This study was conducted in the autumn season of 2024-2025 in the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences – University of Baghdad, to investigate the effect of organic fertilizers prepared using sesame and soybean husks, and foliar application with milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum), on the qualitative properties of Italian kale plants. The experiment was conducted as factorial experiment (6×3) in a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.) with split-plot arrangement and three replicates. Factors were included: the first factor (six fertilization treatments : chemical fertilization at recommended rates , two levels each of organic sesame husks (2 and 4 kg m⁻²) and soybean husks (2 and 4 kg m⁻²) fertilizers denoted T1-T5 , plus an unfertilized control T0) and the second factor (foliar application of aqueous extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) 5 and 10 g L⁻¹ denoted M1-M2 and a distilled water control M0 . Results showed that fertilization with soybean husk at 4 kg m⁻² combined with foliar application of milk thistle extract at 10 g L⁻¹ significantly increased phylloquinone (V.K1) content in leaves, recording 8.735 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight. The interaction between soybean husk fertilization at 4 kg m⁻² and milk thistle extract foliar application at 5 g L⁻¹ significantly enhanced β-carotene, carbohydrate, and DPPH content. Additionally, fertilization with sesame husk at 4 kg m⁻² and milk thistle extract spraying at 5 g L⁻¹ significantly increased vitamin C and protein percentage while reducing nitrate levels, compared to the lowest values in the control treatment. However, the highest nitrate content was observed in the treatment combining soybean husk fertilization at 4 kg m⁻² and milk thistle extract foliar application at 10 g L⁻¹.
