Lovage 443
(0.30–0.39%), leaf (1.11–1.23%), and fruits (1.32–1.41%) and for tannins as: roots
(6.6%), herb (5.3%), stems (7.4%), leaves (2.7%), and fruits (1.8%). Lovage also
contains b-sitosterol (Nielsen and Kofod, 1963).
26.3 Cultivation and production.............................................................
26.3.1 Ecological requirements
Lovage can be cultivated in any temperate climate and is able to survive harsh
winters. It has been reported that the plant could survive a temperature of –35 ∞C
during the winter with no damage (Szebeni-Galambosi et al., 1992). The preferred
temperature range is between 6–18^ ∞C, with annual precipitation of 500–1500 mm.
Although lovage is not sensitive to low temperatures, high quality in roots yield and
oil can be obtained in warm regions. In very hot locations some shade is necessary.
The root system is in a relatively thin soil layer (0.4–0.5 m) and water-absorbing
roots do not penetrate the soil deeply. Water demand in lovage is high because of the
large surface area of foliage which leads to high evaporation and transpiration, therefore
supplemental irrigation is necessary in arid regions (Omidbaigi, 2000). Recently,
lovage has been adapted to semi-arid conditions for commercial production (Evin,
Tehran, Iran, 35∞ 48 ¢ N, 51∞ 23 ¢ E and 1785 m altitude with an averages temperature
of 15 ∞C and 244.6 mm annual precipitation).
26.3.2 Soil and fertilization
Lovage grows well in many types of soils except heavy clay. Deep and well drained
soils with full sun are ideal conditions for this plant, however, it can grow in partial
shade. Lovage prefers a well drained deep sandy loam soil, rich in nutrients and
humus with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.8. Soils originating from swamp are especially
suitable for cultivation and harvesting, rooting is easy in these types of soils. For
cultivation, the field is prepared for fall sowing with 30–50 cm deep plowing in
August. For sowing it is necessary to prepare the soil so as obtain a fine structure and
a well-compacted seed-bed. Organic manure application is not recommended directly
and is preferable for previous plants. In the autumn, prior to planting, 60–70 kg/ha of
N, 100–120 kg/ha of P 2 O 5 and 140–150 kg/ha of K 2 O active material should be
introduced into the soil (Hornok, 1992). Lovage is the same as other Apiaceae family
plants such as angelica and fennel, and extracts a large amount of nutrients from the
soil, therefore a sufficient supply of nutrients is also necessary during later years.
The response of lovage to N-fertilization is quite strong. According to Galambosi
and Szebeni-Galambosi (1992), increasing the N-level significantly affects the vegetative
growth and root yield of lovage plants. Fresh and dry yield of both aerials and roots
were doubled by the application of 120 kg/ha of N fertilization. Heavy mulching with
hay or straw is recommended to conserve moisture. It also encourages earthworms to
digest the mulch and increases calcium availability.
26.3.3 Propagation
Lovage can be propagated by direct seeding, dividing roots or transplanting the
transplants. Seeds retain their viability for two years. The best sowing date in the case
of direct seeding is late autumn (November). It is mentioned that seed germination