Effect of some organic and chemical fertilizers on zinc uptake and growth indices of German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important essential nutrients that plants require it for their physiological functions. Calcareous soils of Iran are facing the problem of the available Zn for the plant. Therefore, studying the increase in the amount of this element in these soils is essential and important. Among them organic fertilizers in comparison with chemical fertilizer, especially livestock manure has different food sources for use by plants. This research was done to investigate the effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on zinc uptake and functional indices of German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.).
For this purpose, in the form of potted cultivar and completely randomized design was carried out in three replications. The experiment factors consisted of cow manure and bagasse compost (each with 10 and 5 ton/ha) and chemical fertilizer of 40 kg / ha zinc sulfate and control (without adding any organic and chemical treatments). During the experiment, chlorophylla, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid were measured. At full flowering stage, aerial part dry weight and also its zinc concentration was determined. Also, available zinc was measured using DTPA.
The results showed a positive effect of cow manure on yield, zinc concentration and uptake in German chamomile breed. The Maximum yield of leaves and flowers was observed in treatment of 10 ton/ha of cow manure with 73.15% and 31.6%, respectively. Also, the Maximum zinc concentration in root and stem of chamomile was in treatment of 10 ton/ha of cow manure. The Maximum zinc uptake was observed in root, stem, leaf and flower in 10 ton/ha cow manure. Generally, the use of organic fertilizers increased zinc concentration and uptake, and yield of German chamomile plants.
The results showed that using of organic fertilizers can have useful role in improving the uptake of nutrients and morphological parameters in German chamomile. Based on these experimental results, it could be concluded that Zinc optimal situation in chamomile was due to increasing the amount of elements such as zinc in the soil due to soil pH reduction and resulting in better uptake and impact on yield. Among the treatments used cow manure was found to be more suitable. Due to environmental issues of chemical fertilizers, available organic manures including compost and cow manure can be applied.