The effect of combined phosphorus-organic matter fertilizer on the morphological and phytochemical characteristics of Moldavian Balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Soil Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

Abstract

Nutrients supply, especially phosphorus (P) can improve the growth and the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. This study aims to investigate the morphological, phytochemical characteristics and absorption of phosphorus, magnesium and nitrogen elements by the Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) in the presence of slow-release combined fertilizer of P and organic matter (OM0/P، OM25/P، OM50/P and OM75/P) compared to mono-potassium phosphate (KH2PO4) and the control sample (without P-fertilizer) in a calcareous soil. The presence of leonardite in the struvite composition increased the uptake of P, magnesium and nitrogen elements by the plant compared to the control and KH2PO4 treatments. In addition, the morphological characteristics (dry and wet weight, plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll and number of leaves) and characteristics including a value of P in plant, phenol, flavonoid and FRAP and DPPH antioxidant activity increased with increasing the amount of organic matter in combined fertilizer and the increasing trend was as follows: OM0/P < OM25/P <KH2PO4< OM50/P < OM75/P. The dry weight and value of P in Moldavian balm by application of OM75/P increased by 42 and 78%, respectively, compared to the check treatment. The flavonoid content of the plant increased by 33, 47, 71, 100, and 63%, respectively, compared to the control including OM0/P, OM25/P, OM50/P, OM75/P, and KH2PO4. Therefore, the application of combined fertilizer of P and organic matter as a slow-release-P fertilizer leading to plant availability to nutrients, especially P, as a result improve the phytochemical and morphological characteristics of Moldavian balm in calcareous soils.

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 March 2024

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