Abstract

To reduce farmers’ dependency on mineral fertilizers, to increase water use efficiency, and to increase households’ incomes, participatory on-farm research trials to test the beneficial impact of biological fertilizers application on black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) some yield characters were investigated. Our objectives in this study were the interactive effects of biofertilizer application on quality and quantity yields at Iran in 2010. In this respect, the experimental unit had been designed by the achieved treatments in factorial on the basis of completely randomized block design with three replicates. Certain factors including four levels of animal manure (0, 10, 20 and 30 ton/ha respectively) and two levels of azotobacter (non-application and application) were studied. The final statistical analysis indicated that in the 20 ton/ha animal manure and azotobacter application, yield components were significantly higher. Those such as: biological yield, seed yield, essential oil yield, stem dry weight, capsule dry weight, leaf dry weight and plant height were higher in unites by 20 ton/ha animal manure and azotobacter application. The finding may give applicable advice to farmers for management and concern on fertilizer strategy and carefully estimate chemical fertilizer supply by biofertilizer application.

Key words:  Azotobacter, animal manure, essential oil yield, Nigella sativa L