Biomass production and <i>Mentha citrata</i> essential oil production in function of the cultural management and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the interval between cuts and nitrogen fertilization in biomass and Mentha citrata essential oil production. The experiment was carried out in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil from March 20th 2005 to March 20th 2006. Experimental design used was randomized blocks with four replications, set up in a 3 x 4 factorial design: three intervals between cuts (40, 60 and 80 days) and four doses of nitrogen (0, 67, 133 and 200 kg ha^-1 of N), with four replications. The parameters studied were: plant height, aerial part accumulated dry mass and oil yield. Nitrogen application positively affected biomass production, but it did not affect the plant height and the essential oil yield. On the other hand, the shortest interval between cuts increased the shoot dry mass.