A field experiment was carried out during 2009/2010 season to evaluate organic and inorganic fertilization effects on vegetative growth, nutrient uptake and volatile oil of marjoram (Majorana hortensis L.) plant. The organic fertilization (sheep manure) was added a month before cultivation. Sheep manure at the rate of 20 M3fed1 .
Six treatments were conducted; namely
1- Inorganic fertilization (100%, recommended doze)
2- Organic fertilization (100 % )
3- Inorganic fertilization 75% + organic fertilization 25%
4- Organic fertilization 75 %+ Inorganic fertilization 25%
5- Inorganic fertilization 50 % + organic fertilization 50 %
6- The control treatment
Two cuts were harvested, the first one being after four months of planting (July month ) and the second one after seven months of planting (August month ).
The results could be summarized as follows:
-The highest significant values of plant height and shoot number plant-1 in both 1st and 2st cuts as a result of increasing application organic fertilization treatments as compared with the control. Also data showed that, similar results in fresh and dry weight with 1st and 2st cuts as a result of increasing application organic fertilization treatments as compared with the control, on the other hand dry matter percentage, the highest significant values in both 1st and 2nd cuts as a result of increasing application organic fertilization treatments as compared with the control.
-The values of NPK increased as a result of increasing application organic fertilization treatments as compared with the control. On the other hand, the values of Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu decreased as a result of increasing application of organic fertilization treatments as compared with the control.
- The values of volatile oil percentage in herb in 1st and 2nd cuts were recorded with organic fertilization treatments.
-Terpinene-4-ol was the main component of volatile oil ,the highest percentages were recorded with organic fertilization treatments as compared with the control. This research is trying to reduce the mineral fertilizer application for their dangerous on general health and highly cost of these fertilizer, with improving production of important crops.