Maximizing Faba Bean Tolerance to Soil Salinity Stress Using Gypsum, Compost and Selenium

SALINE soils are difficult to manage. Still, with the use of suitable fertilization programs, the productivity of these soils may be improved considerably. Accordingly, a field trial was implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of alleviating the oxidative stresses on faba bean plants grown under soil salinity stress via gypsum, compost and selenium (Se).Four soil amendment treatments [T0: Control; T1: Gypsum; T2: Compost; T3: Gypsum +compost] andfive foliar Seapplication rates (0, 2.5, 5.0 7.5 and 10.0 mg L-1) were studied.All studied treatments significantly affected all studied parameters. The maximum contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline were recorded underT0treatment, while the lowest values were realized under T3treatment.The maximum values were achieved with plants sprayed with 10.0 Se mg L-1.While the lowest values were realized with plants sprayed with 5.0 Se mg L-1.The T3 treatment was the most effective for the growth performance traits and productivity. The Setreatments had a significant and gradual effect on the growth performance traits and productivity, with an increase observed as the Se rate was increased from 0.0 mgL-1 to 5.0 mgL-1, followed by a significant and gradual decrease until the Se concentration reached 10.0 mgL-1.Generally, by using suitable soil amendments and Se foliar application, the productivity of faba bean plants can be improved even under soil salinity stress. Overall, these findings provide a potential solution for improving faba bean production in challenging environments and could help pave the way for further research in this area.