Effects of biological fertilizers on some of the morphological and nutritional properties of globe artichoke

Cultivation of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.), as a multipurpose species of vegetable, medicine and green forage, along with using biological fertilizers and reduced rates of chemical fertilizers is arranged within sustainable cropping systems. In order to study the effects of chemical and biological fertilizers and integratedplant nutrientsystems on some traits of globe artichoke, a factorial experiment was conducted on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications in Isfahan, Iran in 2014. Factors included chemical fertilizers at the levels of control (no fertilizer), 100 and 50 % of the recommended amounts, and bio-fertilizers at levels of control (no bio-fertilizer), Nitroxin (Azotobacter, Azospirillium andPseudomonas), Barvar 2 (Pseudomonas putida-p13and Pantoea agglomerans-p5) and Nitroxin+Barvar 2. Morphological traits, chemical composition, metabolizable energy and net energy for lactation were determined at the vegetative rosette stage. Results indicated that using bio-fertilizer and chemical fertilizer significantly improved effective parameters in increasing forage quality. Inoculation with two bio-fertilizers increased more forage quality than those of single application of them. However, Nitroxin had more positive effects than Barvar 2. In general, it was concluded that integratedplant nutrienttreatmentsare more beneficial effects on the growth and quality of globe artichoke forage.