Effects of Different Fertilizer and Irrigation Treatments on the Growth of Lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus L.)

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted in the greenhouse at the Department of Biology, College of Education, University of Samarra for the agricultural season 2022-2023 to evaluation combined organic and inorganic fertilizer on growth and chemical content of lemongrass plants C .citratus L. Objective of current study focused  on impact of combined organic and inorganic fertilizer on C. citratus as one of the leafy plants widespread, used , and mean source of bioactive compounds in medicinal and pharmaceutical properties in all over the world  .The experiment included 2 factors, the first: was fertilization using the organic fertilizer ORGEVIT with two levels, 250 kg/ha and 125 kg/ha, and the second factor:  fertilizing by foliar spraying using the organic stimulant Maxi-Grow with two concentrations of 500 mg/l and 250 mg/l with  two  irrigation periods  after 10 and 15 days. The results showed fertilization levels with 500 mg/l and 250kg/ha treatment excelled with highest average of chlorophyll content and dry weight  that reached values were  14.242nm and 42.5 to 41.5 gm respectively, which did not different from the control treatment .While  fertilization treatment with 125 kg/ha and 500 mg/L excelled in recording the highest average number of leaves were 11.50 leave/ plant after 10 days of irrigation. Final conclusion organic foliar fertilization in combination with inorganic fertilizers can have an effective role in reducing the harmful effect of drought stress and improving plant growth and metabolism in general.