The effect of application of effluent water on sage (Salvia officinalis L.) yield and quality in lysimeters

ABSTRACT Cultivation of medicinal plants with the irrigation of agricultural effluents might be of great importance to save fresh water resources, extend cultivation area and increase economic feasibility. We investigated the effects of saline fish farm effluent water, diluted and gypsum-supplemented effluent, and natural freshwater as a control irrigation in lysimeters. Beside plant growth parameters, macronutrient and sodium content and the amount and composition of essential oil of sage plants were measured. Significant differences among irrigation treatments were found in plant height, SPAD value and essential oil content. Seasonal variation was also observed on plant height, nutrient content of the leaves and the total essential oil content. The essential oil components characterised by the highest levels of availability were detected as α-thujone, camphor, ß-thujone, 1,8-cineol and ledol. Under effluent irrigation, the concentrations of - and ß-thujone increased slightly; only camphene, trans-sabinole and caryophyllene-oxide changed significantly. The other main components remained stable. Our analysis of the response of sage to the input of effluent provides a reasonable ground for recommending the utilisation of saline effluent water from intensive fish farming in sage production, thus preventing the wastage of valuable water resources.