Effect of organic manure and bio-fertilizers on productivity and quality of cumin (Cuminum cyminum, L.)‎ plant grown in calcareous sandy soil

الملخص EN

Medicinal and aromatic plants have the economic importance because of the continuous and increasing demand for their products by local and international markets (Khalid, 2006).

Recently, the production of chemical- free medicinal and aromatic plants has been the focus of interest of many researchers and producers in order to ensure the quality and safety, not only for human, but also for the environment (Abo-Baker and Mostafa, 2011).

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) a member of family Apiaceae, is an annual plant which is originated from Egypt and East Mediterranean.

It is regarded as the most important medical seed spice in Egypt.

It is a small and annual umbelliferous plant that has a short growing season.

Its aromatic seeds have medical applications and plant essential oils have many applications such as changing the smell of some medicines equipping the product antiseptic, sterilization of surgical operation fiber, product of some veterinary and agricultural medicines and industry perfumery (Yilmaz and Arsian, 1991).

More recently, there has been a revival of interest in environmentally friendly, sustainable and organic agricultural practices.

There are some supporting studies that addition of organic material affects some properties of the soil, organic material improves soil structure and aggregate stability, as well as its moisture retention capacity (Bhattacharyya et al., 2008).

Manure is typically applied to the soil at rates designed to supply a crops nitrogen requirement (Evanylo et al., 2008).

The use of organic fertilizers and cattle caused the increase in cumin seed biological performance and the number of umbrellas in the crucible (Sydnzhad and Rezvani, 2009).

Saboor (2004) reported that manure application increases cumin yield.

Bio-fertilizers differ from organic fertilizers in that they do not directly supply any nutrients to crops and are cultures of special bacteria and fungi.

The use of bio-fertilizers is known to improve plant growth through the supply of plant nutrients and may help to sustain environmental health and soil productivity (O, Connell, 1992).

Research has demonstrated that using bio-fertilizer could reduce the need for chemical fertilizer and decrease its adverse effects on the environment (Karlidag et al., 2007).

In addition, the use of biofertilizers on Egyptian soils has decreased the pH, which lead to increased availability of trace elements