Organic Manure As An Alternative To The Conventional Mineral Fertilizers In Cultivation Of Digitalis Purpurea L.

Abstract

Digitalis purpurea L. commonly known as foxglove or tilpuspi is an important medicinal (presence of cardiac glycosides in leaves) and ornamental plant (purple and white coloured flowers) . The present experiment was conducted aiming to improve the yield and plant growth without leaving any adverse impact on soil and surrounding. For this experiment different organic manures were used as solo and in combination with each other and performance were compared with the recommended dosage of mineral fertilizers and plant grown without fertilizer. The experiment was layout in randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications of each treatment. Vermicompost individually and in combination with mineral fertilizers and other manures showed significant effect on growth and yield traits. It was observed that 100% dosage of vermicompost significantly increases the number of leaves (10.88 and 31.88) and leaf length (13.42 and 24.04cm) during both seasons respectively. It also increases the leaf dry yield (351.57g/plot) during second season of plant growth. Whereas in combination of vermicompost and litter compost in 1:1 enhances the leaf fresh weight (139.98 and 456.10 g/plot) during both seasons respectively and leaf dry weight during first season of plant growth. Moreover, it was observed that vermicompost in combination with the farmyard manure increases the leaf area (63.64 and 67.16cm2 ) during both seasons. Leaf width (8.34 and 9.61cm) was found enhanced by the application of farmyard manure. The results obtained reflected the superiority over the mineral fertilizers significantly for the major yield attributing traits, indicates that organic manures can successfully replace mineral fertilizers without adversely affecting the growth and yield of crop plant. They not only enhance the growth, yield and quality of plants but also show positive effect on soil health without any residual effect unlike mineral fertilizers.