Effect of Different Levels of N, P and K on Herbage (Leaves) Yield and Digoxin Content of Digitalis lanata Ehrh.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of N, P and K on herbage yield and digoxin content of Digitalis lanata Ehrh. In a split plot design with three replications at the experimental area of the Department of Forestry during, 1975-76. Two pluckings of the leaves were taken first during November, 1975 and scond during April, 1976. There were no significant differences in herbage (leaves) yield due to different levels of nitrogen and combinations of phosphorus and potash. Though the application of different leves of nitrogen upto 150 kg per ha has increased the herbage yield but, there after, no increase in yield was observed. Regarding the effect of different combinations of phosphorus and potash, it was observed that only the application of 50kg of P per ha has some response on the yield of leaves. Little response due to the application of different levels of K was observed, which was explained due to the availability of high potash in the soil of the experimental area. Some guidelines for application of fertilizers in this crop have been given.