Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) crop as affected by the application of farm yard manure (FYM) and inorganic phosphorus in typic Torripsamment of Hisar

Abstract

The vegetative parameters of ashwagandha (viz. plant height, number of primary branches, plant spread and dry weight of shoot) were enhanced significantly with the application of 12.5 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil, whereas; dry weight of roots was enhanced up to the application level of 25 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil. FYM at the rate of 12.5 t ha-1 in combination with 12.5 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil significantly improved all the vegetative parameters, whereas, FYM at the rate of 12.5 t ha^-1 in combination with 25 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil
significantly enhanced the dry weight of the roots. The alkaloids yield (mg pot^-1) in ashwagandha roots increased significantly with the application of 25 mg PP₂O₅ kg^-1 soil. The application of FYM at the rate of 12.5 t ha^-1 improved the alkaloids yield (mg pot^-1) but the significantly highest yield of total alkaloids (mg pot^-1) was found in the treatment combination of 12.5 t FYM ha^-1 + inorganic-P at the rate of 25 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil as compared with other eleven treatments. Nutrients (NPK) uptake by ashwagandha shoot increased significantly with the application level of 12.5 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil over control whereas in case of ashwagandha roots, the increase in nutrients uptake at the level of 25 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil over control. Application of FYM at the rate of 12.5 t ha^-1 + 12.5 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil was the best treatment combination for ashwagandha roots in terms of nutrients uptake. Application of fertilizer-P significantly improved the status of organic carbon, Available-P in post harvest soil but decreased the Available-N, Available-K and DTPA extractable micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) up to the level of 25 mg P₂O₅ kg^-1 soil. FYM at the rate of 12.5 t ha^-1 helped in maintaining the soil fertility status after harvest of the crop alone or in combination with fertilizer-P.

Key words: Ashwagandha, phosphorus, farmyard manure, alkaloids, nutrients uptake, soil fertility.