Effect of Type of Organic Matter and Cultivation Methods on Glycyrrhizic Acid Content and Morphophysiological Characteristics of Licorice

This study aimed to investigate the effect of cultivation methods and different organic matters (vermicompost, Licorice root waste and manure) on glycyrrhizic acide contant and morphophysiological characteristics of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.). Treatments comprised of two cultivation methods (transplanting and direct seeding) in combination with three types of organic matter (vermicompost, Licorice root waste and manure) at four levels of 0, 10, 20 and 40 tons per hectare. Results showed that the highest root fresh and dry weight was achived in transplanting method in 40 tons per ha of each manure. The highest starch content was attained from transplanting method in addition vermicompost at 20 and 40 tons per ha with no significant differences. The amount of root sodium in transplanting cultivation method and application of vermicompost and manure was significantly higher than the application of Licorice waste root together with seedling cultivation method.The highest amount of root potassium was obtained in the application of 40 ton per ha of Licorice waste root and manure.The maximum glycyrrhizic acid percent was recived in the application of 20 ton per ha of licorice waste root and the highest glycyrrhizic acid yield per ha was obtained from transplanting method plus application of manure at 20 and 40 tons per ha and Licorice root waste at 20 ton per hectare with no significant differences. In general, transplanting method as well as application of 20 to 40 tons per hectare manure or 20 tons per hectar of Licorice root waste is recommended.