The Effect of Different Levels of Vermicompost and Urea on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Sesame in Field Condition in Gorgan

One of the main factors of sustainable agriculture is organic fertilizers. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vermicompost and urea fertilizer on quantitative and qualitative yield of sesame in field conditions.

The experiment was carried out in factorial arrangement base on randomized complete block design with three replications in the Agricultural Research, Training Center and Natural Resources of Golestan Province. Experimental factors included vermicompost at four levels (zero, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t.ha-1) and second factor was urea fertilizer at four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1).

The results showed that vermicompost and urea fertilizer had a significant effect on all measured traits. The highest plant height, biological yield, number of capsules per plant and grain yield (1601 kg.ha-1) were recorded from the application of 150 kg/ha of urea and 7.5 t.ha-1 of vermicompost. The oil yield was increased by concomitant use of vermicompost and urea fertilizer. The percentage of oil decreased by increasing urea level and increased with increasing vermicompost amount. The highest oil percentage was recorded by application 7.5 t.ha-1 of vermicompost. With increasing levels of urea and vermicompost, harvest index was increased. There was a positive and significant correlation between yield and biomass (r = 8,850 **) and number of capsules per plant (r = 0.745 **).

Considering the role of organic fertilizers in the stability and preservation of soil specificity to achieve maximum productivity, the combined use of urea and vermicompost is recommended to increase the quantitative and qualitative yield of sesame.