Studies on fertilization of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): II Oil yield of dill affected by fertilization

S Hälvä,Rainer Huopalahti ,Seija Mäkinen

doi:10.23986/afsci.72241

S Hälvä, Rainer Huopalahti + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72241

Copy DOI

Abstract

The influence of different levels of basic fertilization and nitrogen top-dressing on the herb and oil yield of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) was studied in 1984 and 1985 in Finland. The total nitrogen doses were 0, 15, 30, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg/ha. The crop in 1984 yielded 12 000—34 000 kg/ha fresh dill herb and 10.3—21.1 kg/ha essential oil. The figures in 1985 were 10600—21 000 and 9.4—16.6 kg/ha, respectively. Of the 22 volatile components identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, the four most abundant compounds were analysed quantitatively. These compounds were a-phellandrene, 3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran, β-phellandrene and limonene, composing 70—95 % of the total aroma content. The optimum basic fertilization for the herb yield proved to be a compound fertilizer of the rate of 40-16-68 kg NPK/ha. The small nitrogen doses (30—40kg N/ha) gave also good results in respect to oil yield and the amount of 3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran, the most important aroma compound in the dill herb.

Highlights

Growth conditions, e.g. soil and fertilization, play an important role in the production of green mass, and in the oil production of herb plants
The aim of the studies on fertilization of herb plants has been to find out the optimum application level in respect to both the herb yield and aroma content and composition
In later studies the N doses up to 160 kg proved to increase the aroma of dill herb

Summary

Introduction

E.g. soil and fertilization, play an important role in the production of green mass, and in the oil production of herb plants. The optimum basic fertilization for the herb yield proved to be a compound fertilizer of the rate of 40-16-68 kg NPK/ha. The small nitrogen doses (30 —40 kg N/ha) gave good results in respect to oil yield and the amount of 3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran, the most important aroma compound in the dill herb.

Results

Conclusion