influence of nitrogen fertilizer and vermicompost application on flower yield and essential oil of chamomile (matricaria chamomile l.)

this study was performed to assess the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and vermicompost on qualitative and quantitative yield of chamomile ( matricaria chamomilla l.). it was conducted at the research fields of ran company located in firouzkouh, iran, in 2013. treatments were consisted of 1) control, 2) 100% nitrogen from urea, 3) 100% nitrogen from ammonium nitrate, 4) 75% nitrogen from urea and 25% from vermicompost, 5) 75% nitrogen from ammonium nitrate and 25% from vermicompost, 6) 50% nitrogen from urea and 25% from vermicompost , 7) 50% nitrogen from ammonium nitrate and 25% from vermicompost, 8) 25% nitrogen from urea and 25% from vermicompost, 9) 25% nitrogen from ammonium nitrate and 25% from vermicompost, and 10) 100% nitrogen from vermicompost. the maximum plant height (67.03 cm) and plant weight (93.21 g/plant) were obtained at n2 treatment (200 kg ha -1 urea). n5 treatment (202.5 kg ha-1 ammonium nitrate + 1.5 ton vermicompost ha-1) caused maximum flower diameter. the highest fresh flower yield (7539.45 kg ha-1), dry flower yield (1715.93 kg ha-1) and essential oil yield (6.95 kg ha-1) obtained in plots, which received 135 kg ha -1 nitrate ammonium + 3 ton vermicompost ha -1 . it seems using biofertilizers such as vermicompost could enhance quantitative and qualitative characteristics of chamomile. moreover, by substituting chemical fertilizers by biofertilizers, ecosystem health and quality of life will increase which it is the most important goals of sustainable developments.