Effect of biologic fertilizers on growth, yield and essential oil of Satureja rechingeri Jamzad

Fertilizer management is one of the most important factors in successful cultivation of medicinal plants. Application of biofertilizers can affect the quality and quantity of plant indexes and they can be considered as substitutes for chemical fertilizers.In this research, effect of different types of fertilizers was evaluated on growth, yield and essential oil of S. rechingeri. The research was conducted under field condition in complete randomized block design with three replications. The treatments included chemical fertilizer, nitrogen biofertilizer (Azospirillum brasilense & Azotobacter chroococcum), phosphorus biofertilizer (Pseudomonas putida), combinations of nitrogen and phosphor biofertilizers, combinations of nitrogen and phosphorus biofertilizers with 50% chemical fertilizer and control. Data show that fertilizing S. rechingeri plants using biofertilizer amended with a half dose of chemical fertilizer increased plant height, number of branches, plant dry weight, essential oil content and essential oil yield compared with control and other treatment. The analysis of the essential oils in S. rechingeri showed highest carvacrol content (%) detected in using biofertilizer amended with a half dose of chemical fertilizers. Results indicated that in general, application of biofertilizers enhanced yield and other plant criteria in this plant. Generally, it seems that using of biofertilizers could improve S. rechingeri performance in addition to reduction of environmental pollution.