Effects of Chemical Fertilizers and Vermicompost on Morphological and Chemical Characteristics of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

In order to evaluate some morphological and chemical characteristics of quinoa, a split plot experiment has been conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during 2019-2020 cropping season, at the Agricultural Research Station of University of Zabol, Iran. Vermicompost at three levels (0, 5 and 10 ton/ha) has been considered the main factor and chemical fertilizer at four levels (25, 50, 75 and 100%), the sub-factor. The main effect of vermicompost is significant on morphological traits such as plant height, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Interaction of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer is significant on chemical properties, including proteins and photosynthetic pigments. Application of 10 tons of vermicompost per hectare leads to the maximum level of plant height, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Also, the highest amount of photosynthetic proteins and pigments are achieved from combined application of 10 tons/ha of vermicompost and 50% chemical fertilizer (25 kg/ha Urea+ 50 kg/ha triple superphosphate + 50 kg/ha potassium sulfate). Totally, results show the positive effects of vermicompost on the morphological and chemical properties of quinoa. It can be concluded that the combined use of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost can increase the yield of quinoa, while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and thus reduce the environmental impacts caused by them..