Evaluation of the Efficiency of Animal Manures in the Production of Thyme (Thymus daenensis L.)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• askar ghanbari odivi ¹
• Sina Fallah ¹
• zahra lorigooini ²
• mojtaba karimi ¹

¹ Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Iran.

² Medicinal Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

10.22067/agry.2021.68631.1019

Abstract

Introduction
Sustainability of production in agricultural lands is directly related to soil fertility management. In this regard, the application of livestock manure is a very important method in improving soil fertility without adversely affecting the environment. Although the efficiency of these manures could be sustained for several growing seasons, however their efficiency at the first year is principally more important due to the direct relationship with the production of that year. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of source and amount of manure on the growth and production of thyme.
Materials and methods
The experiment was performed as a split plot design in time and in the form of a randomized complete block with three replications at the model cultivation site of medicinal plants of Koohrang Agriculture-Jahad in 2018 and 2019. Experimental treatments were included three levels of poultry manure (100, 143 and 250 kg N/ ha; PM₁₀₀, PM₁₄₃, PM₂₅₀), three levels of sheep manure (100, 143 and 250 kg N/ ha; SM₁₀₀, SM₁₄₃, SM₂₅₀)), three levels of cattle manure (100, 143 and 250 kg N/ ha; CM₁₀₀, CM₁₄₃, CM₂₅₀) and chemical fertilizer (CF) and no fertilizer application (C) as positive and negative controls, respectively, which in two cutting were compared. The measured traits were includedphotosynthetic pigments, leaf area index, aerial biomass, essential oil content and essential oil yield. Data was analyzed by SAS software and means were compared by LSD test.
Results and Discussion
In both cuttings, the amount of chlorophyll a in plots received medium and high level of animal manures were similar to plot received chemical fertilizer. Except to CM₂₅₀ treatment, chlorophyll b in all manure treatments were similar to CF treatment. In the first cutting, the leaf area index in PM₂₅₀, SM₁₄₃ and SM₂₅₀ treatments had a significant advantage compared to CF treatment, but in the second cutting, manure treatments (except SM₁₀₀) did not show a significant difference comparing to CF treatment. Thyme biomass obtained from PM₂₅₀, SM₁₄₃ and SM₂₅₀  treatments had a significant advantage compared to CF treatment in the first cutting, but in the second cutting, there was no significant difference among manures and CF treatments. In the first cut, the essential oil content of medium and high levels of poultry manure and also high levels of sheep and cattle manures were significantly higher than the CF treatment. However, in the second cutting, the amount of essential oil under all levels of poultry manure and medium and high levels of sheep and cattle manures were higher than the CF treatment. In the first cutting, the essential oil yield of medium and high levels of poultry and sheep manures and high level of cattle manure were higher than that the CF treatment, but in the second cutting, only high level of poultry manure had a significant advantage in comparison with CF treatment. The fertilizer application efficiency regarding to biomass production was similar for all fertilizer treatments, except SM₁₄₃. The highest fertilizer use efficiency in the production of essential oil was obtained with SM₁₄₃ and PM₁₄₃, respectively.
Conclusion
Applying a medium amount of sheep manure could be more effective in the crop ecosystem due to its superior efficiency in comparison with other levels of this fertilizer and other studied animal manure and chemical fertilizers. However, if the essential oil yield of the thyme be the gold of the farmer, the high level of poultry manure has priority over the balanced level of sheep manure, although the efficiency of this level of poultry manure is 35% lower than the balanced level of sheep manure. Therefore, in addition to producing the essential oils, the efficiency of fertilizers could be also considered as an important factor, regarding to achieving the sustainable aspects in the medicinal plants ecosystems.
 

 
 
 
 

Keywords

• Thyme
• Organic manure
• Fertilizer efficiency
• Essential oil
• Aerial biomass

20.1001.1.20087713.1401.14.3.5.5

Main Subjects

• Resource Use Efficiency in Agriculture

---

References

Abdollahi Arpanahi, A., and Feizian, M., 2019. Arbuscular mycorrhizae alleviate mild to moderate water stress and improve essential oil yield in thyme. Rhizosphere 9: 93-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rhisph.2018.10.003.

