Informatics Publishing Limited

A. K. Shukla , P. N. Misra

Abstract

Although slow but definite improvement is brought out in the physico-chemical properties of the salt affected soils by encouraging the growth of vegetation on such lands. The present investigation were undertaken to evaluate the relative efficacy of certain salt tolerant tree species in the extent of soil improvement. The tree species in general were effective in bringing about imrovement in the soil properties as reflected by the changes in physico-chemical characteristics of the soil like bulk density (BD), water holding capacity (WHC), hydraulic conductivity (HC) and pH, Ec, Oc, N and exchangeable cations (Na+ and Ca++). There were, however, Variations among the species for their efficacy in improving the soil properties. Vast stretch of salt affected soils still remin a bane for the society for want of adequate resources to reclaim them with the available technology involving initial heavy investments. The process of degradation, which has been set in due to reckless destruction of vegetation, can be reversed by re-establishment of vegetative cover which brings about slow but definite improvement in such inhospitable soils. This phenomenen has been amply demonstrated by various parameters governing the soil health in the present investigations which show a positive sign of improvement both in terms of physical and chemical properties of the soil. Such soils should, therefore, be brought under sod/tree cover, if not found economical for regular farming, and taken care by the community for posterity.

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P. N. Misra , L. D. Kapoor

Abstract

Matricaria chamomilla Linn popularly known as German or Hungarian Chamomile, is an important drug plant, flowers of which yield 'blue oil' having anti-phlogistic properties. It is also used against stomach ailments, and as a flavouring agent in fine liquors and in perfumes. Seeds were introduced from Jammu in 1965 and multiplied at Research Station, Banthra of National Botanic Gardens, Lucknow, with ultimate object of economic utilisation. Of substandard saline-alkali soils. Encouraging preliminary observations led us to work out details or its agronomic requirements in the alluvial plains of U.P. Cultural aud manurial trials indicated that the crop is well suited for cultivation on the saline-alkali soils and the plants thrived even where the efflorescence of salts appeared. 6-8 weeks old seedlings closely spaced at 30 × 30 cm gave the highest yield, The optimum time of plantiug lies between last week of November and first week of December. The crop responded well to fertilisation and the optimum dose of N and P lies between 50-60 kg N/ha and 50 kg P₂0₅/ha. Yield of fresh flowers as high as 45 q per hectare was recorded. A net income per hectare of Rs 1,500/- and Rs, 5,600/- can he obtained from the sale of flowers and oil respectively.

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