The Effect of Vermicompost and Biochar Application on Morphophysiological Characteristics of Quinoa under Drought Stress Conditions

In order to investigate the effect of vermicompost and biochar fertilizers on physiological characteristics, growth indices, and grain yield of quinoa in different irrigation frequencies, a split-plot experiment based on randomized complete block design was carried out in the research farm of Kerman in 2020. In this study, the reaction of quinoa (Titicaca cultivar) to three irrigation frequencies (70, 100, and 130 mm from class A evaporation pan) and four organic fertilizers (control, vermicompost, biochar, and vermicompost + biochar) were investigated. The results showed that increasing irrigation frequency significantly reduced the plant height (23.9%), panicle length (17.6%), 1000-seed weight (22.6%), and quinoa grain yield (21.6%). Application of biochar + vermicompost treatment (in equal proportions of 10 tons per hectare) with irrigation frequency of 130 mm from class A evaporation pan increased total chlorophyll (96%) and leaf area index (15.5%) and decreased proline content (48%) compared to control with the same irrigation frequency. In this study, the highest plant height (97 cm), panicle length (15.4 cm), 1000-seed weight (3.141 g), and grain yield (321.94 g/m2) were observed from biochar + vermicompost treatment, which was not significantly different from vermicompost treatment in none of the mentioned traits. In general, it can be concluded that the application of biochar + vermicompost in equal proportions of 10 tons per hectare by increasing the water holding capacity of the soil and also soil nutrients improves the growth and development of quinoa under drought stress.