1 Introduction

Leonurus japonicus, or young motherwort, is a medicinal plant indigenous and distributed largely in East Asian countries, particularly China and Japan. As Lamiaceae, it has been known since a long time ago for its pharmacological activity and attributed features including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective activity (Cai et al., 2018). Alkaloids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides are among the active ingredients in Leonurus japonicus that have significant contributions to make in the drug uses. With the increased demand for high-quality medicinal plants, the focus on enhancing L. japonicus yield and quality through cultivation has increased.

L. japonicus development needs to be properly managed to achieve its optimal growth and biosynthesis of its bioactive compounds. Fertilization, which is one of the most critical cultivation processes, has been identified as one of the most powerful factors influencing plant development, yield, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis (Wang et al., 2020). Recent studies have also elaborated on the soil nutrient-metabolic process interaction of active compounds to provide a foundation for precision cultivation practices.

Fertilization exerts dual effects on the agriculture of medicinal plants via direct influence on biomass production and biosynthesis of active metabolites. The ratio of the major nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is particularly significant for metabolic processes towards the production of secondary metabolites (Zhang et al., 2019). A policy of optimal fertilization not only promotes the vegetative growth of the plants but also enhances the quality and yield of pharmacologically active constituents.

In Leonurus japonicus, proper nutrient management has also been seen to control the production of primary metabolites such as leonurine and rutin. The nitrogen content, for example, influences chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis, which are crucial in biomass yield (Liu et al., 2022). Phosphorus is implicated in energy transfer between cells and increases second metabolite biosynthesis. Potassium is involved in the regulation of enzymatic processes, with impacts on plant general metabolism and stress resistance (Li et al., 2021). With the increasing need for sustainable agriculture, it is important to design fertilizer strategies with optimal yield and quality at minimal environmental impact. These strategies must provide for increasing market demand for quality medicinal plants.

This study aims to analyze the effect of different fertilization methods on the quality of active components and yield of Leonurus japonicus (motherwort) extensively. Through the examination of effects generated by different nutrient combination, fertilizer application rates, as well as application methods, the study tries to identify an optimal fertilization method with high productivity and enhanced quality. The result will give a scientific basis to sustainable cultivation, offer experimental fertilization recommendations to farmers, and be an immensely valuable guide for further research on medicinal plant cultivation and related industries.

2 Current Research and Application Status of Leonurus japonicus and Fertilization

2.1 Active ingredients and biological functions of Leonurus japonicus

Leonurus japonicus, or motherwort, is commonly renowned for its medicinal property because of its active constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. The active constituents have different therapeutic activities like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects. Such bioactive constituents make Leonurus japonicus a valuable plant for traditional ancient medicine as well as modern pharmacology (Sun et al., 2022) (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Chemical structures of the 20 standards in Leonurus japonicus Houtt (Adopted from Tan et al., 2018)

2.2 Research progress on the impact of fertilization on the quality and yield of medicinal plants

Current studies have highlighted the gigantic role of fertilization in raising medicinal plant yield and quality, e.g., Leonurus japonicus (Tan et al., 2018). For instance, a study of the impact of foliar application with Ekolist S reported a tremendous increase in motherwort herb yield, where the mean rate ranged from 85% in the first year and 42% in the second year of vegetation. But the impact on the quality, particularly flavonoid content, was unpredictable, indicating a complex interaction between plant growth stages and fertilization (Montaño-Herrera et al., 2022).

2.3 Application status of fertilization technologies in Leonurus japonicus cultivation domestically and internationally

Fertilization technology, such as foliar spraying of nutrition liquid, is being used more and more in domestic and foreign cultivation of Leonurus japonicus. Use of products such as Ekolist S, containing macro- and micro-elements, has been reported to have promising potential in enhancing plant growth and yield. Its effect on the quality of the herb, such as flavonoid content, can be inconsistent depending on the timing and frequency of application (Lee et al., 2023).

2.4 Challenges and future directions of fertilization techniques in Leonurus japonicus cultivation

Despite the advancements in fertilization techniques, challenges remain in enhancing the technique to enhance the yield and quality of Leonurus japonicus (Thepsilvisut et al., 2022) consistently. Heterogeneity of impact on the content of active ingredients confirms the need for future studies to determine the mechanisms at play. The future direction should be towards formulating specific fertilization techniques based on the specific growth phase and climatic conditions to reap the maximum from Leonurus japonicus for its medicinal purposes.

3 Effects of Fertilization Strategies on Active Ingredients

3.1 Effects of different fertilization methods on key active ingredients

Fertilization practices significantly influence the content of major active compounds of motherwort such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Use of Ekolist S with micro- and macro-elements as foliar was reported to influence the composition of motherwort's flavonoids. Ekolist S was utilized in different frequency according to the vegetation years for a three-year field trial (Li et al., 2019). The study demonstrated an extremely significant increase in flavonoid content with the first year of plant growth when the reverse pattern appeared in the second year of the first crop. This suggests that the application time and mode of the fertilization could differentially affect the content of the active compound due to variations in the internal processes of the plants and interaction with the environment (Zhu et al., 2022).

