engleski

The effect of nitrogen fertilization and harvest period on mineral content of stinging nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) has long been known as valued wild medicinal plant species. In recent years due to its recognized nutritional, health and economic value this perennial plant is intensively collected from natural habitats. In order to prevent this and to avoid variation of chemical content and nutritive quality, it is necessary to introduce nettle into agricultural production. In the literature there are no results about mineral content and chemical composition of cultivated nettle. This research was set up to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilization (0, 100, 200 kg N/ha) on the content of some minerals (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron) during three harvests of nettle herb. Direct sowing in polystyrene containers for seedlings production was done on March 4th and the harvest of full flowering nettle was on June 26th, August 7th and October 10th in 2012. The obtained results indicated differential effect of nitrogen fertilization and number of harvests on the mineral content of nettle herb. Regardless of nitrogen rate the highest values of iron was determined in the first harvest while calcium and magnesium in the second and potassium and phosphorus in the third harvest. In each harvest higher amounts of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron were determined without of nitrogen application. The content of phosphorus was in range from 0.19 to 0.65 % and potassium from 1.61 to 2.02 %. The amounts of iron determined in this study were higher compared to other leafy vegetables rich in iron.

harvest; iron; phosphorus; potassium; Urtica dioica L.

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