Effect of Azolla Compost and Humic Acid on Growth and Flowering of Daffodil (Narcissus jonquilla cv. German)

Azolla grows well in wetlands and reservoirs in northern Iran. This plant can be used as a source of compost and as an organic fertilizer. In this study, azolla compost (AZC) and humic acid (HA) were used in the production of daffodil. The experiment was carried out with factorial arrangement based on the completely randomized design. The first factor was AZC (25%, 50%, 75% and 100 %v/v) and the second factor was humic acid (0, 250 and 500 mg L-1). Results showed that the longest flowering stem with 24.03% increase compared to control, was recorded at 25% AZC + 500 mg L-1 HA. Treatments 100% AZC + 250 and 500 mg L-1 HA, produced the highest flowering stem diameter. Maximum anthocyanin content obtained in compost 100% + 250 mg L-1 humic acid. In compost 25% + 500 mg L-1 humic acid, the amount of nitrogen and calcium was at the maximum. In compost 75% + 500 mg L-1 humic acid, the concentration of phosphorus and potassium increased compared to the control. The results of the present study showed that the use of azolla compost and humic acid is effective in improving the quantitative and qualitative traits of daffodil.