Growth and Yield Response of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to Different Rates of Urea Fertilizer under Field Conditions

Abstract

Basil plant (Ocimum basilicum L.) is aromatic and medicinal plants, cultivated for producing essential oil, and utilizing in culinary, biopesticides, and pharmaceutical productions. Notwithstanding, basil production can be used in different markets. Nitrogen deficiency is the main factor influences basil production in the world. Thus, this study was performed during the summer season of 2019 to evaluate the impact of the application of urea fertilizer (applied at seven rates; 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 kg N/ha) on chlorophyll, agronomic traits, seed yield, and essential oil production. Using a moderate rate of urea fertilizer is proposed to be sufficient for some agronomic traits. Moreover, a nonlinear-relationship between essential oil and urea fertilizer rate was found. This study"s results proved that utilizing urea fertilizer at a moderate rate can increase agronomic traits and essential oil of basil.