Ashwagandha (Withania somniferaL. Dunal) crop as Affected by the application of FYM and inorganic phosphorus in typic torripsamments 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 P2O5 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 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.