Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
1- Master's student, Department of Physiology of Medicinal Plants, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran.
10.22067/jhs.2026.96511.1475
Abstract
Cumin is one of the most important medicinal and economic plants cultivated in arid and semi arid regions of Iran. Despite its economic significance and adaptability to harsh environments such as drought, salinity, and low fertility soils, the productivity of cumin remains relatively low. Improving yield and biochemical quality of cumin through sustainable nutrient management is therefore a major priority for farmers and researchers. Soil fertility and balanced plant nutrition are among the most critical factors influencing the growth and productivity of medicinal plants. Conventional reliance on chemical fertilizers has improved yields but often leads to environmental concerns, nutrient imbalances, and reduced soil health. In recent years, integrated nutrient management strategies combining organic and inorganic fertilizers have been emphasized as sustainable approaches to enhance crop performance while maintaining soil quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of folic acid and potassium sulfate on reproductive and biochemical parameters of cumin.
Materials and Methods
To investigate the combined effects of folic acid and potassium sulfate on cumin, a factorial field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Iran, during the 2023 growing season. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of three levels of folic acid (0, 5, and 10 kg ha⁻¹) and three levels of Solopotasse (0, 2, and 4 per thousand). Standard agronomic practices were followed throughout the season, and data were collected on reproductive traits (such as number of umbels and seed yield) as well as biochemical characteristics (including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and essential oil yield).
Analysis of variance revealed that both folic acid and potassium sulfate had significant effects on cumin growth, reproductive traits, and biochemical properties. Moreover, the interaction between the two factors was statistically significant for several traits. The highest number of umbels was obtained from the combined application of 4 per thousand potassium sulfate and 10 kg ha⁻¹ folic acid. The maximum thousand seed weight was recorded under 2 per thousand potassium sulfate combined with 5 kg ha⁻¹ folic acid. Seed yield was maximized with 2 per thousand potassium sulfate and 10 kg ha⁻¹ folic acid, indicating that moderate potassium supplementation with higher folic acid levels is particularly effective for yield improvement. In terms of biochemical attributes, the highest levels of total phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and essential oil yield were observed under 4 per thousand potassium sulfate combined with 10 kg ha⁻¹ folic acid. These findings highlight the synergistic effects of folic acid and potassium fertilization on both quantitative and qualitative traits of cumin.
Results and Discussion
The analysis of variance showed that the application of Solopotasse and folic acid had significant effects on the reproductive and biochemical characteristics of cumin. The interaction effects of treatments indicated that the highest number of umbels was obtained from the application of 4 per thousand potassium sulfate combined with 10 kg ha⁻¹ folic acid, while the highest thousand seed weight was achieved from 2 per thousand potassium sulfate with 5 kg ha⁻¹ folic acid. The maximum seed yield resulted from the application of 2 per thousand Solopotasse and 10 kg ha⁻¹ folic acid. In addition, the highest levels of phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and essential oil yield were obtained from the treatment of 4 potassium sulfate combined with 10 kg ha⁻¹ folic acid.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the simultaneous application of folic acid (10 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium sulfate (2–4 per thousand) can be recommended as an effective nutrient management strategy for cumin cultivation in arid and semi arid regions. Such integrated fertilization practices contribute to higher seed yield, improved biochemical composition, and enhanced essential oil production, thereby increasing the economic returns for farmers. Furthermore, the findings support the broader concept of sustainable agriculture, where balanced use of organic and inorganic fertilizers can optimize crop performance while maintaining soil health and reducing environmental risks. Future research may focus on long term effects of folic acid and potassium fertilization on soil properties, as well as exploring their interactions with other bio fertilizers and micronutrients to further enhance the productivity and resilience of cumin under challenging environmental conditions.
Keywords: Essential oil, Silica, Organic fertilizer, Chemical fertilizer, Medicinal plants
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