Effect of nitrogen forms on the growth, yield, content of ferulic acid and total alkaloids of Ligusticum chuanxiong

A field experiments was conducted to study the effects of CONH4-N (urea), NH4-N (NH4CO3)，NO-3-N ［Ca(NO3)2］ and different mixed ratio of NH4-N and NO-3-N on the growth, yield and content of ferulic acid and total alkaloids of Ligusticum chuanxiong. The results showed that the growth of Ligusticum chuanxiong was promoted to some extent, the length of the longest root of Ligusticum chuanxiong was elongated, the numbers of tillers per hole were enlarged, and the height of plant, area of leaves, chlorophyll content and dry matter weight per plant were increased under all treatments. Consequently, the yield, content of ferulic acid and total alkaloids were increased. Comparing the effects of solo application of CONH4-N(urea), NH4-N (NH4CO3) and NO-3-N ［Ca(NO3)2］， the effects of CONH4-N(urea) on yield and quality of Ligusticum chuanxiong were the best. Mixing application of NH4-N (NH4CO3) and NO-3-N ［Ca(NO3)2］ could increase yield and elongate the effect duration. Based on our results, the best formula was 50% NO-3-N ［Ca(NO3)2］ and 50% NH4-N (NH4CO3) for the purpose of high yield and benefit, and 75% NO-3-N ［Ca(NO3)2］ and 25% NH4-N (NH4CO3) for the purpose of the high yield and good quality.