Sukhmal Chand

Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth, Herb and Oil Yield, Nutrient Accumulation, and Oil Quality of French Basil

Abstract Intensive cropping systems with fertilizer responsive crops that rely on high input of inorganic fertilizers often lead to nonsustainability in production and also pose a serious threat to soil health. Application of organic sources of nutrients with no or very little use of fossil fuel‐based inorganic fertilizers is rapidly gaining favor. However, considering economics and also physiological potential of varieties, entire dependence on organic sources of nutrients may not be adequate to attain the most productivity. Integrated nutrient management with both organic and inorganic fertilizers was investigated. A field trial was conducted with six different combinations of organic manure (FYM and Vermicompost) and inorganic fertilizers [nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium (NPK)] to study their effect on yield and oil quality in basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Vikas Sudha). Results from the experiment revealed that among the six treatments compared, the combination of Vermicompost at 5 t ha−1+fertilizer NPK 50:25:25 kg ha−1 performed the best with respect to growth, herb, dry matter, oil content, and oil yield. Content of principal constituents of basil oil (Methyl chavicol and Linalool) were also higher under integrated nutrient management especially when Vermicompost was applied in combination with NPK. Furthermore, it was noticed that organic carbon (C), available N, and P were higher in postharvest soils that received organic manure alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizers than control (no fertilizer or manure) and inorganic fertilizer treated soil. This study indicates that combined application of manure and fertilizer helps to increase crop productivity and quality and maintaining soil fertility.

Integrated nutrient management and waste recycling for restoring soil fertility and productivity in Japanese mint and mustard sequence in Uttar Pradesh, India

Supplementing the nutrient requirement of crops through organic manures plays a key role in sustaining soil fertility, and crop productivity and reducing use of fossil fuels. Field experiments were conducted for 2 years at two different locations (i.e. Lucknow and Pantnagar) in Uttar Pradesh, India. The objectives of the study were to assess the herb and essential oil yields of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensiscv. Hy 77), and its nutrient accumulation under single and combined applications of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers (NPK). Changes in physical and chemical characteristics of the soils (Fluvisols, Mollisols) were also determined. Eight treatments comprising different combinations of NPK through inorganic fertilizers and farm yard manure (FYM) were compared. The distilled waste of mint after extraction of essential oil was recycled to soils in the plots to supplement the nutritional requirement of the succeeding mustard crop ( Brassica juncea cv. Pusa Bold). Herb and essential oil yield of mint were significantly higher with combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients as compared to single applications. Accumulation of N and P was at par under full inorganic and combined supply whereas, K accumulation was higher with the former. Soil organic C and pH after harvest of mint did not significantly differ among the treatments, but the level of mineralizable N, Olsen-P and NH4OAc extractable K were higher in soil with integrated supply of nutrients. Significant increase in soil water stable aggregates, organic C, available NPK and microbial biomass, and decrease in soil bulk density were observed with waste recycling over fertilizer application. These benefits were reflected in the seed and stubble yield of mustard which succeeded mint. This study indicates that combined application of inorganic fertilizers with organics helps in increasing the availability of nutrients and crop yield and provides a significant effect to the succeeding crop. Similarly, recycling crop residues reduces the need for fossil fuel based fertilizer, and helps in sustaining and restoring soil fertility in terms of available nutrients and major physical and chemical characteristics of the soil.

Characteristics of menthol mint Mentha arvensis cultivated on industrial scale in the Indo-Gangetic plains

Abstract Mentha arvensis L. (menthol mint) oil is the source of commercial natural menthol. This industrial crop is now cultivated in about 0.145 million ha in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and several other states encompassing Indo-Gangetic plains. Considerable variation has been reported in the yield and quality of oil obtained from the crops of menthol mint varieties Himalaya and Kosi taken in the area. A follow up study was made to ascertain the cause(s) of such variation in many villages of selected districts of UP. The soils sampled from the fields were studied for variability in reaction, salinity, organic carbon content, the contents of the major nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and micro-nutrients manganese, iron, copper and zinc and crops of mint on the concerned fields were characterized for the herb, essential oil and menthol yields. The observations made in 69 farmers’ fields have indicated variation in soil characteristics, as well as herb, essential oil and menthol yields from the crops taken on them. However, herbs harvested from different fields did not differ much in their oil content. Imbalance in N, P and K supplements to the field was observed; it seemed to arise from unnecessary emphasis on urea application without concomitant K and P supplementation. The fields were particularly deficient in Mn among the micronutrients. There was need for heavier application of K, Cu, Zn, and Mn together with sufficient amount of N and P to obtain better oil yields. To increase oil yield was inferred as the best means to increase menthol production from the fields of Indo-Gangetic plains.

