The influence of fertilization on yield of caraway, anise and coriander in organic agriculture

Abstract

Many plants of Apiaceae family have long been well known because of flavorful aromatic spice and, because of its healing properties, are often used in folk medicine and in cooking. In our study three plants of this family were included: caraway (Carum carvi L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Regarding good agro-ecological conditions for growing these plants in Serbia, and a new world trend of increasing organic agricultural production, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of application of various types of fertilizers on yield of studied plant species. The field experiment was carried out during the years of 2011 and 2012, in three localities in Vojvodina Province with the local ecotypes and six different treatments (control, ?Slavol?, ?Bactofil B-10?, ?Royal Ofert?, vermicompost and NPK). The highest caraway yield was obtained by the application of biofertilizer ?Bactofil B-10?. As regards anise and coriander the highest yield was achieved by the application of chemical fertilizer. The most effective organic fertilizers were the following: vermicompost for anise and specific poultry manure ?Royal Ofert? granules for coriander.