Abdollahi2020 Arpanahi, A., Feizian, M., Mehdipourian, G., and Namdar-Khojasteh, D., 2020. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation improve essential oil and physiological parameters and nutritional values of Thymus daenensis Celak and Thymus vulgaris L. under normal and drought stress conditions. European Journal of Soil Biology 100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejsobi.2020.103217

Adeli, A., Sistani, K.R., Rowe, D.E., and Tewolde, H., 2005. Effects of broiler litter on soybean production and soil nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Agronomy Journal 97: 314-321. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2005.0314

Ahn, J., Lee, S.A., Kim, J.M., Kim, M., Song, J., and Weon, H., 2016. Dynamics of bacterial communities in rice field soils as affected by different long-term fertilization practices. Journal of Microbiology 54: 724–731. DOI: 10.1007/s12275-016-6463-3

Al-Fraihat, A.H., Al-dalain, S.Y.A., Al-Rawashdeh, Z.B., AbuDarwish, M.S., and Al-Tabbal, J.A., 2011. Effect of organic and bio fertilizers on growth, herb yield and volatile oil of marjoram plant grown in Ajloun region, Jordan. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 5(13): 2822–2833. https://doi.org/10.5897/JMPR.9000490

Alizadeh, P., Fallah, S., and Raiesi, F., 2012. Potential N mineralization and availability to irrigated maize in a calcareous soil amended with organic manures and urea under field conditions. International Journal of Plant Production 6(4): 493-512. Doi: 10.22069/ijpp.2012.762.

Amran, K.A.A., 2013. Physiological studies on Pelargonium graveolens L plant. Ph.D. Dissertation. Faculty of Agriculture. Moshtohor. Benha. University. Egypt. 115 p.

Andrade, F.H., Vega, C., Uhart, S., Cirilo, A., Cantarero, M., and Valentinuz, O., 1999. Kernel number determination in maize. Crop Science 39: 453-459.

Arefi, I., Kafi, M., Khazaei, H.R., and Banayan Aval, M., 2012. Effect of nitrogen phosphorous and potassium fertilizer levels on yield, photosynthetic rate photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll content, and nitrogen concentration of plant components of Allium altissimum Regel. Journal of Agroecology. 4(3): 207-214. Doi: 10.22067/jag.v4i3.15309 (In Persian with English Summary)

Asbaghian, S., Shafaghat, A., Zarea, K., Kasimov, F., and Salimi, F., 2011. Comparison of volatile constituents, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oils of Thymus caucasicus, T. kotschyanus and T. vulgaris. Natural Product Communications. 6(1): 137–140. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X1100600133.

Ashworth, A.J., Allen, F., Wight, J., Saxton, A., and Tyler, D., 2014. Soil organic carbon sequestration rates under crop sequence diversity, biocovers, and no-tillage. Soil Science Society of America Journal 78: 1726–1733. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2013.09.0422.

Ashworth, A., Pote, D., Way, T.R., and Watts, D.B., 2020. Effect of seeding distance from subsurface poultry litter on corn yield and leaf greenness. Agronomy Journal 112. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.20186.

Begrow, F., Engelbertz, J., Feistel, B., Lehnfeld, R., Bauer, K., and Verspohl, E.J., 2010. Impact of thymol in thyme extracts on their antispasmodic action and ciliary clearance. Planta Medica 76(04): 311-318. DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1186179.

Bernal, M.P., Alburquerque, J.A., and Moral, R., 2009. Composting of animal manures and chemical criteria for compost maturity assessment. A review. Bioresource Technology. 100(22): 5444–5453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2008.11.027.

Bibiano, C., Carvalho, A., Bertolucci, S.K., Torres, S., Corrêa, R., and Pinto, J., 2019. Organic manure sources play fundamental roles in growth and quali-quantitative production of essential oil from Dysphania ambrosioides L. Industrial Crops and Products 139: 111512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.111512.

