Effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on morpho-physiological and biochemical properties of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.)

Organic fertilizers play a significant role in organic systems and sustainable soil management. In general, organic fertilizers increase soil fertilization and can reduce the negative effects of the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic man-made fertilizers. This study was carried out in the Medicinal Plants Farm of Shahid Bakeri Higher Education Center of Miandoab during summer 2017. Thus, the main objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on the morphophysiological features (diameter of plant, plant height, number of branch, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield), biochemical contents (amount of N, P, K, Soluble sugar, Carotenoids, Chlorophyll a, b, total phenol content, and Proline content) and essential oil content of ajowan. Results showed that the fertilizers could significantly enhance all determined factors as compared to control samples. Vermicompost had a better effect than the chemical fertilizer in some factors including total phenol, chlorophylls, carotenoids, total soluble sugar, nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium contents (P<0.05). The vermicompost as a potential source of plant nutrients for sustainable ajowan production can reduce health and environmental problems.