Influence of Long‐Term Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer to Build Up Soil Fertility and Nutrient Uptake in Mint‐Mustard Cropping Sequence

Abstract Field experiment was conducted for 7 years continuously to evaluate the influence of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer on soil fertility buildup and nutrient uptake in mint (Mentha arvensis) and mustard (Brassica juncea) cropping sequence. Maximum organic carbon was observed under full supply of organic manure (T2; FYM at 20 t ha−1) averaged across all the Stages of cropping sequence. It was increased by 38, 50, and 51% in T2 in Stages I (after mint harvest/presowing of dhaincha), II (after incorporation of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)/presowing of mustard), and III (after harvest of mustard/preplanting of mint), respectively, over their respective controls. In general, magnitude of organic carbon was recorded higher in Stage II after green manuring of Sesbania compared with Stages I and III. Nitrogen availability in treated plots was increased by 26.0–89.9, 15.2–64.5, and 4.9–52.0% in Stages I (after mint harvest/presowing of Sesbania), II (after incorporation of dhaincha/presowing of mustard), and III (after harvest of mustard/preplanting of mint), respectively, over their respective control. Average across all the three Stages showed a positive balance of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in soil under different treatments. Mean of the three Stages indicated that maximum available N, P, and K were increased by 36.1, 129.0, and 65.20% in T4 (N:P:K: 133:40:40 and FYM at 6.7 t ha−1), T4 (N:P:K::133:40:40 and FYM at 6.7 t ha−1), and T3 (N:P:K::100:30:30 and FYM at 10 t ha−1), respectively, over their initial status. Supply of organic and inorganic fertilizer (T4; N:P:K::133:40:40 and FYM at 6.7 t ha−1) was found most suitable combination with respect to N, P availability in soil, and productivity of mint and mustard crop.

Microbial and chemical sources of phosphorus supply modulate the yield and chemical composition of essential oil of rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium species) in sodic soils

Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) is a highly valued aromatic crop. Its growth is limited by soil salinity and sodicity stress. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and P fertilizers may enhance the growth and secondary metabolism in geranium plants. In this context, a pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of PSB, AM fungi (Glomus intraradices), and P fertilizer on the yield, chemical composition of essential oil, and mineral element acquisition of geranium. The dry matter yield of shoot and essential oil yield, and mineral element (P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, and Zn) uptake in shoot tissues of geranium were significantly increased by the inoculation with AM fungi, co-inoculation with AM fungi and PSB, and P fertilization as compared to control. While the co-inoculation of geranium with AM fungi and PSB significantly enhanced the content of the monoterpenes such as citronellol, geraniol, geranial, and a sesquiterpene (10-epi-γ eudesmol), the P fertilization only enhanced the content of a sesquiterpene, 10-epi-γ eudesmol in the volatile oil. We conclude that the co-inoculation of PSB and AM fungi could be the best natural alternative to phosphate fertilizers to enhance the yield and quality of essential oil from geranium plants grown in sodic soils.

Changes in Profiles of Essential Oils of Rose-Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) During Leaf Ontogeny

ABSTRACT Changes in the essential oil profile of rose-scented geranium during development were determined gas chromatographically. It was found that the essential oil yield (1.56%) and geraniol content (34.6%) were highest in the first leaf, while in the twelfth leaf they were 0.05% and 13.9% respectively. Similarly essential oil gland density was found to be highest in the first leaf after which it decreased. The other major oil constituents such as isomenthone, citronellyl formate, geranyl formate and citronellol were not influenced by leaf age. Some changes occurred in the linalool content during leaf aging although no clear trend was evident.

