The effects of NPK, chemical and manure fertilizers investigation on the phenolic yield and essential oil components in Thymus daenensis L

In order to study the effect of chemical fertilizer, manure and their combination on phytochemistry of Thymus daenensis L., this research was coducted using a randomized complete block design with split plot in time layout including 12 treatments and 3 replications. Treatments were 3 rates of N. P. K chemical fertilizers, 4 rates of manure fertilizer, combination of chemical fertilizer and manure in four rates and control (no fertilizer application). The essential oil was extracted by hydro distillation method by using a Clevenger-type apparatus and were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The total phenols were measurred by spectrophotometry. The results were showed that the highest phenolic content (57.17 kg/ha), essential oil yeild (3.88%) and thymol (86.68%) were obtained by application of 40 kg N, 32 kg P and 32 kg K combined with 25 ton/ha manure , but the highest carvacrol percentage (10.11%) obtained by application of 25 ton/ha manure. In all treatments the thymol, carvacrol and e-caryophyllene were the main essential oil components and different treatments had no effect on essential oil composition. There is a negative significant correlation was observed between thymol with carvacrol and e-caryophyllene. This findings may provide a hopeful perspective to replacing chemical fertilizers by organic fertilizers. In conclusion, the quantitative and qualitative yield in combined applicaion of chemical and organic fertilizers may be superior than chemical or organic systems alone and it can be concluded that this combined system is adapted with sustainable agriculture.