Vermicompost Application in Different Intercropping Patterns Improves the Mineral Nutrient Uptake and Essential Oil Compositions of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract

Only a few studies have hitherto investigated the effects of the application of organic fertilizers in intercropping systems on the plant essential oil (EO) productivity. Hence, this work has aimed to study the effect of different intercropping patterns on EO quality and quantity of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under vermicompost application. In the present study, the cropping patterns consisted of 1B:1CB, 2B:2CB, 3B:2CB, and 4B:2CB (basil: common bean) as well as the pure culture of both crops and fertilizer treatments including usage or non-usage of vermicompost. The maximum seed yield of common bean (2786 kg ha −1) and dry matter yield of basil in the first (261.5 g m −2) and second harvests (214.7 g m −2) were recorded in the pure cultures fertilized with vermicompost. In addition, the nutrient uptake rate of macronutrients and micronutrients in both plants after application of vermicompost improved in intercropping patterns. In both harvests, the maximum EO content of basil (0.84% in the first harvest and 0.69% in the second harvest) was observed at the cropping ratio of 3B:2CB fertilized with vermicompost. Chemical analysis, achieved by GC-MS, evidenced 1,8-cineole, linalool, methyl chavicol, α-trans-bergamotene, methyl eugenol, and epi-α-cadinol as the main basil EO constituents in both harvests. The highest increment level for most ofEO constituents, nutrient uptake, and land equivalent ratio (1.52) were obtained in the intercropping pattern of 3B:2CB fertilized with vermicompost. In general, the intercropping pattern of 3B:2CB after use of vermicompost can improve the EO productivity and quality of basil. This intercropping pattern was accompanied by the increment of nutrient uptake. Therefore, this treatment can be introduced as a valid and sustainable strategy to replace chemical fertilizer and plant monoculture.

Application of humic acid and biofertilizers changes oil and phenolic compounds of fennel and fenugreek in intercropping systems

“…Intercropping can increase sustainable production and reduce chemical inputs in agricultural systems 12 – 14 , establish an ecological balance, exploit resources to a greater extent, increase yields quantitatively and qualitatively, and decrease the damage caused by pests, diseases, and weeds 15 , 16 . Therefore, reducing farmer reliance on pesticides while at the same time maintaining crop productivity and quality are key intercropping goals for sustainable farming.…”

Application of bio and chemical fertilizers improves yield, and essential oil quantity and quality of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) intercropped with mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

“…Intercropping systems can also improve EO quantity and quality of medicinal plants, such as fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ), dragonhead ( Dracocephalum moldavica L.), and sweet basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) (Amani Machiani et al, 2019; Rezaei‐Chiyaneh, Amani Machiani, et al, 2020).…”

Improvement of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) yield quality through a coupled intercropping system and vermicompost application along with maintenance of soil microbial activity

“…Besides, the LER value >1 implies that the inter‐species competition is also less intense than the intra‐species competition. Similarly, previous studies showed that the use of environmental resources via both functional complementarity and facilitation in the intercropping system and yield improvements led to an increase in the LER (Fallah et al, 2018; Rezaei‐Chiyaneh, Amani Machiani, et al, 2020; Vafadar‐Yengeje et al, 2019).…”

“…On‐the‐other‐hand, the higher content of DEO induced by fertilization is related to the role of the nutrients, especially N, in the development and division of new cells secreting DEO, secretory channels, and glandular trichomes (Fallah et al, 2018; Schuurink & Tissier, 2020). To improve the chemical composition of DEO of medicinal plants, we recommend the use of organic fertilizers in the intercropping system (Rezaei‐Chiyaneh, Amani Machiani, Javanmard, Maggi, & Morshedloo, 2020).…”