Optimizing saffron cultivation in Lebanon: Effects of crop density and fertilization on yield and corm growth
Youssef Abou Obeid, Layla Naim
, Nidal Shaban, Zehiro Grigor, Fadi Sami Karam
Abstract: Saffron production in Lebanon is gaining attention as a profitable alternative crop, particularly in the central Bekaa Valley. To enhance yield, a customized fertilization regimen is essential. This study evaluated four levels of KNO₃ (0, 5, 10, and 15 units), with or without vegetative organic matter (VOM) under two cultivation densities: 20 cm x 20 cm (30 corms/m²) and 14.3 cm x 14.3 cm (56 corms/m²). Results showed that flower production in the second year was primarily influenced by plant density, while in the third year, fertilization had a more significant impact. Treatment T’7 (10NK) under higher crop density produced the highest flower numbers in both years. Leaf length increased over the two years, with the longest leaves observed in lower crop density (T4: 15NK+VOM) and higher crop density (T’4: 15NK+VOM). Corm multiplication and individual corm weight were higher in lower-density cultivation, with T5 (0NK) and T8 (15NK) showing the highest corm multiplication, and T2 (5NK+VOM) and T3 (10NK+VOM) producing the heaviest corms. The highest saffron yield in both years was recorded in T’7, followed by T’4. The strong correlations between corm number, flower production, and saffron yield underscore the need to optimize corm density and fertilization practices. However, the inverse relationship with individual corm weight suggests that further research is required to refine strategies for maximizing both corm and flower productivity.
Keywords: crop density, fertilization; Lebanon; organic matter; Saffron
Citation: Obeid, Yo. A., Naim, L., Shaban, N., Grigor, Z. & Karam, F. S. (2026). Optimizing saffron cultivation in Lebanon: Effects of crop density and fertilization on yield and corm growth. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 32(2), 335–343
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| Date published: 2026-04-29
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