Morphological and Ecophysiological Indicators for Coriander Under Irrigation Depths and Nitrogen Levels

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilization and supplying of water are crucial factors for quality and quantity produces of coriander. The objective of this study was to evaluate morphological and ecophysiological characteristics for coriander under five irrigation depths and two doses of nitrogen (N). Experimental layout was completely randomized design in a split plot scheme with five replications. The irrigation depths (plot) was 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The doses of N (subplot) corresponded to 35 and 70 kg ha-1. The cultivation of coriander (“Vedete”) was in a protected environment. The ratio between the aerial part and roots linearly increased with the increment of the irrigation depths and was highest under 70 kg ha-1 of nitrogen. The leaf area index linearly increased with the increment of the irrigation depths at both doses of N. The leaf index of chlorophyll “a” was highest under irrigation depths of 87 and 75% of ETc for 35 and 70 kg ha-1 of N, respectively. The leaf index of chlorophyll “b” decrease linearly with the increase of irrigation depths in both doses of N. The nitrogen use efficiency was maximized with high soil moisture conditions. The water use efficiency decreases linearly with increasing of irrigation depth. The best irrigation depth and nitrogen dose obtained in this study was 125% of ETc and 70 kg/ha. The leaf index of chlorophyll “a” and “b” are important indicators of hydric stress. The leaf index of chlorophyll “b” are negatively correlated with leaf area index. N supply increase the water use efficiency.