The Effect of Fertilizers on Growth Characteristics, Essential oil and Nutrient Uptake of Two Savory SpeciesAbstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of fertilizer types on growth characteristics, essential oil content and element uptake of two savory species and to identify savory species compatible with regional conditions.

field experiment as a factorial study based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the north of Lorestan, Iran in 2017-2019. The first factor was assigned to three mycorrhizal fungi (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, and G. fasciculatum), phosphate biofertilizer (Baravar-2), fish manure (800 kg ha-1), cattle manure (20 t ha-1), vermicompost (5 t ha-1), and control (no fertilization) and the second factor was assigned to two savory species including Satureja khuzestanica and S. rechingeri.

The results of the combined analysis of variance for the second and third years showed that the simple effects of fertilizers and species were significant on all recorded traits. The highest plant height (39.16 cm), number of lateral branches (29.58), leaf area index (0.79), plant dry weight (4.15 t ha-1), essential oil content (5.53%), essential oil yield (22.92 kg ha-1), leaf N, P, K and Fe contents (3.78, 1.91, 4.18, and 466.25 mg kg-1), were obtained from the foliar application of vermicompost.

Except for essential oil content and yield. According to the results, the foliar application of vermicompost at a rate of 5 t ha-1 can contribute to the sustainable production of both savory species and improving their growth and essential oil yield.