EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT MINERAL FERTILIZERS ON MACRO NUTRIENT CONTENT AND ESSENTIAL OIL COMPONENTS OF LEMON BALM

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) was grown in this study by using different mineral fertilizer combinations. The highest green herb yield was obtained from DAP (Diammonium phosphate) in the first year and from 15:15:15 composed fertilizer treatments in the second year. With regard to drug herb yields of fertilizer treatments, DAP treatments were prominent in the first year and MKP (Monopotassium phosphate) treatments were prominent in the second year. Nitrogen contents varied between 1.29-1.56 % in the first year and between 1.40-1.92 % in the second year. MKP and 15:15:15 fertilizer treatments were found to be prominent with regard to nitrogen contents. MKP and DAP treatments had relatively higher phosphorus contents. With regard to potassium contents, MKP (2.43 %) and MAP (Mono-ammonium phosphate) (2.48 %) treatments had higher values than the other treatments. Calcium contents of MAP and MKP treatments were higher than the other treatments. Magnesium contents varied between 0.83-0.98 % in the first year and similar values were observed in the second year. Essential oil rate varied between 0.30-0.43 % in the first year and between 0.20-0.35 % in the second year. With regard to essential oil contents, MKP treatment was found to be significantly different from the other treatments. The most significant essential oil components were identified as gerenial, neral, citronellal and beta-caryophyllene.