Effects of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on vegetative indices and essential oil content of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of single and combined application of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of vegetative part of coriander, (Coriandrum sativum L.). The experiment was carried out as split plot in time based on Complete Randomized Block Design with three replications and 12 treatments at Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, during growing season of 2010-2011. Treatments included: (1) mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae), (2) biosulfur (Thiobacillus sp.), (3) chemical fertilizer (NPK), (4) cow manure, (5) vermicompost, (6) mycorrhiza + chemical fertilizer, (7) mycorrhiza + cow manure, (8) mycorrhiza + vermicompost, (9) biosulfur + chemical fertilizer, (10) biosulfur + cow manure, (11) biosulfur + vermicompost and (12) control. Vegetative parts of coriander were cut at 5% of flowering stage in two dates (19 May and 5 June). Results showed that the highest plant height (28 cm) and lateral branches (5.2) were obtained in combined application of biosulfur with cow manure treatment. The highest fresh and dry leaf weight, fresh and dry matter yield and stem dry matter weight were obtained in single application of chemical fertilizer. Single application of biosulfur increased leaf/stem ratio. The highest essential oil percentage and essential oil yield were observed in cow manure treatment (0.2% and 1753 g.ha-1, respectively). The maximum leaf/stem ratio were observed in the first cutting, while the highest lateral branches, stem fresh and dry matter yield, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield were obtained in second cut. Overall, results of this study showed that the plant vegetative yield increased by using chemical fertilizer, while essential oil percentage and essential oil yield of coriander were improved by using organic and biological fertilizers.