Effects of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen on Yield and Phytochemical Characteristic of Two Nettle Species in Ramsar Region

In order to investigate the effects of different sources of nitrogen on yield and nitrogen uptake of two nettle species, a pot experiment under outdoor condition was conducted at Ramsar (Mazandaran Province) in 2015. Treatments were set up as factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications, including species at two levels (Urtica pilulifera L. and Urtica dioica L.) and fertilizers at seven levels (0, 30 and 60 kg N ha-1 (urea), Farm Yard Manure (FYM): 5 and 10 ton ha-1 and integrated inorganic and FYM: 15kg N ha-1 + 2.5 ton ha-1 FYM and 30 kg N ha-1 + 5 ton ha-1 FYM). The highest dry yield was obtained from Urtica pilulifera and 30 kg N ha-1 + 5 ton..ha-1 FYM (59 g/pot). In other words, by reduction 50% use of inorganic fertilizer., increased yield 27.30% compared to 60 kg N ha-1. Urtica pilulifera had higher growth traits, nitrogen use efficiency and lower nitrogen uptake percentage than Urtica dioica. The highest nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen uptake percentage were achieved from 15 kg N ha-1 + 2.5 ton FYM ha-1 (3.18 g dry weight/g N) and 60 kg N ha-1 (3.76%), respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizers is the best combination for nettle crop production, resulting in no significant decline in yield quantity.