The effect of vermicompost and zeolite on flower yield and some characteristics of Calendula officinalis L.

In order to evaluate the effect of zeolite and vermicompost on Marigold (Calendulaofficinalis L.), a field experiment was conducted in 2017 in the research field of Ramin University, Khuzestan, in split plot as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Vermicompost (0, 3, 6, 9 t ha-1) and zeolite (0, 4, 8 and 12 t ha-1) were investigated as the main factor and sub plot, respectively. Results of variance analysis showed that vermicompost and zeolite had a significant effect on flower yield, biological yield, harvest Index, chlorophylls and carotenoids of leaves, petal carotenoids, nitrogen removal, phosphorus removal, and index of the intensity of the color of the petals. Also, interaction effects of vermicompost and zeolite was significant on all top-mentioned characteristics. The highest flower yield (69.53 g m-2) was obtained at 3 t vermicompost per ha and 12 t zeolite per ha. Maximum biological yield (474.84 g m-2) was achieved at 9 t vermicompost per ha. The highest leaf and petal carotenoids were recorded at 9 t vermicompost per ha and maximum chlorophyll a and b belonged to 9 t vermicompost per ha and 4 t zeolite per ha. The highest soil nitrogen harvest was obtained at 8 t zeolite per ha. Maximum soil phosphorus harvest belonged to 9 t vermicompost per ha and 12 t zeolite per ha. In total, knowing that zeolite is more cost-effective rather than vermicompost, increasing the amount of zeolite consumption can enhance flower yield. In the current research, the best flower performance could be obtained at an optimum amount of 3 t vermicmpost per ha and 12 t zeolite per ha.