Influence of Nitrogen and Calcium Carbonate Application Rates on Nitrate Accumulation and Yield of Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis L.)

For finding out the effect of nitrogen and calcium carbonate fertilizers on nitrate and nitrogen accumulation in aboveground biomass, calcium concentration and dry weight of leaves of saturja hortensis L., a factorial experiment was carried out on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replicates in Karaj in 2008. The nitrogen fertilizer in four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 Kg.ha-1) and calcium carbonate (lime) fertilizer in three levels (0, 5 and 10 t.ha-1) was used. Accumulation of nitrate and nitrogen, calcium concentration and dry weight of leaves were measured. The results showed that calcium carbonate had significant effects on nitrogen (p<0.01) and nitrate accumulation (p<0.05) and calcium concentration (p<0.01) but it had not significant effect on dry weight of leaves. Also the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on nitrate and nitrogen accumulation and dry weight of leaves was significant (p<0.01). Results of means comparison of traits showed that by increasing of nitrogen fertilizer and calcium carbonate application, nitrate and nitrogen accumulation in leaves increased and decreased, respectively. In addition, by increasing of nitrogen fertilizer levels, dry weight of Savory leaves increased. In this study, due to reduction of nitrate accumulation, increased yield of savory and economical advantage, the treatment of 5 t.ha-1 calcium carbonate (lime) × 100 kg.ha-1 ammonium nitrate is recommended.