Effect of Biological, Organic and Chemical Fertilizers on Vegetative Growth, Physiological Characteristics and Essential Oils of (Thymus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

Aims: In two successive seasons, the effect of different types of fertilizers on growth, physiological characteristics and oil constituents of thyme plants was studied.Methodology: The performance of compost and nitroxin were compared with standard, commercial rates of NPK fertilizers with respect to the growth, chemical composition and essential oil production of Thymus vulgaris L.Results: In two successive seasons, plants treated by a mixture of nitroxin, compost showed a significant increase in vegetative growth, total N, P and carbohydrate content and essential oil production.Conclusion: The findings clearly indicate that Nitroxin, and compost could replace conventional NPK fertilizers in the cultivation of thymus, and consequently minimize environmental pollution by these compounds.