased up to 22% for chlorophylls and 45.7% for carotenoids, improving photosynthesis and photoprotection. HA raised TSS by 20% and vitamin C by 32%. Potassium enhanced TSS by 24%, carbohydrates by 3%, and vitamin C by 28%. Combined treatments maximized TSS (+32%) and vitamin C (+38%), with polyphenols restored to 40%. Bioactive compounds, metabolites, and antioxidants were enhanced, with proline up to 45%, H₂O₂ up to 55.7%, APX up to 25%, SOD up to 42%, and CAT up to 25–79%, indicating improved osmotic and oxidative management. Nutrient uptake (N, P, Ca, Mg, S, and K) improved markedly, highlighting balanced nutrient allocation from leaves to cloves. Moderate combinations (K120+HA10) maximized yield, improved photosynthetic pigments, increased vitamin C and total soluble solids, and balanced nutrient allocation between cloves and leaves. These results demonstrate that integrating HA and K provides a practical strategy to support sustainable production under nutrient-efficient management.
Antioxidants , Garlic , Nutrients uptake , Photosynthetic pigments , Soil amendment
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Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University, Kostanay, 110000, Kazakhstan
Plant Biology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
Department of Biology, College of Science, Jouf University, Aljouf, Sakaka, 72341, Saudi Arabia
Agronomy Department, Astrakhan State University, Astrakhan, 414056, Russian Federation
Agronomy Department, Chechen Research Institute of Agriculture, Chechen, Russian Federation
Gardens and Parks Division, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, National Water Research Center, Cairo, 13411, Egypt
Biology Department, University College of Tayma, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 47512, Saudi Arabia
Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Agronomy
Plant Biology Research Group
Department of Biology
Agronomy Department
Agronomy Department
Gardens and Parks Division
Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation
Biology Department
Horticulture Department
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