Börjesson, G., Menichetti, L., Kirchmann, H., and Kätterer, T., 2012. Soil microbial community structure affected by 53 years of nitrogen fertilisation and different organic amendments. Biology and Fertility of Soils 48: 245–257. DOI:10.1007/s00374-011-0623-8.

Budka, D., and Khan, N.A., 2010. The effect of Ocimum basilicum, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare essential oils on Bacillus cereusin rice-based foods. European Journal of Botany 2(1): 17–20.

Büechi, S., Vögelin, R., Von Eiff, M.M., Ramos, M., and Melzer, J., 2005. Open trial to assess aspects of safety and efficacy of a combined herbal cough syrup with ivy and thyme. Complementary Medicine Research 12(6): 328-332. DOI: 10.1159/000088934.

Cetin, B., Cakmakci, S., and Cakmakci, R., 2011. The investigation of antimicrobial activity of thyme and oregano essential oils. Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry 35: 145-154. DOI: 10.3906/tar-0906-162.

Chae, Y.M., and Tabatabai, M.A., 1986. Mineralization of nitrogen in soils amended with organic wastes. Journal of Environmental Quality 15(2): 193– 198. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1986.00472425001500020021x

Dinesh, R., Srinivasan, V., Hamja, S., and Mahjusha, A., 2010. Short term incorporation of organic manures and fertilizers influences biochemicals and microbial characteristics of soils under an annual crop turmeric. Bioresource Technology Journal 101(12): 4697-702. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.01.108.

Djilani Ghemam, A., and Senoussi, M.M., 2013. Influence of organic manure on the vegetative growth and tuber production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L. varspunta) in a Sahara desert region. International Journal of Agriculture and Crop Sciences 5: 2724-2731.

El-Sawi, S.A., and Mohamed, M., 2002. Cumin herb as a new source of essential oils and its response to foliar spray with some microelements. Food Chemistry 77: 75–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2010.01.108.

Ewulo, B., 2005. Effect of poultry dung and cattle manure on chemical properties of clay and sandy clay loam soil. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 4(10): 829-841. https://medwelljournals.com/abstract/?doi=javaa.2005.839.841.

Fallah, S., 2016. Fundamental of Sustainable Agriculture. Shahrekord University Press, Shahrekord, Iran. 169 pp. (In Persian)

Fallah, S., and Tadayyon, A., 2010. Uptake and nitrogen efficiency in forage maize: effects of nitrogen and plant density. Agrociencia 44: 549-560.

Fallah, S., Ghalavand, A., Samar, S.M., and Yadavi, A., 2013. Effect of broiler litter and mixing it with soil on corn`s nutrient concentrations. Journal of Agronomy 24: 40-47.

Fallah, S., Mouguee, S., Rostaei, M., Adavi, Z., and Lorigooini, Z., 2020. Chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of essential oil of wild and cultivated Dracocephalum kotschyi grown in different ecosystems: A comparative study. Industrial Crops and Products 143: 111885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.111885.

Forge, T.A., Hogue, E.J., Neilsen, G., and Neilsen, D., 2008. Organic mulches alter nematode communities, root growth and fluxes of phosphorus in the root zone of apple. Applied Soil Ecology 39: 15–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2007.11.004.

 Francioli, D., Schulz, E., Lentendu, G., Wubet, T., Buscot, F., and Reitz, T., 2016. Mineral vs. organic amendments: microbial community structure, activity and abundance of agriculturally relevant microbes are driven by long-term fertilization strategies. Frontiers in Microbiology 14: 1446. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01446.

Geisseler, D., and Scow, K.M., 2014. Long-term effects of mineral fertilizers on soil microorganisms-A review. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 75: 54–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2014.03.023.

Ghasemi Pirbalouti, A., Karimi, A., Yousefi, M., Enteshari, E., and Golparvar, A.R., 2011. Diversity of Thymus daenensis Celak in central and west of Iran. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 5(4): 319–323. https://doi.org/10.5897/jmpr.9000456.

Ghasemi Pirbalouti, A., Barani, M., Hamedi, B., Ataei Kachouei, M, and Karimi, A., 2013. Environment effect on diversity in quality and quantity of essential oil of different wild populations of Kerman thyme. Genetika Journal 45: 441450. DOI:10.2298/GENSR1302441P.

