Foliar Fertilization of Zinc, Iron and Manganese in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under Rainfed Conditions

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Soil and Water Research Department, Ilam Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Research Center, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, Iran

10.22126/atic.2026.11814.1200

Abstract

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated in semi-arid regions, where micronutrient deficiencies, especially zinc, iron, and manganese, often limit its growth and yield. For investigating the effects of foliar fertilization of zinc, iron and manganese in safflower under rainfed conditions, this project was conducted in Ilam. The studied soil had low concentrations of available zinc, iron, and manganese, measured at 0.61, 4.15, and 4.13 mg kg-1, respectively. The research was conducted with the following treatments: 1- control, 2- water spray 3- foliar spraying with zinc sulfate 4- foliar spraying with manganese sulfate 5- foliar spraying with iron sulfate 6- foliar spraying with zinc and manganese 7- foliar spraying with zinc and iron 8- foliar spraying with iron and manganese 9- foliar spraying with zinc, iron and manganese in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the simultaneous foliar spray with zinc, iron and manganese, with a yield of 1112 kg ha-1 was in the superior statistical group and the increase in yield compared to the control, and water spraying treatments was 13.4 and 12.5 percent, respectively. Regarding oil yield, it was also found that the combined foliar spraying of zinc, iron and manganese and combined foliar spraying of zinc-manganese were in the superior statistical group with 397 and 381 kg ha-1, respectively. The increasing effect of foliar spraying on the concentration of zinc and iron in the grain was 24 and 19 percent, respectively, compared to the control. Also, the highest photosynthesis rate, SPAD and stomatal conductance were observed with the application of Zn + Fe + Mn compared to the other treatments. In general, the best results for grain yield, oil yield, improvement of nutrient concentration and photosynthesis rate were obtained with combined foliar spraying of zinc, iron and manganese and zinc-iron foliar spraying, respectively.

Graphical Abstract

Foliar Fertilization of Zinc, Iron and Manganese in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under Rainfed Conditions

Highlights

  • Calcareous soils exhibit low availability of micronutrients.
  • Simultaneous foliar spraying of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) improves safflower yield.
  • Foliar application of Zn, Fe, and Mn increases nutrient concentrations in safflower.
  • The most effective treatments were combined foliar spraying of Zn, Fe, and Mn, followed by Zn and Fe foliar spraying.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Agrotechniques in Industrial Crops

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 December 2025

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