The effect of leonardite application and various plantation modalities on yielding and quality of roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.) and soil enzymatic activity

In a field experiment the effects of chosen agronomical factors: method of plantation establishment, organic fertilization with leonardite on roseroot yields and quality as well as changes in some physical properties and enzymatic activity of two types of soil under roseroot culture were evaluated. Research have shown that leonardite addition was the factor that affected yielding and quality parameters of plants as well as increased activity of dehydrogenases, acid phosphatase, urease and protease, being especially effective on sandy soil. Generally, higher yields of raw material and higher enzymatic activity were noted on loess soil than the sandy one, whereas better plant growth was observed also in objects with autumn seed sowing. Therefore, autumn seed sowing and annual humic substance application in the form of leonardite could be recommended in roseroot culture, whereas sandy soil should be avoided during plantation establishment.

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► Leonardite positively affected roseroot yielding especially on sandy soil.
► Humic acid application increased soil enzymatic activity.
► Phenylpropanoid content varied along with plant age and soil type.
► Autumn seed sowing could be recommended in roseroot culture.