Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Former M.Sc. Student of Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University
2 Associate Professor of Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University
Abstract
Background and Objectives
The use of organic manures and legume species can reduce the need for fertilizers and sustain cropping systems. Organic manure plays a vital role in bringing stability and sustainability to agriculture and also avoiding over dependence on chemical fertilizers. Nowadays, consumer preference is more for organically grown produce because they are free from toxic residues and have concern for the environment. Animal manure is a good source for organic fertilizer as it helps to improve chemical, physical and biological properties of soil and it is used as a source of energy for the soil ecosystem. The aim of this study was investigating combination of animal manure and inorganic fertilizer on growth and yield performance of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum gracum).
Materials and methods
In order to evaluate fertilizer treatments and intercropping ratio of isabgol-fenugreek on rhizobium nodules, root and shoot growth, an experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Shahrekord University in 2013. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments. Four intercropping treatments consist of sole cropping of fenugreek (T), three ratios of intercropping of isabgol-fenugreek (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) as the first factor, and three fertilizer treatments (manure, manure: chemical (50:50), and chemical fertilizer) were investigated in factorial as randomized complete block design with three replications. In this experiment, parameters such as rate of weight and number of rhizobium nodule per plant, dry weight of root, dry weight of stem, dry weight of leaf and dry weight of pod, number of lateral branches, leaf number, leaf area index, plant height, special leaf area, leaf area ratio, leaf weight ratio and total weight of shoot were measured.
Results
The results showed that the maximum number and weight of rhizobium nodules, shoot dry weight, number of lateral branches were obtained in isabgol-fenugreek (2:1) with the application of combined fertilizer. The maximum of isabgol height and pod weight were achieved in combined fertilizer. Also, the lowest number and weight of rhizobium nodules, specific leaf area, leaf area ratio, and leaf weight ratio were produced in the chemical fertilizer. Means comparison results indicated that in TP (2:1) with application of combined fertilizer number (16.4), weight (0.28 g) of rhizobium nodules, shoot dry weight (6.82 g), number of lateral branches (4.93) and leaf area index (2.2) were obtained in isabgol-fenugreek (1:2) with application of combined fertilizer.
discussion
In general, combined use of fertilizers in interaction with intercropping isabgol-fenugreek can be effective in increasing the fenugreek performance and environment conservation by reducing of chemical fertilizers.
Keywords
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