Effect of Intercropping and Nitrogen Management on Growth and Yield of Medicinal Plants under Kapok

Abstract

An experiment was conducted with an objective of studying the effect of intercropping and nitrogen management on growth and yield of medicinal plants under kapok (Ceiba pentandra Lnn. Gaertn.). The results revealed that the plant height and number of leaves were higher in the open field except Gymnema (C₁) than in the intercropped shaded field. The plant height and number of leaves were more in the Gymnema at 100 kg N ha^-1 both in the open and intercropped field conditions. Dry matter production at 30 days after sowing / planting in Gymnema and Coleus was more in the intercropped field. Where as the dry matter of Mentha and coriander was higher in the open field. Dry matter production of all the four medicinal plants at 60 and 90 days was higher in the open field than in the intercropped field condition. Dry matter production of the crops was more at 100 kg N ha^-1. Among the four medicinal plants, the yield of Gymnema (C₁) was higher in the intercropped field indicating its compatibility under tree canopy. Thus Gymnema was found to be suitable for inter cropping under kapok with different doses of nitrogen.