Comparison of the Effect of Single and Combined Application of Organic, Chemical fertilizers and Slurry on Yield, Yield Components, and Essential Oil of the Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) as a Medicinal Plant under Mashhad Conditions

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Z Farimaneh

P Rezvani Moghaddam

S Khorramdel

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

10.22067/jcesc.2025.94622.1419

Abstract

Introduction
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a widely cultivated herb of economic and medicinal importance, commonly used in culinary applications as a spice and flavouring agent. In Iran, coriander cultivation plays a significant role in the country's agricultural economy, particularly in semi-arid regions such as Mashhad. The productivity of coriander is heavily influenced by soil fertility and nutrient management practices. Chemical fertilizers, although effective in providing essential nutrients, have been linked to environmental degradation, soil acidification, and long-term decline in soil fertility. On the other hand, organic fertilizers, such as animal manure and slurry, offer a sustainable alternative by improving soil physical structure, enhancing microbial activity, and gradually releasing nutrients. However, the efficacy of organic fertilizers alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers on coriander growth and yield remains under-explored in Mashhad’s climatic conditions. This study aims to fill this gap by systematically evaluating the effects of different fertilizer treatments on seed yield, yield components, and essential oil content of coriander.

Materials and Methods
The field experiment was conducted during the 2023 growing season at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad research farm, located in a semi-arid climatic zone characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments included: 1) control (no fertilizer), 2) animal manure (composted cow manure at 5 ton ha^-1), 3) slurry (obtained through water extraction from manure), 4) chemical fertilizer (NPK at recommended rates), 5) a combination of 50% animal manure + 50% chemical fertilizer, 6) a combination of 50% animal manure + 50% slurry, and 7) a combination of 50% slurry+ 50% chemical fertilizer. Standard agronomic practices, including soil preparation, irrigation, and pest control, were applied uniformly across all treatments. Key growth parameters, including plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, number of umbels and umbellets per plant, seed number per plant, seed weight, fresh and dry biomass yield, and harvest index, were recorded at the flowering and seed maturity stages.

Results and Discussion
Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among treatments for most measured traits, indicating that nutrient source and application rate substantially influenced coriander growth and yield. The highest fresh and dry biomass production was observed in the treatment combining 50% animal manure and 50% chemical fertilizer (7130 and 1490 g.m^-2, respectively), highlighting a synergistic interaction between organic and inorganic nutrient sources. This combination likely enhanced nutrient availability while improving soil physical and biological conditions, leading to superior vegetative growth and reproductive development. Slurry treatment significantly increased seed number (88%), and the number of umbels (84%) compared to the control, suggesting improved nutrient solubility and uptake efficiency. Chemical fertilizer alone yielded the highest number of umbellets (306 per plant), branches (13.67 per plant), and seed weight per plant (12.48 g per plant), highlighting the rapid nutrient release and availability provided by inorganic fertilizers. However, the tallest plants were recorded in the sole animal manure treatment (66.67 cm), which also showed the highest harvest index (47.78%) after the control (49.75%), indicating that organic fertilizers can promote balanced vegetative growth and partitioning of assimilates to reproductive organs. These findings align with previous research emphasizing the benefits of integrated nutrient management for sustainable crop production. Additionally, the use of animal manure and its derivatives contributes to enhanced soil microbial activity, improved water retention, and long-term soil fertility. The study demonstrates that while chemical fertilizers can quickly boost yield components, organic fertilizers are essential for maintaining soil health and ensuring sustainable productivity in the long run.

Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that integrating animal manure with chemical fertilizers can significantly enhance the growth, yield components, and biomass production of coriander under Mashhad’s semi-arid climatic conditions. The combined application strategy not only improved seed yield and vegetative growth but also contributed to better soil health compared to the use of sole chemical fertilizers. Slurry emerged as a promising alternative nutrient source with notable effects on yield parameters. Sustainable fertilization strategies involving both organic and inorganic sources are recommended for coriander cultivation in similar agro-ecological zones to achieve higher productivity and environmental sustainability. Further long-term research is warranted to evaluate the dynamics of soil health, economic viability, and potential ecological impacts of these fertilization practices.

Keywords

Essential oil percentage

Harvest index

Organic fertilizer

1000-seed weight

Subjects

• Crop yield

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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)

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