NIMIN AND MENTHA SPICATA OIL AS NITRIFICATION INHIBITORS FOR OPTIMUM YIELD OF JAPANESE MINT

In order to improve nitrogen utilization efficiency of crops, which seldom exceeds 50%, numerous synthetic chemicals have been examined by several workers, for inhibition of either urea hydrolysis or nitrification in soils. However, for nitrification inhibitors to be popular in developing countries it must be cost effective and biodegradable. Field experiments were conducted for two years (1997–98) to evaluate the performance of two natural products, Mentha spicata oil and nimin (tetranortriterpinoids), an alcohol extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica Juss) as nitrification inhibitors. Prilled urea was coated with essential oil of Mentha spicata, nimin and a synthetic inhibitor dicyandiamide (control) at the rate of 1% on w/w basis and their effects on herb and essential oil yield and nutrient accumulation in Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.) was studied. The natural products significantly increased the herb and essential oil yield of mint compared to prilled urea applied without any coating material. The natural products were also found as effective as DCD. As expected, nitrogen (N) accumulation in the plant also significantly increased with the coating of urea. The average apparent N recovery was estimated to be about 50%, 42%, and 34% at 100, 200, and 300 kg ha− 1 rate of N application, respectively. Average NO3–N formation was low in coated urea treated soils. The pattern of inhibition of nitrification and increase in fertilizer N use efficiency by nimin and M. spicata oil suggest that these materials may be used for retardation of nitrification in soil.

Effect of Chromium and Lead on Yield, Chemical Composition of Essential Oil, and Accumulation of Heavy Metals of Mint Species

A pot culture experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of increasing levels (30.0 and 60.0 mg kg−1 soil) of chromium and lead on the yield, chemical composition of essential oil, and phytoaccumulation of heavy metals of three mint species (Mentha arvensis, M. piperita, and M. citrata). The fresh herbage yield of M. arvensis was not significantly affected by the application of chromium and lead, but its essential oil yield was significantly decreased by the application of chromium and lead as compared to the control. The fresh herbage, root yield, and essential oil yield of M. piperita were significantly increased and those of M. citrata were decreased by the increase in the levels of chromium and lead applications. The levels of α-pinene, β-pinene, sabinene, β-myrcene, limonene, menthone, and isomenthone in M. arvensis and M. piperita oil and of sabinene, pinene, and linalyl acetate in M. citrata oil were considerably affected by the application of chromium and lead to soils as compared to control plants. The concentrations of chromium in shoots and roots of mint species significantly increased as the levels of chromium in soil increased. The increases in the levels of lead in soil enhanced the concentrations of lead in the shoots and roots of mint species as compared to the control. The accumulations of chromium and lead were greater in the roots than in the shoots in all the three species of mint. Mentha piperita was found to be the most suitable crop for cultivation in the chromium- and lead-contaminated soils, followed by M. arvensis and M. citrata.

Seasonal changes in microbial biomass in soils cropped with palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii L.) and Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.) in subtropical India

Changes in microbial C, N, and P were investigated for 1 year in two soils with similar physicochemical properties but supporting different crops under subtropical conditions. One was cropped with palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii L.) and the other with Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.). Both the season and the type of cropping had a significant influence on changes in the soil microbial biomass. In general, soil microbial biomass C, N, and P were highest in summer months and lowest in midwinter. Soil microbial biomass levels and microbial C:N and C:P ratios were higher and N:P ratios lower under palmarosa soil than under mint.

Influence of Integrated Supply of Vermicompost and Zinc‐Eniched Compost with Two Graded Levels of Iron and Zinc on the Productivity of Geranium

Abstract Two pot experiments under greenhouse condition were carried out to study the influence of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost with two levels of iron and zinc on the productivity of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens). Joint application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost was effective in increasing the herb and oil yield over sole application of iron and zinc. Combined application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost gave better herb and oil yield in both the experiments. With application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost with two graded levels of iron, higher N, P, and K concentrations were observed with application of vermicompost (5 g kg−1), vermicompost (5 g kg−1), and Fe 12.5 ppm+Zn‐enriched compost 2.5 g kg−1 soil, respectively, over control. Highest reduction in soil pH was observed with an application of vermicompost at 5 g kg−1 soil; maximum soil organic carbon content was also recorded in the same treatment. In experiment II, joint application of vermicompost, zinc‐enriched compost, and graded levels of zinc recorded highest N, P, and K concentration with treatments of Zn (15 ppm)+vermicompost (2.5 g kg−1), vermicompost (5 g kg−1), and Zn (15 ppm)+vermicompost (2.5 g kg−1 soil), respectively. Nitrogen, P, and K content increased by 36, 125, and 305%, respectively, with these treatments over the control. Chemical constituents of geranium oil such as cis‐rose oxide, isomenthone, linalool, citronellyl, geranylformate, geranyl, and epi‐γ‐eudesmol were significantly improved by combined application of Zn with vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost as compared to sole application of Zn. Similar effects were observed with Fe in combination with vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost on most of the chemical constituents of geranium oil. Physicochemical properties of the soil were also improved as macro‐ and micronutrient availability markedly increased in both the experiments because of combined application of vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost with two levels of Zn and Fe.