Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of planting density and cutting height on growth, herbage yield and water use efficiency of thyme (Origanum syriacum L.) grown under protected soilless vs. open field conditions. Two experiments were conducted during the period November 2010 to September 2011 using three planting densities (16, 20 and 26 plants/m2). Results showed that planting density and cutting heights had significant effects on fresh and dry herbage yields, number of branches and water use efficiency. The total fresh yield under protected soilless condition was obtained from four harvests, while the total dry yield under open field was obtained from two harvests during the experiment. The highest fresh herbal yield (5.289 kg/m2) under soilless condition was obtained at planting density (26 plants/m2) and cutting height (10 cm). The highest total dry yield (0.973 kg/m2) was obtained at highest planting density (26 plants/m2) at lowest level of cuts (10 cm) under protected soilless conditions. The higher WUE (2.5 and 2.6 kg/m3) values were obtained under planting density (20 plants/m2) at 10 and 15 cm of cutting height under protected soilless conditions, respectively. The results showed that planting density and cutting height had significant effects on fresh and dry herbage yields, number of branches and water use efficiency.