Biofertilizers effects on quantitative and qualitative yield of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Abstract

A factorial experiment in randomized complete block design was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of bio and chemical fertilizers on essence, dry and fresh weight production in Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) in a field study in Shahrekord, Iran. The applied fertilizers were: (a) phosphate-solubilizing bacterium, (b) frowzy manure from mutton, (c) Nitroxin biofertilizer and (d) phosphate from super phosphate triple at level of 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha. Control experiments were carried out without soil fortification with any fertilizers. Significant differences were observed in dry and fresh weight, essential oil production and number of lateral shoots while soils were fortified with one of the chemical or bio fertilizers or combination of both. Results of Duncan’s multiple range test showed the best treatment was simultaneous application of phosphate-solubilizing bacterium, frowzy manure from mutton, nitroxin bio fertilizer and 40 kg/ha of super phosphate triple (essence production = 0.66% of plant dry weight). However, in control experiments without soil fortification with any fertilizers, the minimum production of the essence and other parameters of plants were obtained. The essence production in this treatment was 0.047% of plant dry weight. The application of biofertilizeres (phosphate-solubilizing bacterium, nitroxin and frowzy manure) caused the highest biomass and essence production. It was found that soil fortification with biofertilizers make more plant production comparing to usage of chemical fertilizer. Key words: Essence production, frowzy manure from mutton, nitroxin, phosphate-solubilizing bacterium, super phosphate triple, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.).