Research on the Use of Organic Fertilizer Instead of Chemical Fertilizer and Its Effect on the Morphological and Yield in Fennel Plant

Abstract

Objective: Organic manures can be used as an alternative method to replace chemical fertilizers for sustainable agricultural production. Sheep manure and vermicompost are the most important alternative applications. These manures can increase soil fertility, plant productivity, and quality. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) has been used as a medicinal and aromatic plant throughout human history, and it is widely used as a food additive, pharmacological substance, and medicinal application. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to determine the effect of different organic applications (sheep manure (SM) and vermicompost manure (VM)-10, 15, and 20 t/ha) and chemical fertilizer (Ammonium sulfate (AS)-40, 80, and 120 kg/ha) with a control (no fertilizer or manure) on the morphology, yield, and essential oil, and fixed oil yield of fennel. Results: The results of the study showed that significant statistical differences were found only in plant height and the fixed oil yield of fennel. The fruit yield ranged from 90.14 kg/da to 122.72 kg/da, and the 80 kg/ha ammonium sulfate (AS-2) and 10 t/ha sheep manure (SM-1) applications had the highest values. Essential oil yield and fixed oil yield changed between 2.57-3.85 L/da and 16.18-36.90 L/da, respectively. The result of the study suggested that applications of SM-1 had the highest thousand fruit weight, fruit yield, essential oil yield, and fixed oil yield compared to other applications. PCA analysis showed the relationships among the examined properties, and component 1 and component 2 revealed 61.50% of the total variation of the valuables. Conclusion: Sheep manure application (SM-1) can be used for the high fruit, essential oil, and fixed oil yield of fennel for sustainable agriculture.