Nutritional Value of Savory Herb (Satureja hortensis L.) and Plant Response to Variable Mineral Nutrition Conditions in Various Phases of Development

Abstract

Mineral nutrition and plant ontogeny influence both the physiological balance between nutrients in a plant and determine the proper nutritional status of a plant, which is necessary to realize the yielding potential of a cultivated species. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of nitrogen doses (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 g N·m−2) and plant development phases (the beginning and full flowering) on the content of macroelements and changes in ionic ratios occurring in the herb of the summer savory cv. ‘Saturn’. The two-factor experiment was carried out in a random-block design with five replications. The mineral nitrogen nutrition applied increased the concentration of total nitrogen and its mineral forms in the plants. There was a change in ion homeostasis in the individual stages of the ontogenesis process, i.e., a higher content of P, K, Ca, and S in the initial flowering phase as well as Mg and Cl in the full flowering phase. The increase in the availability of mineral nitrogen in the soil solution caused a decrease in total sorption capacity, reducing the potential of the soil for saturation with alkaline cations.

Effect of Biostimulants on the Yield and Quality of Selected Herbs

“…Dzida and Jarosz [36] found that the total N content of summer savory herbage ranged from 2.9 to 4.5% DM, depending on fertilization. In the experiment conducted by Skubij et al [3], nitrogen rate and plant growth stage had a significant effect of the total nitrogen content of summer savory var. Saturn.…”

“…The mineral status of plants is important not only for the nutritional value of food, but also for the growth, development, and yielding of crops [1]. Plants are exposed to the influence of adverse environmental factors, which are known as abiotic stresses, excessive soil salinity, and the absence of mineral salts [3]. The concentrations of selected macronutrients in the analyzed herb species are presented in Figure 3.…”

“…Mineral elements play an important role in healthy growth and development, help maintain fitness, and prevent infections [1]. Among crops, herbs are valuable sources of readily absorbable mineral substances [2,3]. Herbs have gained popularity among consumers due to their medicinal properties and unique aroma [4].…”