Yield, Nutrient Uptake, and Quality of Stevia as Affected by Organic Sources of Nutrient

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2008 and 2009 at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India, to study the effect of organic sources of nutrient on yield, nutrient uptake, fertility status of soil, and quality of stevia crop in the western Himalayan region. The experiment comprised eight different combinations of organic manure [farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and apple pomace manure (AP)]. Total leaf dry biomass increased by 149% over the control with application of VC 1.5 t ha−1 + AP 5 t ha−1. Application of organic manures enhanced organic carbon and available nutrient status of soil more than the control. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content in stem were significantly affected by the application of organic manures over the control. Stevia plants supplied with FYM 10 t ha−1 + AP 2.5 t ha−1 recorded more total glycoside than other treatments. Stevioside yield (kg ha−1) was greater with application of FYM 10 t ha−1 + AP 2.5 t ha−1.