Fertilization affects the agronomic traits of high oleic sunflower hybrid in different tillage systems

Information regarding the simultaneous evaluation of tillage and fertilization on high oleic sunflower traits in semi-arid conditions is not available. Therefore, this experiment was conducted as a split plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots consisted of tillage systems including no tillage (T1); minimum tillage (T2) and conventional tillage (T3). Six methods of fertilization, including farmyard manure (N1); compost (N2); chemical fertilizers (N3); farmyard manure + compost (N4); farmyard manure + compost + chemical fertilizers (N5) and control (N6) were arranged in the sub plots. Results showed that the highest rates of grain nitrogen (35.5 mg/g) and grain sulfur (3.62 mg/g) were obtained in N5 treatment. Highest grain nitrogen and N/S were observed in NT treatment. The highest amount of grain yield was obtained from T2N5 treatment. Using chemical fertilizers provided phosphorus and nitrogen and adding FYM and compost made providing micronutrient for plants and organic matter in MT plots. Highest percentage of grain oil was obtained from N1 and N2 treatments and the highest oil yield was belonged to N5, CT and MT treatments. The highest (85.12%) and lowest oleic acid (78.11%) was obtained from T2N4 and T3N3 treatments, respectively.

► Information regarding the co-evaluation of tillage and fertilization on high oleic sunflower is not available.
► Its results will be useful for developing sustainable low input systems in sunflower production.
► Grain yield and oil yield were generally higher in the co-application of organic manures.
► Co-application of organic and chemical fertilizers increased unsaturated fatty acids.
► The highest oleic acid was obtained from the no tillage + organic manures treatments.