engleski

Effect of herb content and extraction lenght on stinging nettle water extract composition

The aim of the study was to determine the variability in composition and active compounds of stinging nettle water extract depending on herb concentration and extraction length, in order to develop standardized procedures for extraction and application of stinging nettle water extract as a pesticide and/or fertilizer. The study included 5 herb contents: 10, 20, 40, 50 and 60 g/L. Two extraction lengths were studied – 24 hours and 14 days. The following parameters were measured: pH, EC, amount of nitrate and ammonia ions and total phenols. Results indicate that herb concentration did not affect extract pH value, but affected extract EC value and it was linearly increased by increasing herb content. Extracts with 10 and 20 g/L of herb were suitable for foliar application after 24 hours of extraction, while at other concentrations the extract EC value was too high. All investigated concentrations were suitable for application as soil fertilizer. Water extracts were rich in nitrogenous compounds, where the nitrate form prevailed after 24 hours of extraction, and ammonia form prevailed after 14 days of extraction. The amount of nitrogen compounds makes the extracts high quality organic fertilizer. The amount of total phenols at 24 hours of extraction was linearly increased by increasing herb concentration. Herb concentration and extraction length determine whether stinging nettle water extract can be applied with or without prior dilution.

Urtica dioica L., pesticide, fertilizer, nutrients, phenols

nije evidentirano