The effect of altitude and soil properties on the essential oil components of Turkish sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.)

In this study, the effects of altitude and soil properties on the essential oil amounts and essential oil components of the Turkish sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.) plant were investigated. A location in the south of Turkey in the Kaş district of Antalya with altitude ranges of 0-200 m, 300-500 m, and 600-800 m was defined as the study area. During the full flowering period of S. fruticosa, plants and soil samples were collected. The contents of the essential oils of the plants were analyzed using GC-MS. According to theresults obtained, the essential oil content of plants varied between 1.91% and 5.10%. The main component of the essential oils of the plants collected from all study areas was 1,8-cineol, at 44.93%. It was concluded that variations in the proportions of the components limonene and linalool, which are essential oil components of plants, are not only dependent on altitude but also on changes in soil texture and the total CaCO3 content of the soil.