Haraguchi, H., Saito, T., Ishikawa, H., Date, H., Kataoka, S., Tamura, Y., and Mizutani, K., 1996. Antiperoxidative components in Thymus vulgaris. Planta Medica 62: 217–221.  DOI:10.1055/S-2006-957863

Hartmann, M., Frey, B., Mayer, J., Maeder, P., and Widmer, F., 2015. Distinct soil microbial diversity under long-term organic and conventional farming. Multidisciplinary Journal of Microbial Ecology 9: 1177–1194. DOI:10.1038/ismej.2014.210.

Hatwar, G.P., Gondane, S.U., Urkude, S.M, and Gahukar, O.V., 2003. Effect of micronutrients on growth and yield of chili. Journa of Soils and Crops 13: 123–125.

Hirzel, J., Walter, I., Undurraga, I., and Cartagena, M., 2007. Residual effects of poultry litter on silage maize (Zea mays L.) growth and soil properties derived from volcanic ash. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 53: 480-488. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-0765.2007.00144.x.

Kandeel, A.M., Naglaa, S.A.T., and Sadek, A.A., 2002. Effect of biofertilizers on the growth, volatile oil yield and chemical composition of Ocimum basilicum L. plant. Annual Agricultural Science Cairo 47(1): 351-371.

KeshavarzAfshar, R., Chaichi, M.R., Assareh, M.H., Hashemi, M., and Liaghat, A., 2014. Interactive effect of deficit irrigation and soil organic amendments on seed yield and flavonolignan production of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.). Industrial Crops and Products 58: 166–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.03.043.

Kilande, B.G., Tenywa, J.S., Rwakaikara-Silver, M., and AmodingKatushabe, A., 2011. Agronomic evaluation of cattle manures for cabbage production: Animal gender and physiological conditions. Nepalese Journal of Agricultural Sciences 9: 76-89.

Lichtenthaler, H.K., 1987. Chlorophylls and carotenoids: Pigments of photosynthetic biomembranes. In: R. Douce, and L. Packer, (Eds.), Methods Enzymol. Academic Press Inc., New York 148: 350-382.

Maghdi, B.H., and Maki, Z.M., 2003. Review of common Thyme. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2(7): 1-12.

Melo, L.C.A., Silva, C.A., and Dias, B.D.O., 2008. Caracterização da matriz orgânica de resíduos de Origens diversificadas. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 32: 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-06832008000100010.

Nabavi, S.M., Marchese, A., Izadi, M., Curti, V., Daglia, M., and Nabavi, S.F., 2015. Plants belonging to the genus Thymus as antibacterial agents: from farm to pharmacy. Food Chemistry 173: 339–347. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.10.042

Naguib, N.Y.M., 2011. Organic vs. chemical fertilization of medicinal plants: A concise review of researches. Advances in Environmental Biology Journal 5(2): 394-400.

Nasiri, Y., and Najafi, N., 2015. Effects of soil and foliar applications of iron and zinc on flowering and essential oil of chamomile at greenhouse conditions. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica 105(1): 33–41. DOI:10.14720/aas.2015.105.1.04.

Nathalie, J., and Bréda, J., 2003. Ground‐based measurements of leaf area index: A review of methods, instruments and current controversies. Journal of Experimental Botany 54: 392: 2403–2417. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erg263.

Neisani, S., Fallah, S., and Raiesi, F., 2011. The response of N and P efficiency in forage maize to different urea and broiler litter levels under short-term drought stress conditions. Journal of Agroecology 3: 525-534. Doi: 10.22067/jag.v3i4.14910. (In Persian with English Summary)

Nezhadali, A., Akbarpour, M., Zarrabi, B., and Mousavi, M., 2010. Comparison of volatile organic compounds of Thymus vulgaris using hydrodistillation and headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society 57: 40-43. https://doi.org/10.1002/jccs.201000007.

