Sustainable Bioproduction of Common Bean: Improving Sandy Soil Fertility, Yield and Seed Quality With Novel Organic Amendments

Abstract

This study addresses the critical need for eco‐friendly, sustainable nutrient sources to improve soil quality, crop yield and seed quality in newly reclaimed lands. The research investigated the effects of using microbial‐based fertilisers (Nova Plus and Nova Q) co‐applied with functional compost on sandy soil properties, growth, and seed quality of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments: the combined application (T1), functional compost only (T2), inorganic fertiliser (T3), and an unfertilised control (T4). Results showed that both organic treatments significantly enhanced soil quality. T1 and T2, respectively, exhibited the highest concentrations of organic matter (OM) (0.96% and 1.02%), nitrogen (98 and 136 mg/kg), and phosphorus (9.26 and 8.22 mg/kg). In terms of plant growth, T1 was superior, leading to better plant height (18.80 cm), leaflet area (55.70 cm 2 ), chlorophyll content (SPAD 39.60), and a greater number of root nodules (25). However, yield data demonstrated that T2 achieved the highest pod weight (110 t/ha), followed by T1 (98.4 t/ha), T3 (55.70 t/ha), and T4 (52.30 t/ha), respectively. Furthermore, the combined application (T1) resulted in the highest seed quality, boosting protein (25%), nitrogen (3.77 mg/L), potassium (200.34 mg/L), and copper content (1.16 mg/L) compared to T3 and T4. In conclusion, the co‐application of microbial‐based fertilisers and functional compost successfully enhanced soil properties, yield, and common bean seed quality. This study uniquely establishes that organic production using functional compost can yield higher common bean outputs in sandy soils than conventional production.