Physiological status and biomass yield of Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby cultivated on two distinct marginal lands in Southern and Northern Poland

•S. hermaphrodita yield better on heavy metal (HM) contaminated land during experiment.•Drought and nutrient depletion were responsible for photosynthesis activity reduction.•Repeated harvest may offer solution for drought prone marginal lands.•Soil texture and fertility impacted S. hermaphrodita photosynthesis more than HMs.