Effect of irrigation and nitrogen on herbage and oil yields of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis)

Abstract

Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis Linn.), a succulent and multicut annual, has a very high water requirement because its active growth period coincides with premonsoon hot summer months, when soil moisture is inadequate and soil temperature is high. Maintenance of soil moisture and optimum N nutrition are important for realizing maximum yield potential. The effects of irrigation (Krupper et al. 1968; Duhan et al.1977; Clark & Menary 1980; Khera et al. 1986) and N fertilization (Singh 1986; Kothari et al.1987) in enhancing herbage and oil yields of mint have been well documented in the literature. There is, however, little information on the interactions of irrigation and N with growth and yield.