Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as an Aqueous Plant-Based Extract Fertilizer in Green Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Plant-based fertilizers, such as liquid plant extracts, contribute to the cultivation of vegetables, particularly in organic production. The objective of this study was to determine if aqueous nettle extract could be successfully used as a fertilizer, applied on the soil and foliarly, in green bean production under field conditions. The hypothesis was that it could successfully replace mineral fertilizers and be integrated into sustainable and organic agriculture. The experiment was conducted at two climatically and pedologically different locations (Zadar and Poreč) throughout two growing seasons (spring and autumn). Two types of aqueous nettle extracts were used: a short-term extract (SE) was prepared by the extraction of wild stinging nettle (183 g 10 L−1 of water) in water for 24 h, while a long-term extract (LE) was prepared at the same ratio with water extraction for 14 days. Both extracts were diluted with water at a ratio of 1:3 (extract:water) before use. The SE was applied foliarly, and LE, by pouring it onto the soil. The abovementioned treatments were compared with mineral fertilization with urea (U) and control (no fertilization (C)). Foliar fertilization with SE proved to be almost as efficient as fertilization with LE, poured onto soil, showing a positive effect on green bean vegetative parameters. Furthermore, aqueous nettle extracts showed a positive effect on the iron accumulation in the leaves.

Foliar application of nettle and Japanese knotweed extracts on Vitis vinifera: impact on phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and antioxidant activity during veraison and harvest of cv. Touriga Franca

“…capitata L.) 16 and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). 17 These extracts contain many oligoelements, which are also used as acaricides and also have a repelling effect on many insects. 18 Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria spp.)…”

“…rapaceum ), 15 white head cabbage ( Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) 16 and bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) 17 . These extracts contain many oligoelements, which are also used as acaricides and also have a repelling effect on many insects 18 .…”

Research progress in physiological effects of resistant substances of Urtica dioica L. on animal performance and feed conversion

“…The species is widely distributed in temperate and tropical regions of the world and is found in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America (He, B. 2012).It grows mostly in shady and humid areas at altitudes of 3,300–3,900 m ( Jan et al., 2017 ; Grauso et al., 2020 ; Srutek and Teckelmann, 1998 ; Liu and Sun, 2005 ; Maričić et al., 2021 ). Stems and leaves of U. dioica are nutrient rich containing large amount of protein and a variety of essential amino acids, which make it as a useful choice for food and herbal treatments ( Singh and Sharma, 2011 ).…”

“…For almost a century, they have been considered as food materials or a part of them having the ability to prevent and treat diseases ( Pant, 2019 ). They are currently being used with remarkable success in various areas such as makeup ( Das and Petruzzello, 2015 ), medicine ( Said et al., 2015 ), healthcare, plant pesticides ( Sapkota and Shrestha, 2018 ), and immune stimulants ( Di Virgilio et al., 2015 ; Grauso et al., 2020 ; Maričić et al., 2021 ). It has been reported that the appropriate inclusion of U. dioica in animal diet can alleviate gastrointestinal motility disorders in ruminants and improve their immunity, which ultimately improves feed conversion and economic efficiency.…”

Antioxidant Activity of Urtica dioica: An Important Property Contributing to Multiple Biological Activities

“…UD can also be used for pest control in the green house as it can source natural enemies of pests to protect greenhouse cultures [ 14 ]. It has shown the potential to be used as an organic fertilizer that can replace other conventional fertilizers [ 15 , 16 ].…”