Effect of Biological, Organic and Chemical Fertilizers on Vegetative Growth, Physiological Characteristics and Essential Oils of (Thymus vulgaris L.)

Aims: In two successive seasons, the effect of different types of fertilizers on growth, physiological characteristics and oil constituents of thyme plants was studied.
Methodology: The performance of compost and nitroxin were compared with standard, commercial rates of NPK fertilizers with respect to the growth, chemical composition and essential oil production of Thymus vulgaris L.
Results: In two successive seasons, plants treated by a mixture of nitroxin, compost showed a significant increase in vegetative growth, total N, P and carbohydrate content and essential oil production.
Conclusion: The findings clearly indicate that Nitroxin, and compost could replace conventional NPK fertilizers in the cultivation of thymus, and consequently minimize environmental pollution by these compounds.