Performance of Valeriana jatamansi in Hill Zone of West Bengal Concerning Manure Sources

Abstract

The organic source of nutrients would be a promising practice for Valeriana jatamansi cultivation which maintains its curative value. A set of experiments was conducted at Hill Zone of West Bengal, Kalimpong for two consecutive cycles to standardize organic nutrient management in V. jatamansi for optimum growth and economic yield. Different organic sources of nutrients such as farm yard manure (FYM), bio-fertilizer (BF), and vermicompost (VC) were applied at various doses along with a recommended dose. We applied the treatments as follows: T1= FYM (5 t.ha-1), T2= VC (2 t.ha-1), T3= FYM (5 t.ha-1) + VC (2 t ha-1), T4= FYM (5 t.ha-1) + PSB, T5= VC (2 t.ha-1) + PSB, T6= FYM (5 t.ha-1) + VC (2 t.ha-1) + PSB, T7= Control, T8= RDF through inorganic fertilizers (50:25:25 kg.ha-1 as N, P2O5, and K2O). The use of organic manures and PSB significantly (P<0.05) increased the rhizome yield and soil-available macronutrients in V. jatamansi due to the release of nutrients from the decomposition of organic manures. The addition of T6 resulted in a maximum canopy height (18.28 cm), plant fresh biomass (16.42 t.ha-1), dry biomass (3.19 t.ha-1), rhizome fresh weight (3.16 t.ha-1), and dry weight (1.16 t.ha-1), as well as highest organic carbon content (0.75%), nitrogen (221 kg.ha-1), phosphorus (46.70 kg.ha-1), and potassium (201 kg.ha-1). Applying FYM, vermicompost, and PSB combination would be a promising strategy for growing V. jatamansi.