Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226 015
1Present address: Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, RBS College, Bichpuri, Agra, (U.P.)
Field experiments were conducted for two years (1996–97 and 1997–98) at CIMAP, Lucknow to evaluate the influence of single and combined application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers on herb and essential oil yield of Mentha (main crop) and to study the effect of recycling of Mentha distillation waste on seed and stubble yield of mustard. Herb yield of mint increased by 49–118% in 1996–97 and 77–113% in 1997–98, over control due to combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure in different proportions. The corresponding increase in essential oil yield was 74–118 and 84–174%, respectively. Average seed yield of mustard grown after mint increased by 21–24% due to incorporation of distillation waste into the soil. Soil fertility status also improved with FYM and recycling of Mentha waste. Soil pH decreased by 0.21–0.39 units and organic C, available N, P and K increased by 9–21, 8–10, 8–30 and 13–18%, respectively due to distillation waste incorporation.
Menthol, mint, integrated nutrient management, essential oil, farmyard manure