3.2 Regulatory roles of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on secondary metabolites

Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium play vital roles in regulating the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. These nutrients are needed in many physiological processes that influence the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Even though the single study on motherwort did not specifically state the functions of these specific nutrients, utilization of a nutrient-rich foliar fertilizer like Ekolist S, composed of these elements, would imply that each has a function within controlling secondary metabolite quantity. The observed modifications in flavonoid composition upon treatment with Ekolist S indicate that nutrient availability can modify the metabolic pathways toward secondary metabolite biosynthesis (Aguirre-Medina et al., 2017).

3.3 Optimization analysis of fertilization doses and active ingredient content in Leonurus japonicus

Maximizing the content of active substances in Leonurus japonicus encompasses fertilizer optimization. Ekolist S research established that frequency and time of fertilizer application was a critical factor in determining the yield and quality of motherwort herb. In the first year, the application of Ekolist S raised the yield of herb by 85%, whereas in the second year, it rose by 42% (Sugier et al., 2017). The effect on flavonoid profile was not equal, nevertheless, and indicates that maximal fertilization practice must consider both the timing and quantity of nutrient supplementation in order to achieve the optimal balance of active metabolites. Fertilization practice optimization must include careful consideration of plant development stages and environmental conditions in an attempt to develop fertilization strategies that optimize the yield of valuable secondary metabolites (Kakabouki et al., 2021).

4 Effects of Fertilization Strategies on Yield

4.1 Effects of different fertilizer combinations on growth characteristics of Leonurus japonicus

Application of Ekolist S foliar fertilizer containing macr- and micro-elements has been found to significantly influence Leonurus japonicus growth habit. Ekolist S 1% solution was applied at various stages of the plant growth during a three-year loam soil experiment (Zhang et al., 2023). The result revealed a positive influence on plant growth and the significant height and number of branches increases were highlighted. In particular, the herb yield of motherwort increased on average by 85% in the first year and by 42% in the second year of growth, as a confirmation of the stimulating effect of this method of fertilization on the growth parameters (Miao et al., 2019).

4.2 Comprehensive evaluation of fertilization effects on yield and quality per unit area

The general finding from the fertilization effect on yield and unit area quality was that the Ekolist S treatment resulted in a significant boost in the yield of motherwort herb. Treatment with the foliar fertilizer produced higher herb output but had an inconclusive effect on quality. During the first year, there was the hoped-for reduction of the stalk contribution towards the herb, which is indicative of quality. But in the second year, during the first harvest, the reverse. The flavonoid content, a key quality parameter, trended upward in the first year but declined in the second year, indicating a complex relationship between the yield and quality parameters (Zhang et al., 2022).

4.3 Balancing yield and active ingredients through optimized fertilization strategies

Fertilization control needs to be enhanced in a way that promotes balance between yield and active ingredient content to maximize Leonurus japonicus yield (Wang et al., 2023). Ekolist S treatment was noted by this work to lead to considerable improvement in yield but heterogeneous effects on active ingredients such as flavonoids. The theoretical levels of flavonoids, according to both herb production and flavonoid content, were always higher in the treated plots with Ekolist S. This means that in order to maximize yield, one should also look at the quality of active ingredients so that the output will be highly balanced. Altering the frequency and duration of applying fertilizers can also have the capacity to balance these two variables towards quality and optimal output (Kim et al., 2024).

5 Effects of Fertilization on Soil Microecology and Environment

5.1 Impact of fertilization on soil microbial community structure and function

Fertilizer management has a significant effect on soil microbial structure and activity. Foliar fertilizer application, such as the use of Ekolist S, could alter the microbial dynamics through deposition of key macro- and micro-elements that promote plant growth, and indirectly affect the root exudates needed for microbial survival (Zhang et al., 2019). This can lead to more active and diverse microbial community and promote soil health and nutrient cycling (Li et al., 2017) (Figure 2).

Figure 2  Effects of fertilization on soil microbes and soil nutrients (Adopted from Zhu et al., 2022)

5.2 Evaluation of nutrient use efficiency and environmental benefits of different fertilization strategies

Other forms of fertilization, such as foliar sprays, can potentially boost the utilization efficiency of nutrients by delivering nutrients to plant leaves and reducing losses due to leaching or volatilization. The Ekolist S experiment confirmed that this practice could result in higher yields and perhaps reduced environmental impact by saving soil-applied fertilizers, which tend to be more environmentally friendly. This technique not only improves the nutritional acquisition of plants but also facilitates sustainable agriculture by reducing environmental deterioration due to fertilization (Wang et al., 2021).

5.3 Role of scientific fertilization in promoting eco-friendly agriculture

Scientific fertilization, as represented by the application of professional foliar sprays like Ekolist S, plays a basic part in helping sustainable agriculture. By optimizing fertilizer composition and timing, scientific fertilization is able to avoid excessive fertilization, attain optimal plant growth and yield, and reduce negative impacts on the environment (Guan et al., 2022). This strategy compels the practices of sustainable agriculture by effective use of nutrient inputs, reducing the likelihood of pollution and natural resource degradation. Fertilizer use planning can then contribute to building farming systems that are both productive and ecologically sound (Guo et al., 2020).

