Investigating Growth of Frankenia thymifolia as a Cover Plant During Drought Stress in Different Growth Media and Irrigation Periods

There are some plants can replace grass among cover plants. Cover plants are obvious solution of problem in these places that the most important plant is Frankinia and Lisimakia etc. The aim of this study is to use organic wastes, biological fertilizers and moisture super absorbents in the growth media of Frankinia to increase water holding capacity, delay in permanent wilting point and drought stress control. The experiment was carried out during drought stress out of greenhouse in open space in 2017. A factorial experiment based on Randomized Completely Block Design with two factors was conducted. First factor was three periods of irrigation in 2 and 4 days and one week, second factor was different growth media including: 1.90% soil+10% manue, 2. 70% soil, 15% manure+ 15% vermicompost, 3.70% soil, 15% manure+ 15% vermicompost + 1 g/kg stockosorb (super absorbent), 4.50% soil, 25% manure+ 25% vermicompost and 5. 50% soil, 25% manure+ 25% vermicompost + 1 g/kg super absorbent. Rooted transplants of Frankinia in pots (diameter 12 cm and height 15 cm) were planted in boxes 30×30 cm numbered 6 every box. Morphological traits including longest branch, total number of lateral branches, dry and fresh weight of shoot, prolin, leaf relative water and the concentration of K, P, Fe and Zn in shoot and uptake of these nutrients by shoot, were measured. The growth media were analyzed for pH, EC, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio and P and K available. Results showed the mixture 50-50 of soil and organic compounds (composted manure and vermicompost) is used as the growth medium. Using one g/kg superabsorbent in cited medium in compared with control medium (irrigation period 2 days), can increase irrigation period to one week.