Effect of Inoculation with Bio-Fertilizer in Different Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Yields Components of Safflower under Dry Land Conditions

2 Abstract: In order to study the effect of bio-fertilizer on yield and yields components of safflower under dry land conditions, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on randomized completed block design with three replications, Iran in 2008-2009. The factors consisted of three levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 30 and conventional consumption 60 kg/ha) and bio-fertilizer (non-inoculation, Azotobacter and Azosperillum). The results showed that nitrogen rates had significant effects on yield and yields components. Significant Increase nitrogen from zero to 30 kg/ha, but not 30 to 60 kg/ha and no significant differences between 30 and 60 kg/ ha was observed in most studied traits. increase observed in all characters. But between 30 and 60 kg/ha wasn't observe a significant difference and they were in same statistical class in most characters. Treated characters affected by bio-fertilizers. Using bio-fertilizers caused to significant increase in all characters. Using Azotobacter and Azosperillum caused to increasing 35 and 21% in yield and yields components, respectively. Interaction of nitrogen × bio-fertilizer affected on yield and yields components. The highest yield belonged to 30 and 60 kg/ha treatments fallowed by Azotobacter. A significant difference wasn't observe between 30 and 60 kg/ha and both were in a same statistical group. Also oil and protein content of grain wsa significant influencing experimental treatments and their interaction. 30 and 60 kg/ha treatments followed by Azotobacter and Azosperillum fertilizers had highest oil and protein content. But between fertilizer levels 30 and 60 kg/ha wasn't observe a significant difference. Thus, we can getting a suitable yield in safflower by loss 50% nitrogen in compared with 60 kg/ha (conventional consumption). Decreasing nitrogen fertilizer help to reduce environment pollution and developing sustainable agriculture.