Response of Dittany Cultivation to an Organic Fertilization on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Content, Uptake and Use Efficiency

The growing negative environmental effects associated with chemical fertilizers have led to the promotion of organic fertilizers in agriculture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impacts of organic fertilization on nitrogen and phosphorus content, uptake and use efficiency in Origanum dictamnus (Dittany) cultivation. With this aim, a randomized complete blocks field experiment was carried out in Istron Kalou Xoriou (Agios Nikolaos—Crete). The study included three fertilization treatments (N0: 0 kg/ha−1, N1: 1250 kg/ha−1 and N2: 2500 kg/ha−1). Throughout the growing period, measurements were taken for the plant’s content, uptake and efficiency indices of total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (P). The findings indicated that the fertilization doses affect nutrient uptake and efficiency. The highest values of TN and P were recorded 60 days after transplants. N1 treatment showed the greatest improvement in nitrogen use efficiency, while phosphorus use efficiency reached its maximum level under N2 treatment. That research can contribute to achieving an in-depth insight of organic fertilization practices for aromatic and medicinal plants such as Dittany, promoting a sustainable agricultural strategy and enhancing product quality.