Biofertilizers and Superabsorbent polymers enhance cumin yield under water limitation

Biological fertilizers are regarded as a viable substitute for chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. Conversely, drought stress constitutes a significant impediment to the development and growth of crops. Large quantities of rainwater or irrigation water can be absorbed by superabsorbent polymers, preventing their deep infiltration and resupplying the plant in dry conditions. The present study investigated the impact of superabsorbent polymer and fertile biofertilizers-2, in addition to Nitroxin, on the quantitative and qualitative yield of cumin when subjected to drought stress conditions. To examine the impact of superabsorbent polymers Barvar2 and bio-fertilizers Nitroxin on cumin seed yield and yield components during drought stress, a factorial split experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the field during the 2014-2015 crop year. This study focused primarily on drought stress, including two levels of stress and non-stress. The experimental setup consisted of two levels of non-consumption and consumption of superabsorbent polymers (Nixin and Barvar2), as well as biofertilizers Nitroxin and Barvar2. The subfactors were represented in the subplots using a 2×2×2 factorial design. Under conditions of drought stress, the integrated application of bio-fertilizers Nitroxin and Barvar2, along with the utilization of a superabsorbent polymer, produced the highest seed weight (3.133 gr), seed yield (46.09 grm-2), and biological yield (106.8 grm-2). The optimal treatment combination, which consists of Barvar2 with superabsorbent polymer and Nitroxin integrated treatments, has been identified as the most effective method for increasing grain yield and yield components under wet conditions. Overall, the outcomes of these experiments indicated that the application of bio-fertilizers and superabsorbent polymers might be viable options for enhancing the productivity of cumin manufacturing. In drought-stressed conditions, such as dry farming, the application of biofertilizers Barvar2 and Nitroxin in conjunction with superabsorbent polymer consumption reduced the effects of drought stress on yield components, grain yield, and biological yield in comparison to the control treatment. When moisture limitation is present, the application of bio-fertilizers containing superabsorbent polymer can significantly enhance the productivity of rainfed cumin cultivation.