Abstract
The aim of this study was evaluated the response of Portulaca oleracea L. growth, production and chemical contents to the influence of organic fertilizer. Portulaca oleracea L. plants were cultivated during two successive seasons (2007-2008). The experiment was conducted at experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Alsharkia Governorate, Egypt. Three farmyard manure (FYM) levels were added as 10, 20 and 30 m(3)/Fed. before two weeks from cultivation compared to control (100 kg/Fed. ammonium sulphate + 100 kg/Fed super calcium phosphate + 50 kg/Fed. potassium sulphate). The vegetative growth characters were recorded included, plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems, aerial parts and roots as g/plant and ton/fed. Chemical constituent measurements such as total carbohydrates, total soluble sugars, crude lipids, crude protein, macro and micro- elements content and fatty acids analysis were determined. The results revealed that the best vegetative growth characters were obtained with applied the highest FYM level (30 m(3)/Fed). Similarly, the same level caused the highest accumulation in the percentage of total carbohydrates, soluble sugars as well as phosphorus content in the leaves and stems. Meanwhile, the medium level (20m(3)/Fed.) resulted in the highest content of crude lipid, crude protein, nitrogen as well as potassium percentage of leaves and stems. The maximum content of Magnesium and iron were noticed with applied low FYM level (10 m(3)/Fed.).