Effect of graded levels of Nitrogen and Sulphur on yield, nutrient accumulation and quality of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis)

A field experiment was conducted at CIMAP farm during 1999–2000 to study the influence of graded levels of N (0, 100 and 200 kg ha⁻¹) and S (0, 25 and 50 kg ha⁻¹) on yield and quality of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis). The treatment combination of sulphur @ 50 kg S ha⁻¹ along with nitrogen @ 200 kg N ha⁻¹ was observed to be the best treatment with respect to herb, dry matter and oil yield of mint. The increase in herb, oil and dry matter yield with S₅₀ and N₂₀₀ was 32, 36 and 64% over control, respectively. Almost similar trend was observed with respect to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur uptake by the crop. Content of the principal ingredient in the form of menthol was, however, highest (84%) with the application of S and N at 25 and 100 kg ha⁻¹, respectively.