Integrated nutrient management in Aswagandha (Withania somnifera L.) under tree based cropping systems in drylands
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Authors
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A. Madhavi Lata
College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030
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M. Srinivasa Raju
College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030
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B. Joseph
College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030
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P. Chandrasekhar Rao
College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030
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A. Siva Sankar
College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030
Keywords:
Agri-horticulture, amla, medicinal plant, terminalia, sole cropAbstract
A field study was carried out in the existing plantations of amla (Emblica officinalis) and terminalia (Terminalia chebula) at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif seasons of 2008 and 2009. The medicinal crop of aswagandha was intercropped in amla and terminalia respectively, in red sandy loam soil. The treatments consisted of three cropping systems as main plot treatments and six INM as sub plot treatments laid out in split plot design and replicated thrice. The results revealed that growth parameters of aswagandha i.e., plant height, dry matter production and leaf area per plant were found maximum in sole cropping followed by intercropping in amla and terminalia. Days to physiological maturity of aswagandha was delayed by 9-10 days in intercropping situation in terminalia when compared to intercropping in amla. Root and seed yields (kg ha-1) of aswagandha were the highest with sole cropping situation compared to either of the intercropping situations. Aswagandha performed better as an intercrop in amla compared to terminalia. The yields were reduced by 2-3 times due to intercropping in terminalia as compared to sole aswagandha. Withanolide content (%) and PAR was more under sole cropping compared to intercropping situations. Highest root yield of 318.3 and 292.5 kg ha-1 was recorded by INM treatment (20 kg N ha-1 through urea + Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1).
