The Impact of Irrigation and Cow Manure on Morphological Characteristics, Yield, and Components of Zataria Multiflora Bioss. in Mashhad

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• M Shemshadi
• M Parsa
• P Rezvani Moghaddam
• S Khorramdel

Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

10.22067/jcesc.2024.88747.1337

Abstract

Introduction
In the context of increasing water scarcity and the need for sustainable agricultural practices, this study examines the effects of irrigation levels and cow manure treatments on Zataria multiflora Bioss., commonly known as Shirazi thyme. This perennial medicinal plant, valued for its essential oils, holds significant economic potential in arid and semi-arid regions, where efficient resource management is crucial. The primary objective was to assess the impact of different irrigation volumes and cow manure applications on the growth, morphological characteristics, yield, and essential oil content of Shirazi thyme. The study aimed to determine optimal combinations of these treatments to enhance plant productivity and resource use efficiency in the Mashhad region.
Materials and Methods
The experiment was conducted in the research fields of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during the 2020-2021 growing season. A factorial experiment was designed within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included three irrigation levels (3000, 2100, and 3900 cubic meters per hectare) and four cow manure levels (41.76, 52.2, 62.64 tons per hectare, and a control with no manure). Key morphological traits and yield components were measured, including plant height, leaf area index (LAI), and biomass.
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that irrigation significantly influenced morphological traits such as plant height and LAI, with the highest values observed at the highest irrigation level (3.9 cubic meters per hectare). Cow manure application notably enhanced the lower canopy diameter and the wet and dry weight of flowers. The highest total dry weight yield was achieved with the highest levels of both irrigation and cow manure. Reduced irrigation levels led to significant decreases in biomass and essential oil yield, underscoring the plant's sensitivity to water stress. No significant interaction between irrigation and manure treatments was observed on most traits, suggesting independent effects of each factor.
Conclusion
Both irrigation and cow manure significantly impact the growth and yield of Shirazi thyme. Adequate irrigation is essential for maintaining high biomass and essential oil production, while cow manure improves soil fertility and plant health. These findings highlight the importance of integrated water and nutrient management for optimizing medicinal plant cultivation in arid regions.
Recommendations
For farmers in similar climatic conditions, a balanced approach to irrigation and organic fertilization is recommended to maximize yield and maintain soil health. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these practices on soil properties and plant health, contributing to more sustainable and productive agricultural systems.

Keywords

• Bio-fertilizer
• Canopy diameter
• Shirazi Thyme
• Shoot
• Total yield

Main Subjects

• Medicinal Plants

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Authors retain the copyright. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)