The effect of azotobacter and different doses of sheep manure on the yield and some quality characteristics of summer savory (satureja hortensis L.)

In this study, savory (Satureja hortensis L.) seeds supplied by Yalova Seed Company (Yalova, Türkiye) during the 2023 vegetation period were used. This study was conducted to determine the effects of different doses of sheep manure (1125 kg/da and 2250 kg/da) and biofertilizer (azotobacter) applications on the morphology, yield, and some quality criteria of savory. In the study, seedlings were obtained from seeds planted in pots in the climate chamber (27 °C - 65% humidity) at the Field Crops Department of Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Faculty of Agriculture. The obtained seedlings (5-6 leaves, approximately 10 cm) were planted in May 2023 at the Research and Application Area of the Field Crops Department of Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Faculty of Agriculture. The study results showed that the application with 1125 kg/da sheep manure produced the highest total dry herb yield (3.18 t/ha). It was observed that the inorganic fertilizer application had the highest essential oil content (1.43%) and values of γ-terpinene (10.38%), cymol (5.90%) and α-bisabolene (5.28%). The highest DPPH activity (60.86%) and FRAP value (69.64 mg TE/g DW) were observed in azotobacter + 2250 kg/da sheep manure application, while the highest total phenolic content (96.87 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoid content (45.97 mg QE/g DW) were obtained from the combination application of 1125 kg/da sheep manure doses + azotobacter. In conclusion, it was shown that azotobacter application can be used together with appropriate sheep manure rates to obtain maximum values in terms of herb yield, biological activity and essential oil components.