Effect of nitrogenous and phosphorous biological and chemical fertilizers on growth, yield and fatty acid compositions of Safflower intercropped with Faba bean

This research was investigated to study the application of chemical and biofertilizers on growth, yield and fatty acids composition of safflower intercropped with faba bean based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Research Farm of University of Tabriz during two growing seasons of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. Intercropping ratios of safflower and faba bean including 1:1, 2:1, and their sole cropping and four levels of fertilizers including no fertilizer, 100 percent chemical fertilizer, 30 percent and 60 percent chemical fertilizer + biofertilizer (Azoto barvar 1 and phosphate barvar 2) were evaluated. Results showed that the highest Chlorophyll content, plant height and number of branch per plant were devoted to safflower/faba bean intercropping (1:1) with application of 60 percent chemical plus biological fertilizers. Also, integrated use of chemical and biological fertilizers caused the increasing of seed yield, oil content (33.81 percent) and linoleic (76.97 percent) and linolenic (0.32 percent) fatty acids. The highest land equivalent ratio (1.41) was achieved in intercropped plants (1:1) with integrated use of 60 percent chemical and biological fertilizers. For both years, total actual yield loss for all intercrops was more than zero, which indicates the positive advantage of intercropping over the pure one. Overall, intercropping (safflower/faba bean) with integrated use of the chemical and biological fertilizers, can recommend as an appropriate manner for the production of safflower with a better quality and quantity.