Omrani, B., Fallah, S., and Taddayon, M.R., 2016. The response of photosynthetic pigments and dry matter partitioning and nitrate content in purslane (Portulaca oleracea) to plant nutrition. Journal of Plant Process and Function 5(15):181-194. DOI:20.1001.1.23222727.1395.5.15.13.6 . (In Persian with English Summary)

Pandey, V., and Patra, D., 2015. Crop productivity, aroma profile and antioxidant activity in Pelargonium graveolens L. Her. under integrated supply of various organic and chemical fertilizers. Industrial Crops and Products 67: 257–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.01.042.

Park, J., Cho, K.H., Ligaray, M., and Choi, M.J., 2019. Organic matter composition of manure and its potential impact on plant growth. Sustainability 11: 2346. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082346.

Rahimpour, M., and Fallah, S., 2018. Effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of green basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Journal of Agroecology 10(1): 146-159. DOI:10.22067/jsw.v31i6.66296. (In Persian with English Summary)

Rosal, L.F., Pinto, J.E.B.P., Bertolucci, S.K.V., Brant, R.D.S., Niculau, E.D.S., and Alves, P.B., 2011. Produção vegetal e de óleo essencial de boldo pequeno em função de fontes de adubos orgânicos. Revista Ceres Journal 58: 670–678. Doi: 10.1590/S0034-737X2011000500020.

Rostaei, M., Fallah, S., Lorigooini, Z., and Surki, A., 2018. Crop productivity and chemical compositions of black cumin essential oil in sole crop and intercropped with soybean under contrasting fertilization. Industrial Crops and Products 125: 622-629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.09.044.

Roy, D.K., and Singh, B.P., 2006. Effect of level and time of nitrogen application with and without vermicompost on yield, yield attributes and quality of malt barley (Hordeum vulgare). Indian Journal of Agronomy 51: 40-42.

Roy, S.S., and Hore, J.K., 2010. Vermiculture can be practiced in all plantation crops. A report of Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, Faculty of Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya. Nadia. West Bengal. pp. 20-39.

Russo, M.A., Belligno, A., Wu, J.Y., and Sadro, V., 2010. Comparing mineral and organic nitrogen fertlizer impact on soil–plant–water system in a succession of three crops. Recent Research in Science and Technology 2: 14-22.

Sacchetti, G., Maietti, S., Muzzoli, M., Scaglianti, M., Manfredini, S., Radice, M., and Bruni, R., 2005. Comparative evaluation of 11 essential oils of different origin as functional antioxidants, antiradicals and antimicrobials in foods. Food Chemistry 91(4): 621-632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.06.031.

Safaei-Ghomi, J., Ebrahimabadi, A.H., Djafari-Bidgoli, Z., and Batooli, H., 2009. GC/MS analysis and in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil and methanol extracts of Thymus caramanicus Jalas and its main constituent carvacrol. Food Chemistry 115(4): 152–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.01.051.

Samani, J.D., Pirbalouti, A.G., and Malekpoor, F., 2017. Effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on growth parameters and essential oil of Iranian basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Journal of Crop Nutrition Science 3: 14-24

Sanches Govin, E., Rodrigues Gonzales, H., Carballo Guerra, C., and Milanes Figueredo, M., 2005. Influencia de los abonos organicosy biofertilizantes en la calidad de las especies medicinales Calendula officinalis L. y Mateicaria recutita L. Revista Cubana de Plantas Medicinales 10: 1-8.

Sawan, Z.M., Hafez, S.A. and Basyony, A.E., 2001. Effect of phosphorus fertilization and foliar application of chelated zinc and calcium on seed, protein and oil yields and oil properties of cotton. Journal of Agricultural Science 136: 191-198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021859601008644.

Schoenau, J.J., 2006. Benefits of long-term application of manure. Advances in Pork Production 17: 153-158.

Shahnazi, S., Khalighi Sigaroudi, F., Ajani, Y., Yazdani, D., Ahvazi, M., and Taghizad Shaalan, M.N., 2007. Influence of biofertilizers and chicken manure on growth, yield and seeds quality of (Nigella sativa L.) plants. Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research 83: 811–828.

