Evaluation of Yield, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Radiation Use Efficiency of Wild Majoram in Response to Organic and Chemical Fertilizers

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of urea and Azocompost on economic yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of wild majoram, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Yazd and Mashhad, Iran, during 2012-2013 growing season. Four urea levels and four Azocompost levels (to provide 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N.ha^-1each) were considered as the main factors. Characteristics of the study include the economic yield (leaf and flower dry matter), nitrogen percentage of herbage yeild, NUE and RUE. The combined analysis of two locations results revealed signfficant effects two treatments of urea and azocompost on economic yield (P<0.05). The highest yield in urea and azocompost treatments were equal to 1625.94 and 1768.65 kg ha^-1 that was obtained from 120 kg N ha^-1treatment, respectively. Application of organic and chemical fertilizers due to decrease NUE and increase RUE compared to control plants in both of regions. RUE in Mashhad location with 0.9 gr MJ^-1 was more than Yazd location with 0.75 gr MJ^-1 in control treatment. Overall, Application of azocompost caused higher yields, NUE and RUE than urea treatment.