6 Challenges in Technology and Practice

6.1 Technical challenges in precision fertilization for medicinal plant production

Accurate fertilization in the production of medicinal plants such as Leonurus japonicus is faced with a series of technical challenges. One of the major challenges is the varying nutrient uptake and response among species as well as varied growth stages of the same species (Lin et al., 2020). For instance, the foliar fertilization experiment with Ekolist S in motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.) demonstrated how timing and frequency of application significantly impacted growth and yield in plants and, importantly, there were differential effects in contrast years of plant growth (Vega-Vásquez et al., 2020). This indicates the complexity of how to devise a one-size-fits-all fertilization strategy that maximizes both quality and yield irrespective of the environmental situation and developmental stage of the plant.

6.2 Potential impacts of fertilization on long-term stability of quality and yield of Leonurus japonicus

Leonurus japonicus yield and stability in quality in the long term is a concern. The motherwort experiment revealed that while the yield was impacted perceptively by the impact of fertilization, the impact of fertilization on the quality, i.e., flavonoid, was not necessarily regular (Mikula et al., 2019). This paradox also reflects the reality that while fertilization has been used to boost short-term harvests, previously it could not ensure long-term stability of active ingredient content, which is necessary in medicinal plants. Long-term soil degradation and nutrient imbalance also pose a threat to uniform quality and yields (Radočaj et al., 2022).

6.3 Balancing fertilization practices with environmental and cost-effectiveness concerns

Balancing cost-effective fertilization practices with cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability is a dilemma important to resolve. Fertilizers, though useful for yields when used, have the potential to generate environmental issues such as nutrient runoff and soil degradation if not handled effectively (Zhu et al., 2023). Ekolist S research highlighted the need to balance fertilization practices against economic profitability without undermining environmental sustainability. Strategy formulation that ensures optimal use of nutrients and environmental footprint minimization is paramount for sustainable medicinal plant production (Hao et al., 2024).

7 Case Studies and Strategy Analysis

7.1 Successful fertilization management cases for Leonurus japonicus in different regions

Foliar spraying with Ekolist S over a three-year trial on loamy soil resulted in outstanding growth and yield increases in motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.). The fertilization regime used was spraying 1% solution of Ekolist S every six months for the first year and every four months for the second year. This approach contributed to the average increase being 85% in the first year and 42% in the second year, reflecting the magnitude of fertilization programs running at certain growth stages and positions to enhance productivity (Cai et al., 2024).

7.2 Promotion and practical recommendations for integrated fertilization strategies

The findings of the Ekolist S study have implications that complete fertilization schedules, both macro- and micro-nutrient needs, can significantly enhance the yield and quality of Leonurus japonicus (Liu and Du, 2024). The farmers need to adopt a flexible fertilization schedule in accordance with the growth phase of the crop, which is rosette stage and post-harvest, in order to get maximum benefits. Also significant is the ability to maintain stalk contribution and flavonoid content because this impacts the overall quality of the herb (Du et al., 2020).

7.3 Potential of agricultural by-products and green fertilizers in Leonurus japonicus cultivation

Green manures and crop residues are a good path to Leonurus japonicus sustainable production. To that end, in this study, Ekolist S has been utilized. The principle of increasing the rates of nutrient in a natural manner can be adhered to in the form of organic manures and residues. Not only do they guarantee sustainable plant production but also enhance soil health along with reducing the environmental cost of chemical fertilizers. Follow-up research must explore the efficacy of such green manures in various soils and climatic conditions to provide credible recommendations for their application in cultivation of motherwort (Pitschmann et al., 2017).

8 Concluding Remarks

The study on the effect of fertilization practice, i.e., the application of foliar fertilization using Ekolist S, presented outstanding effects on Leonurus japonicus yield and quality. The application of Ekolist S gave plants, where average yield was 85% higher in the first year and 42% in the second year of plant growth compared to control. But the effect on the herb quality, i.e., flavonoid content, was not consistent. There was a general increase in flavonoid content in the first year, while for the second year, particularly for the first harvest, reduced flavonoid content was noted. This reflects an interaction between fertilization, crop growth stage, and the active ingredient content of the final product.

Past research has identified some of the limitations and loopholes in data on the degree of influence of fertilization regimes on Leonurus japonicus. Year-to-year and growth stage-to-growth stage difference in the effectiveness of Ekolist S to affect the content of flavonoids demands further investigation into the dynamics involved. The experiment was conducted on loamy soil as well, which may not exactly be the type of soil where Leonurus japonicus is cultivated everywhere. That limits the scope for generalizing the findings to other soils and conditions.

In order to advance scientific fertilization management and raise the quality level of Leonurus japonicus production, it will be helpful to the production development of high quality to suggest further research on the interaction between blended fertilizer treatments and environmental conditions. Determining active ingredient concentration and yield variation mechanism by experiment should be conducted. Development of specialized fertilization treatment formulas according to soil type, climate condition, and plant growth phase may be beneficial to the increase in yield and quality. It is important for researchers to collaborate with industry players in an effort to actualize the utilization of science research through striving for the expansion of industry quality.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to our colleagues and team members for their cooperation and support.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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