Substitution of inorganic fertilizer by animal manure reduces nitrate accumulation, and improves shelf life and nutrients contents of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

The present study aimed to assess the substitution of inorganic fertilizer with manure for increase of quality of fresh basil and its shelf life. Experiment was conducted on randomized complete block design with eight treatments and three replications in research farm of Shahrekord University in 2015. Treatments including NP (N P), NPS (N P S), NPM (N P micronutrients), NPSM (N P S micronutrients), CMp (cow manure on the basis of phosphorus), CMn (cow manure on the basis of nitrogen), BLp (chicken manure on the basis of phosphorus) and BLn (chicken manure on the basis of nitrogen). Experimental data showed that the maximum nitrate accumulation was noted in NP, and NPM treatments (62.78, and 60.18 mg/kg, respectively) and minimum nitrate accumulation was recorded in CMp and BLp treatments (23.53, and 26.77 mg/kg, respectively). The greatest concentration of phosphorus, and potassium, were produced in CMp and BLn, respectively. The highest nitrogen concentration was observed in NP, NPS and BLn treatments, but the highest sulfur was obtained in NPM and NP treatments. The best apparent quality of basil was corresponded to BLp and BLn treatments and CMp, CMn and NPSM treatments were in next order, and the lowest level of apparent quality was observed in NP, NPM, NPS treatments. Altogether, these results suggest that the substitution of inorganic fertilizer with chicken manure or cow manure reduces nitrate accumulation of fresh basil and increases shelf life potential.