Organic fertilizers application can enhance the plant growth without polluting the environment [1]. In order to investigate the effects of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on growth characteristics, yield and yield components of marshmallow (Altheae officinalis L.), a field experiment was conducted by using a completely randomized block design with three replications at Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2012. Experimental treatments were designed based on 3 levels of vermicompost (0, 5 and 10 ton ha-1) and 5 levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of 200 kg N ha-1). Results indicated that vermicompost applying had significant effects on increasing leaf area, flower weight per plant, oil and mucilage Yields of marshmallow. Flower weights per plant, mucilage and oil yields of marshmallow were increased by 2 to 3 times by applying vermicompost at 10 ton ha-1, as compared to control treatment. In addition, nitrogen fertilizer had a significant effect on increasing flower weight per plant and grain yield of marshmallow.

Keywords