Effects of vermincompost and nitrogen fertilizer levels ongrowth and essential oil of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)

A greenhouse study was conducted based on a complete randomized block design with twelve treatments and four replications in Islamic Azad University, Miyaneh Branch during 2010 in order to evaluate the effects of vermicompost and nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth and essential oil of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). Treatments consisted of three amounts of vermicompost (10, 20 and 30 pot volume) and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150 kg/ha). ANOVA revealed a significant difference for all characteristics except for plant height, harvest index, and essential oil. The comparison of the mean characteristics showed that the treatment with 20% vermicompost increased the number of seed per plant, 1000 grain weight and eventually seed yield. The comparison of the mean traits showed an increase in measured traits in treatment with 100 kg/ha. The application of 100 kg/ha nitrogen fertilizer and 20% of vermicompost had an effective role in increasing the seed yield in cumin. Because of highly desirable effects of vermicompost and improvement of soil fertility level it is recommended to apply high ratio of this fertilizer and if possible, in lands using manures for soil fertility it is advisable to modify these fertilizers which are infected by weed seeds with the help of earthworms.