Hi Nayak,
Soil and Climate -
Thrives well on variety of soils. Rich loam to poor laterite, saline and alkaline to moderately acidic soils is well suited for its cultivation. Well-drained soil helps better vegetative growth. Water logged condition can cause root-rot and result in stunted growth.
The plant can be grown under partially shaded conditions but with low oil content. It flourishes well under moderate rainfall and humid conditions. Long days and high temperatures have been found favorable for plant growth and oil production. Topical and sub-topical climate (at attitudes up to 900m) is suited for its cultivation.
Land Preparation -
The land is brought to fine tilth and laid out into plots of convenient sizes for irrigation. It is preferable to add 15 tonnes of farmyard manure per hectare during the preparation of land and mixed well with the soil.
Nursery Raising and Planting -
The nursery can be raised in the third week of February and transplantation is generally started by mid April. Seeds are used for propagation. About 200-300g seeds are enough to raise the seedlings for planting one hectare of land. The seed should be sown 2cm below in the nursery beds. The seeds germinate in 8-12 days and the seedlings with 4-5 leaves are ready for transplantation in about 6 weeks. The seedlings are transplanted at 40 X 40cm and 40 X 50cm to get high herbage and oil yield per hectare.
Weeding and Hoeing -
First weeding is done after one month after planting and the second four weeks after the first. One hoeing after two months of planting is sufficient.
Manure/Fertilizer -
Compost/ Vermicompost and organic manure is preferred.
Irrigation -
Irrigation depends upon the moisture content of soil. In summer three irrigations per month are necessary and in rainy season no irrigation is required. About 12-15 irrigations are enough during the year.
For more information you may contact on -
Medicinal and aromatic plant production organisation
120/9 Pashan flats, sus road ,
behind Layanedrui Housing Society,
Pashan, Pune.
REgards
Ashwini
Phone 020/25882263.
