The Effects of Micronutrient and Organic Fertilizers on Yield and Growth Characteristics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of different micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn) and farmyard manure (FYM) on the vegetative, phenological, and achene yield components of sunflower a field experiment was conducted in Maragheh, North West of Iran during the growing season 2018–2019. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design- with three replicates. The main plots assigned to two levels of FYM (0 and 20 t ha−1) and sub plots assigned to the recommended dose of three micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn). The results revealed significant improvements in the growth and yield of sunflower due to the main and interaction effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer application. The highest number of leaves and the highest leaf area was observed in a plant grown by FYM + Zn. However, there was no significant difference between micronutrients under inorganic condition (without FYM application). The highest leaf relative water content (RWC), plant height, internode distance, and chlorophyll was recorded for plants grown by Fe or Zn under FYM applied condition. Application of FYM and micronutrients reduced the number of days to flowering. However, the application of FYM significantly delayed plant maturity. Achene number per head, 100-achene weight, achene length, achene width, achene oil percent, achene yield, and harvest index significantly increased with the application of FYM and the best performance was in a plant grown by FYM + Zn and FYM + Fe. The percentage of hollow and empty achene was significantly reduced by the application of FYM. Combined applications of FYM and micronutrients has become an increasingly common practice.

Sunflower Growth and Yield in Response to Combined Application of Farmyard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers (Nitrogen and Phosphorus)

“…The study recommends the use of well-balanced fertilizer to enhance sunflower yield and overall productivity. The discussion also delves into the influence of farmyard manure on sunflower development and yield, as explored by Nouraein et al (2019). Farmyard manure, which is a great source of organic stuff that plants need to grow, gives soil the necessary food and makes it better at holding water, so the plants don't die if there isn't much rain.…”

The Effect of Technical Training Provided by Agricultural Cooperatives on Farmers’ Adoption of Organic Fertilizers in China: Based on the Mediation Role of Ability and Perception

“…For the ecological value of organic fertilizers, the technical training provided by agricultural cooperatives mainly affects farmers’ perceptions of organic fertilizers through two aspects: maintaining soil fertility and protecting the ecological environment. First, farmers discovered that organic fertilizers may improve soil structure and maintain soil fertility to provide a better environment for plants by taking part in the technical training provided by agricultural cooperatives [ 8 , 43 , 44 ]. At the same time, improving soil structure can protect crop growth from production risks and may motivate some farmers to adopt organic fertilizers [ 45 ].…”

Optimizing Potassium and Iron Levels for Enhanced Sunflower Yield in Peshawar Valley

“…Sunflower not only serves as a source of edible oil but also finds utility in livestock feed, lubricants, soaps, and paints. Moreover, its seeds are widely utilized in various forms, including bird seed blends and nut butter (Nouraein et al, 2019). While public and private sectors in Pakistan have made strides in hybrid production, challenges persist due to inadequate infrastructure and skilled labor, necessitating heavy reliance on private sector imports.…”