Integrated effect of potassium humate and α-tocopherol applications on soil characteristics and performance ofPhaseolus vulgarisplants grown on a saline soil

Soil salinity is one of the major problems of agriculture that limits plant performance, particularly in arid and semiarid regions. Therefore, the effect of potassium humate (KH) and α-tocopherol (TOC), used singly or in integration, on soil characteristics, and on plant performance, physio-biochemical attributes and antioxidative defense system of Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants grown under salt stress (EC = 6.35–6.42 dS m−1) was investigated. Half g KH kg−1 soil was used as soil amendment before sowing and 1.0 mM TOC was used as foliar spray twice; at 25 and 40 days after sowing. Results showed that, KH significantly improved soil physical and chemical properties, which positively reflected on plant growth and productivity, physio-biochemical attributes, mineral nutrients (N, P, K and Ca), osmoprotectants (soluble sugars and proline), non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid, glutathione and TOC) and enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX)) antioxidants compared to untreated co...