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

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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.