Sharafzadeh, S., and Ordookhani, K., 2011. Organic and bio fertilizers as a good substitute for inorganic fertilizers in medicinal plants farming. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 5(12): 1330-1333.

Sharafzadeh, S., Zare, M., 2011. Effect of drought stress on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of some medicinal plants from Lamiaceae family. Advances in Environmental Biology Journal 5(8): 2058–2062.

Subedi, K.D., Ma, B.L., and Smith, D.L., 2006. Response of a leafy and non-leafy maize hybrid to population densities and fertilizer nitrogen levels. Crop Science 46: 1860-1869. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2005.06-0141.

Tabrizi, L., Koocheki, A., Rezvani Moghaddam, P., Nassiri Mahallati, M., and Bannayan, M., 2011. Effect of irrigation and organic manure on Khorasan thyme (Thymus transcaspicus Klokov). Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 57: 317-326. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340903369376.

Tang, H., Xiao, X., Li, C., Pan, X., Cheng, K., Shi, L., Wang, K., and Li, W., 2020. Organic manure managements increases soil microbial community structure and diversity in double-cropping paddy field of Southern China. Scientific reports 10: 13540. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2021.1879120.

Tewolde, H., Adeli, A., Sistani, K.R., Rowe, D.E., and Johnson, J.R., 2010. Equivalency of broiler litter to ammonium nitrate as a cotton fertilizer in an upland soil. Agronomy Journal 102: 251–257. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2009.0244.

Treonis, A.M., Austin, E.E., Buyer, J.S., Maul, J.E., Spicer, L., and Zasada, I.A., 2010. Effects of organic amendment and tillage on soil micro organisms and microfauna. Applied Soil Ecology 46: 103–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2010.06.017.

Trivedi, P., Delgado-Baquerizo, M., Jeffries, T.C., Trivedi, C., Anderson, I.C., Lai, K., McNee, M., Flower, K., Pal Singh, B., Minkey, D., and Singh, B.K., 2017. Soil aggregation and associated microbial communities modify the impact of agricultural management on carbon content. Environmental Microbiology 19: 3070-3086. DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13779.

Verpoorte, R., 2000. Pharmacognosy in the new millennium: Leadfinding and biotechnology. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 52: 253-262. https://doi.org/10.1211/0022357001773931.

Wang, Y., Li, C.Y., Tu, C., Hoyt, G.D., DeForest, J.L., and Hu, S.J., 2017. Long-term no-tillage and organic input management enhanced the diversity and stability of soil microbial community. Science of the Total Environment 609: 341–347. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.053 .

Wiedenhoeft, A.C., 2006. Plant Nutrition. Chelsea House Publishers, US. 144.

Yadav, J.S.P., 2003. Managing soil health for sustained high productivity. Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science 51(4): 448-465.

Yarnell, D., 2007. Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme), Lamiaceae and related species. www.aarons world.com, accessed 21 Dec. 2012.

Ye, S., Liu, T., and Niu, Y., 2020. Effects of organic fertilizer on water use, photosynthetic characteristics, and fruit quality of pear jujube in northern Shaanxi. Open Chemistry 18(1): 537-545. https://doi.org/10.1515/chem-2020-0060.

Zhang, F., and Li, L., 2003. Using competitive and facilitative interaction in intercropping systems enhances crops productivity and nutrient use efficiency. Plant and Soil 248: 305-312. DOI:10.1023/A:1022352229863.

Zheljazkov, V.D., and Warman, P.R., 2004. Source separated municipal solid waste compost application to Swiss chard and basil. Journal of Environmental Quality 33: 542-552. DOI: 10.2134/jeq2004.5420

Zhong, W., Gu, T., Wang, W., Zhang, B., Lin, X., Huang, Q., and Shen, W., 2010. The effects of mineral fertilizer and organic manure on soil microbial community and diversity. Plant and Soil 326: 511–522. DOI 10.1007/s11104-009-9988-y.

Zhu, X.C., Sun, L.Y., Song, F.B., Liu, S.Q., Liu, F.L., and Li, X.N., 2018. Soil microbial community and activity are affected by integrated agricultural practices in China. European Journal of Soil Science 69: 924–935. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12679.