Growth and yield of Ocimum sanctum in response to integrated nutrient management and plant spacing

The present study was carried out during 2010 to work out the optimum integrated nutrient management and plant spacing in Ocimum sanctum L. under Jammu subtropics. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with six fertilizer treatments and two plant spacings. Results from the study reveals that the conjunctive use of N @ 60 kg/ha and vermicompost @ 3 t/ha recorded maximum plant height (66.80 cm), number of branches (16.97), fresh and dry weight of leaves (77.92 and 16.36 g), fresh and dry weight of inflorescence (46.16 and 13.84 g/plant), fresh herb yield (8.92 t/ha), and essential oil yield (16.02 litre/ha). Out of two plant spacing closer plant spacing recorded maximum fresh herb yield (8.09 t/ha) and essential oil yield (13.37 litre/ha). Integrated dose of N @ 60 kg/ha and vermicompost @ 3 t/ha with a plant spacing of 40 cm × 40 cm recorded maximum fresh herb and essential oil yield of 10.91 t/ha and 19.88 litre/ha respectively.