Effects of Biogas Slurry Pretreatment on Germination and Seedling Growth of Vicia faba L.

In order to study the effect of seed soaking with biogas slurry on seed germination and growth of faba beans (Vicia faba L.), the experiment was conducted. The seeds were soaked in biogas slurry for various soaking durations (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours) and different concentration (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 %) along with control to determine the optimal soaking duration and find out the best growing condition. The highest germination rate, germination potential and germination index were obtained when the faba beans seeds soaked for 4 hours in 75 % biogas slurry. Seedling growth was recorded in plants where seeds soaked for 6 hours in 75 % biogas slurry. It was concluded that the seed soaking of biogas slurry with lower concentration (25, 50 and 75 %) showed best results regarding maximum germination and enhanced growth. However, under the higher concentration (100 %) conditions of biogas slurry had a tendency of decrease on seed germination and seedling growth.