The performances of Linum usitatissimum on different organic manures and fertilizers under peach based horti medicinal system of agroforestry

Abstract

Linum usitatissimum commonly known as Alsi is a medicinal plant. Mid Himalayas are the bowl of stone fruits and peach is one of the important stone fruit of Himachal Pradesh Farmers are raising the orchards, hence keeping in view the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants under peach orchard is very good option. Farmers of many states in India have made the choice of cultivating medicinal plants and making profits by cultivating it. The use of FYM @ (2t/ha and 4t/ha), vermicompost @ (2t/ha and 4t/ha) and jeevamrutha @ (500l/ha) at appropriate doses was found beneficial minimizing competition for critical resources. The most beneficial treatment is fertilizers T6(NPK) under peach base Linum usitatissimum crop. Maximum plant height (54.15 cm) at harvesting stage was observed with NPK 120:60:30 kg/ha + peach. The maximum numbers of branches per plant (4.85) were recorded in T6. Maximum fresh aerial biomass per plant (11.98 g/plant) and estimated fresh aerial biomass per hectare (39.93 q/ha) was recorded as T6. Maximum dry aerial biomass per plant (8.22 g/plant) and estimated dry aerial biomass per hectare (27.40 q/ha) was observed as T6. Maximum seed yield (10.16 q/ha) was found in T6. The highest gross return (Rs. 1,01,600) for Linum usitatissimum was recorded under T6. The maximum total net return (Rs. 1,25,026) was recorded in T6. Benefit cost ratio of Linum usitatissimum plants was best result (2.13) in T5. All over all characteristics maximum were observed in T6 as compare to other treatments. The intercropping of Linum usitatissimum with peach was found more beneficial as compared to sole crop.