Optimizing Intercropping Systems of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.) through Inoculation with Bacteria and Mycorrhizal Fungi

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of intercropping patterns, plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on seed yield and yield components of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.), as well as the essential oil and fatty acid profile of black cumin. A two‐year two‐factorial field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016 to investigate intercropping of black cumin and fenugreek in five ratios and biofertilizer application as AMF and bacteria. Intercropping reveals higher concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus compared with monocropping, whereas monocropping inoculated with bacteria shows the highest seed yield of both fenugreek (151 g m−2) and black cumin (148 g m−2). Regarding the quality of black cumin, the combination of a black cumin:fenugreek‐intercropping pattern of 66:34 with bacteria fertilization is most promising, as it shows i) the maximum essential oil content, oil yield, and fixed oil content, ii) the highest contents of thymol and p‐cymene, iii) the highest content of linoleic acid, and iv) the maximum land equivalent ratio. Conclusively, bacteria fertilization and black cumin:fenugreek‐intercropping pattern of 66:34 helps improving essential oil, fixed oil quality, and quantity of black cumin, thus creating a more sustainable cultivation system for black cumin and fenugreek.

Application of humic acid and biofertilizers changes oil and phenolic compounds of fennel and fenugreek in intercropping systems

“…Fennel and fenugreek were planted at 40 cm row spacing in 4-m long rows. The on-row spacing between plants was adjusted to 10 cm for fenugreek and 25 cm for fennel, resulting in plant densities of 25 and 10 plants m –2 , respectively 29 . Fennel and fenugreek (Urmia local landraces) seeds were obtained from the Agricultural and Natural Resources Organization of Urmia, Iran.…”

Application of bio and chemical fertilizers improves yield, and essential oil quantity and quality of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) intercropped with mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

“…Intercropping combines two or more plant species on the same land for a considerable proportion of their growing periods (Rezaei‐Chiyaneh, Battaglia, et al, 2021; Gitari et al, 2020). It is widely practiced for its more efficient use of environmental resources, increased nutrient uptake, reduced incidence of pathogens, weeds, and pests, improved soil fertility through N fixation by legumes, and increased crop quantity and quality (Gitari et al, 2018; Raza et al, 2019; Wang et al, 2020).…”

Dynamics of Phosphorus and Biostimulants on Agro-Morphology, Yield, and Essential Oil Profile of German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Under Acidic Soil Conditions of the Western Himalaya

“…Moreover, the application of a biostimulant may be related to nutrient availability, and its direct role in plants by foliar application enhances the photosynthetic activity of enzymes and precursors of EOs, counting isoprenes, and phenylpropanes (Rehman et al, 2016 ). Rezaei-Chiyaneh et al ( 2021 ) reported that biostimulant application in aromatic crops, viz ., black cumin ( Nigella sativa L.) and fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), enhanced EO quantity and quality. Additionally, EO profile varies according to climate, geographical features, and date of collection (Swamy and Sinniah, 2015 ).…”