Zahra Shahbazi; Amin Salehi; Saeid Hazrati; Mohsen Movahedi dehnavi
Abstract
The application of organic fertilizers alone or in combination with bio-fertilizers is important for sustainable agriculture, healthy agricultural production and restoring soil quality. Compost, vermicompost and mycorrhiza amendments could improve soil quality and plant yield. However, little is known ...
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The application of organic fertilizers alone or in combination with bio-fertilizers is important for sustainable agriculture, healthy agricultural production and restoring soil quality. Compost, vermicompost and mycorrhiza amendments could improve soil quality and plant yield. However, little is known about their impact on yield and quality of European borage (Borago officinalis L.). To evaluate the effects of vermicompost, granulated compost, and mycorrhiza on qualitative and quantitative traits of B. officinalis an experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design arranged in a factorial experiment with three replications. Organic fertilizers in five levels (0, 5 and 10 t/ha vermicompost and 3 and 6 t/ha granulated compost) and mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae) in two levels (with and without) were considered. It was shown that the effects of organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza application on nitrogen content were significant in such a way that the maximum nitrogen content was obtained by 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza inoculation treatment. The main effects of organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza on phosphorus and potassium contents were also significant. The maximum values were obtained when 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza were applied together. Total chlorophyll content, flower-bearing branches, mucilage, and phenol were measured in all three harvests. The results indicated that the interaction effect of harvesting time, organic fertilizer, and mycorrhiza was only significant on chlorophyll content. The maximum chlorophyll content (0.958 mg g-1 freshweight) was detected in the third harvest when 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza were applied. Maximum mucilage content (4.23%), phenol content (5.07%) and flower-bearing branches (57.45 g m-2) were obtained by 10 t/ha vermicompost treatment. The results suggested that chemical fertilizers could be replaced by organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza to reduce soil and water contamination in the agroecosystems.
Shiva Zaferanchi; Saeid Zehtab Salmasi; Seyed Yahya Salehi Lisar; Mohammad Reza Sarikhani
Abstract
The present study was carried out to investigate biochemical responses of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) to Bio-organic fertilizers. Effects of co-inoculation of two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Azotobacter sp.145PI and Azospirillum sp.AC49I), humic acid (HA) (10 kg ha−1), ...
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The present study was carried out to investigate biochemical responses of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) to Bio-organic fertilizers. Effects of co-inoculation of two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Azotobacter sp.145PI and Azospirillum sp.AC49I), humic acid (HA) (10 kg ha−1), vermicompost (VC) (7 T ha−1) and combinations of these treatments were evaluated in two marigold cultivars [Isfahan double flower (DF) and single flower (SF)]. The biosynthesis of leaf protein, soluble and insoluble carbohydrate contents were increased in treated plants, while total free amino acid content was not influenced by treatments. Fertilizers also had positive impact on leaf and flower pigments, total flavonoid content, and total phenolic contents. Maximum amounts of anthocyanins were obtained in the DF cultivar treated by VC+PGPR and VC, which were 11.414 and 11.192 µmol g-1 FW, respectively. The SF cultivar treated by PGPR (36.11 %) and also the same cultivar treated by VC (33.39 %) had the highest antioxidant activities. In general, simultaneous application of fertilizers and also vermicompost were recognized as the best treatment for marigold plants. In conclusion, the findings of the current study confirmed that chemical composition and antioxidant activity of marigold can be positively influenced by Bio-organic fertilizers; therefore they can be used to obtain medicinal plants with improved quality during sustainable agricultural practices.
