Effects of Potassium and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Arsenic Accumulation and Plant Growth of two Basil Cultivars

In this study, the effects of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer were examined on As toxicity and plant growth in two basil variety. The experimental design was a factorial with two basil varieties including local of Zabol and Keshkeni Luvelou As the first factor, and the addition of phosphorous and potassium fertilizers to soil at three levels: 50, 150 and 250 mg K kg−1 soil As second factor. Arsenic sulphate was added to all the treatments at a uniform rate equivalent to 15 mg As kg−1 soil. The experiment was conducted in 2011 at the Zabol University greenhouse in Zabol, south Iran. Before reproductive phase beginning, plant height, number of lateral branches, number of leavesper plant and fresh weight and leaf area per pot were recorded. In addition, As concentration in plant tissues were measured. Morphological traits were affected by varieties at 1% level of probability. All growth parameters (except fresh weight) significantly changed between two varieties. In both varieties, arsenic concentration in aerial parts reduced with increasing phosphorus addition. At different potassium fertilizer, the greatest As concentration was observed in the least potassium addition.

Medicinal Plants, HeavyMetals, Essential Oil, Chemical Fertilizers.