Effect of Different Organic Sources of Nutrients on Quality and Economics of Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Abstract

The present investigation entitled Effect of different organic sources of nutrients on quality and economics of ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] was carried out during Kharif 2021-22 at College Farm, College of Horticulture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and twenty treatments viz., T1: 100% RDN through FYM; T2: 100% RDN through Vermicompost; T3: 100% RDN through Neem cake; T4: 100% RDN through Poultry manure; T5: 80% RDN through FYM; T6: 80% RDN through Vermicompost; T7: 80% RDN through Neem cake; T8: 80% RDN through Poultry manure; T9: 60% RDN through FYM; T10: 60% RDN through Vermicompost; T11: 60% RDN through Neem cake; T12: 60% RDN through Poultry manure; T13: 80% RDN through FYM + Azotobacter + KSM + PSB; T14: 80% RDN through Vermicompost + Azotobacter + KSM + PSB; T15: 80% RDN through Neem cake+ Azotobacter + KSM + PSB; T16: 80% RDN through Poultry manure + Azotobacter + KSM + PSB; T17: 60% RDN through FYM + Azotobacter + KSM + PSB; T18: 60% RDN through Vermicompost + Azotobacter + KSM + PSB; T19: 60% RDN through Neem cake + Azotobacter + KSM + PSB; T20: 60% RDN through Poultry manure + Azotobacter + KSM + PSB. Maximum chlorophyll a, b and total at 90 DAS (at full bloom stage) (1.92, 0.75 and 2.11 mg/g, respectively) and withanolides content (0.32%) at harvest were recorded with treatment T16. The maximum net income (₹ 1,38,707/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.52) were also obtained in same treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of 80% RDN through poultry manure + Azotobacter + KSM + PSB (T16) was found beneficial for obtaining higher yield of better quality and economic returns in ashwagandha.