Nitrogen fertilization in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L): a review and meta-analysis

Nitrogen (N) fertilisation is one of themost important external inputs in assessing coriander seed yield and plant growth. Recentconcerns related to the misuse of N fertilisers in agricultural environments, however, stress the opportunity for a fine-tuningof N management in order to optimise the use of this element, avoiding losses and reducing environmental hazards. In thisstudy, some results from the literature concerning N fertilisation in coriander are reviewed and, bymeans of statistical analysis,an attempt is made to derive from them some general suggestions about practices of N fertilisation. In most cases examined,N fertilisation allowed a 10–70% increase in seed yields in comparison with each respective untreated control. The efficiencyof use of this element, however, has proven to be greatly dependent on the overall fertility conditions of the growing site.The greatest yield advantages were actually found in more favourable environments, whereas in low-yielding environmentsplants reached their maximum yield with a comparatively reduced N supply. In low-yielding environments a careful risk/benefitassessment of this practice is therefore advisable. No definite conclusion could be drawn at this stage about essential oil yieldand composition in relation to N fertilisation.