Effect of Biochar, Planting Pattern and Local Irrigation on Yield and Yield Components of Essential Oil and Nutrient Content of Thyme (Thymus vulagris)

The effect of biochar and cultivation pattern on essential oil yield and nutrient content of thyme under different local irrigation methods were the most important objectives of this study.

This experiment was performed as a factorial split based on a randomized complete block design with three replications during the two crop years of 1397-1396 and 1398-1397 in the farm of Karaj Branch of Azad University. Irrigation at three levels (irrigation of all furrows, irrigation of furrows as one-intermediate and one intermittent variable), as the main factor and biochar at two levels (no use and application of biochar), and planting pattern (one-row and two-row cultivation on the ridge) as Sub-factors were considered.

The percentage of essential oil and its yield increased significantly under water stress conditions. The highest essential oil yield with 22.14 kg.ha-1 was obtained in the treatment of furrow irrigation as a constant intermediate + application of biochar + cultivation of two rows of thyme. Furrow irrigation treatments, both fixed and variable, increased the yield of essential oil by significantly increasing the percentage of essential oil. Biochar also had a significant effect on all studied traits. Water stress reduced the levels of calcium, magnesium, and iron,

Due to the positive effects of biochar in improving organic matter, physical and chemical properties as well as the availability of soil nutrients, less irrigation through constant one-intermediate furrows irrigation and application of 8 tons per hectare of biochar.