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Abstract
Various rates of three organic fertilizers on two leafy green crops, Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Champion collard green (Brassica oleracea) on yield and phenolic content in raised bed culture were evaluated. Crops were grown at 75%, 100%, 150%, and 200% of recommended nitrogen rates through OMRI-approved organic fertilizer materials including: hydrolyzed chicken feathers, blood meal, and composted poultry manure Symphony. Chlorophyll content, yield, and total phenolic content using the Folin-Cioucalteau reagent were compared. In the basil study, there was no difference in yield or total phenolic content across all treatments, which is attributed to the tolerance of basil to a wide range of growing conditions. In the collard study, the rate of blood meal and poultry manure significantly affected chlorophyll content, yield, and total phenolic content. Hydrolyzed feather meal showed significant interaction between rate and yield, but not between rate and chlorophyll content or rate and total phenolic content.