Water Schedule of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) under organic fertilization

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) isaherbal medicineplant that has severaluses, i.e. as a food or a flavouring agent in the food industry, and also in hot and cold beverages. It is a cash crop in arid and semi-arid zones. The experiment was conducted to study the effect of irrigation and compost applicationon Roselle in Rasheed, Egypt. Water supplyfrequency was divided into three different timingsin 2, 4 and 6 days intervals. In addition to mineral fertilizers, soil media were supported with compost as a soil amendment at 5, 10 and 15 t fed-1. The positive effect of irrigation and compost application was monitored on plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, branches and fruits, dry weight of plantand calyx. Leaf chlorophyll contents and calyx anthocyanin composition were positively increased with the increase in interval and compost application.