Evaluation of Quantitative and Qualitative Yield of Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea L.) Cultivation Under the Influence of Vermicompost, Chemical Fertilizers and Nano-Fertilizers in Different Climatic Conditions

Due to the importance of portulaca oleracea as a plant susceptible to cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions, this study was conducted to evaluate the productive aspect of portulaca oleracea cultivation under the management of different levels of vermicompost and chemical and nano fertilizers in Gorgan and Zahedan. 

This study was carried out as a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with four replications. Application of chemical and nano fertilizers at six levels including control or non-application of fertilizers, nanoparticles of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (in ratios of 3, 2 and 2 g.l-1, respectively) and application of chemical fertilizers of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (200, respectively). 100 and 150 kg.ha-1) as the first factor and four different levels of vermicompost including control or non-use of vermicompost, 5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare as the second factor.

In both production areas of portulaca oleracea, all fertilizer and vermicompost treatments had a significant effect on portulaca oleracea grain yield. However, the rate of portulaca oleracea grain yield in Gorgan region was about 36.96% higher than Zahedan region. The highest yield in both Gorgan and Zahedan regions was obtained from the application of nitrogen nanoparticles along with the application of 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost. The lowest index of grain harvest was obtained from treatment without application of fertilizer and consumption of 15 tons of vermicompost alone.

In general, the results of this study showed that Gorgan region was more favorable for production of portulaca oleracea than Zahedan. The highest seed and oil yield was obtained by applying nitrogen nanoparticles with consumption of 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost.