PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING COTTON RESPONSE TO HUMIC AND FULVIC ACID-BASED BIOSTIMULANTS UNDER POPULATION STRESS CONDITIONS

The increasing intensity of agricultural production systems necessitates a deeper understanding of plant physiological responses to biostimulants under conditions of resource competition. This study investigates the physiological mechanisms by which humic- and fulvic-based biostimulants influence cotton growth under varying planting densities. Field experiments conducted in the Fergana Valley during the 2025 growing season evaluated the effects of Ekogumin (soil-applied humic formulation) and Novogumin (foliar-applied fulvic complex) on plant development across three population density levels. Rather than focusing solely on morphological traits, this study interprets plant responses through underlying physiological processes, including nutrient assimilation efficiency, hormonal regulation, and stress adaptation. Results indicate that combined application enhances plant metabolic activity, leading to improved structural development and reproductive stability under high-density conditions. Observed improvements in branching intensity, flowering consistency, and boll retention are attributed to enhanced root functionality, improved nutrient translocation, and activation of plant growth regulators. The findings demonstrate that humic-based biostimulants function as modulators of plant physiological processes, enabling cotton to maintain growth stability under competitive stress environments, contributing to a mechanistic understanding of biostimulant function in intensive cotton production systems.

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