The effects of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on yield and yield components of marshmallow (Altheae officinalis L.)

In order to investigate the effects of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on growth characteristics، yield and yield components of marshmallow (Altheaeofficinalis L.)، a field experiment was conducted as factorial layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Faculty of Agriculture، Ferdowsi University of Mashhad، Iran، during growing season of 2012. Experimental treatments were designed based on 3 levels of vermicompost (0، 5 and 10 t ha-1) and 5 levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0، 25، 50، 75 and 100% of 200 kg N ha-1). Results indicated that applied vermicompost had significant effects on increasing leaf area، flower weight per plant and grain yield of marshmallow. Flower weight per plant and grain yield of marshmallow was increased by 2 to 3 times by applying vermicompost at 10 t. ha-1، as compared to control treatment. In addition، nitrogen fertilizer had a significant effect on increasing flower weight per plant and grain، mucilage and oil yields of marshmallow. It seems that applying vermicompost can be suitable strategy in reducing the problems caused by excessive using of chemical fertilizers.