Role of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Bio-fertilizer in Improving Yield and Quality Indicators of Artichoke Fodder (Cynara Scolymus L.)

Considering the consequences of chemical fertilizers misuse and the positive effect of the biofertilizers application from economic and environmental aspects, this research was conducted to investigate the effect of these fertilizers on morphological traits, yield and quality of artichoke forage at the flowering stage. 

A factorial experiment on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in Isfahan during two consecutive years (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). Plants received chemical fertilizer at three levels as 100% chemical fertilizer, 50% chemical fertilizer and control, and bio-fertilizer at four levels as control, inoculation with Nitroxin, Barvar 2 and inoculation with both bio-fertilizers in the first year and chemical fertilizer (100 kg N.ha-1 for chemical fertilizer treatments) in the second year.  

The results showed that residual effect of 100% chemical fertilizer + 100 kg N.ha-1 among different levels of chemical fertilizer and Nitroxin + Barvar 2, among biofertilizer levels had the highest dry forage yield (8.25 and 6.7 ton.ha-1) and digestibility of organic matter (27.31% and 25.23%), respectively. Maximum crude protein (12.85%) and ash (17.29%) and minimum neutral detergent fiber (31.06%) were obtained at 100% residual chemical fertilizer combined with Nitroxin and Barvar 2 + 100 kg N.ha-1. The application of biofertilizers also improved the morphological characteristics of the plant compared to the control treatment.  

 In general, the combination of 100% chemical fertilizer with Nitroxin and Barvar 2 can be recommended for artichoke forage production.