Use and agroecology efficiency of medicinal plants in plant production

Abstract

The first part of the paper presents some of the most used medicinal plant species used for this purpose: stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.), comfrey (Symphytum officinale Wallwort), dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis Weber), garlic (Allium sativum L.), horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.), chamomile (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rausch.), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), marigolds (Tagetes sp.) and burdock (Arctium lappa L.). As different organs are used from these species, the time of the harvesting (picking) of these species is of great importance. The most suitable picking moment is from the beginning until the full blossom phase, because during this period, the listed species are the richest in their typical active substances, micro- and macro elements. The second part briefly explains how and by what means the listed species are used in biodynamic and organic production, how and in which manner to prepare by some of the recipes for the making of individual preparations, as well as what their purpose is in plant nutrition, plant protection and/or the preparation of compost.