Effect of Bio-nitrogen Fertilization, Plant Density and Irrigation on Physiological and Agronomic Characteristics of Salvia officinalis Organic Cultivation

Abstract

Sage (Salvia officinalis L) is a widespread aromatic and medicinal plant with various positive affects in human diet and health. In order to investigate the interaction among bio-fertilization, plant density and irrigation regimes, in Salvia officinalis cultivation, an experimental field was established at the University Farm of Thessaly, in Velestino (Greece). The transplant was carried out in October 2016 and the experiment data concern the plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), Chlorophyll content and dry biomass of the 3rd and 4th growing years. A split-split-plot experimental design was used, including two irrigation regimes (IR0: no irrigation and IR1: irrigation), three bio - nitrogen fertilization systems (N0: 0 kg ha-1, N1: 40 kg ha-1, N2: 80 kg ha-1) and two different plant density (D1: 10.000 and D2: 20.000 plants ha-1). The use of the drip irrigation system ameliorated the plant height, the dry leaves yield and the LAI. The dry leaves yield in 3rd year was ranged between 166.3 – 522 kg ha-1 and 101.67 – 359 kg ha-1 in May and August, respectively. As it concerns the Chlorophyll index (CCI), the bio - nitrogen fertilization and the irrigation had provoked an increase to its amount during the studied growing year. Therefore, Salvia officinalis can be a promising perennial crop, cultivated under the Greek climatic conditions.