The study estimated chemical composition (total and true protein, crude fibre and ash as well as mineral components: P, K, Ca, Mg) in overground parts of nettle (Urtica dioica L.). Samples were collected on a field plantation from plants harvested at three development stages: before budding (vegetative phase), full budding and full flowering. The results show that later harvest decreased both protein forms and some mineral components (P, K, Mg) and increased crude fibre and Ca content. Along with the harvest delay, fewer differences between total and true protein content were recorded, all of which points out that plants transform nitrogen taken from the soil into protein much more easily. Nettle leaves as compared to stalks revealed much higher protein, ash, phosphorus and calcium content yet a clearly lower level of crude fibre.

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