Organic amendments role in reducing drought stress in Alcea Rosea L.

Abstract

Water scarcity and dwindling natural resources due to global warming are negatively impacting ornamental plant survival. Soil fertility remains a problem in arid and semiarid regions. In this study, the effects of four media (arable soil, arable soil + cow manure, arable soil + rice hull, arable soil + wheat straw) on macronutrient content and quantitative characteristics of Alcea rosea L. under drought stress were investigated. Application of organic amendments mitigated the negative effects of drought in the soil and increased the available organic macronutrients. The application of organic amendments increased the total N, P, and K content in the soil and leaves of hollyhock. Total soluble sugars (by 11.9%), RWC (by 8.75%) and phenolics (by 36.4%) of hollyhock were significantly improved by the application of organic amendments at 80% FC. The amended soil (soil + cow manure) increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase at 80% FC. Moreover, the soil + cow manure proved to be the best supplement to improve leaf area and dry weight. In conclusion, the application of organic amendments can be successfully used as a cost-effective management method to improve soil fertility and crop production in arid and semi-arid areas.