SWEET BASIL HERB AND OIL PRODUCTION AS AFFECTED BY CHEMICAL AND ORGANIC FERTILIZATION

Abstract

This study was conducted during the two successive seasons of 1998 and 1999 to investigate the effect of some organic manures (poultry, cattle and horse manures) and inorganic (NPK) fertilization on the growth, oil yield and chemical composition of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L) cv. "Grand Vert" plants. Sweet basil plants were grown in 30 em (diameter) clay pots filled with a sandy soil, and were supplied with chemical NPK or organic fe!lilization treatments. The chemical NPK fertilizer (with a formula of25:10:10) was applied at rates equivalent to 600, 800, 1000 or 1200 kg/fed./season, while the organic fertilization treatments included the addition of poultry manure{at rates of 12, 18, 24, or 30 m 3/fed./season),catt1e manure or horse manure (each at rates of 24, 36, 48 or 60 m3/fed./seasoi1).Unfertilized plants were used as the ., control. Plant fertilized by PM (at 24m3 /fed.) gave the highest values for plant height, fresh and dry weights of leaves/plant and fresh and dry weights of herb per plant J and per feddan. While the highest values for number of j. branches/plant were obtained from plant fertilized with • CM (at 60 m /fed.).On the other hand, the highest percentage and oil yield per plant and per feddan of the essential oil 'Were obtained from plants fertilized with PM (at 24 m 3 /fed.).