Cultivation of Aromatic Plants in Saline Soils

Abstract

About 10 million hectare land is affected by salinity and alkalinity problem in our country. Obviously, these soils are left barren or productivity of these soils are very low. Reclamation of these soils are costly and they become salt affected once again after some times. Therefore, in this condition it is necessary to find out measures for utilizing these soils. Essential oils derived from aromatic crops like palmarosa, lemon grass, citronella is used in manufacture of cosmetics, perfume, soaps and medicines. Aromatic oils are exported and major source of foreign  currencies. Considering these facts the present research programme was carried out. Palmarosa selected as test crop. Palmarosa was grown in 1×1 m plots. These plots were separated by polythene sheets up to a depth of 90 cm. The experimental soil was sandy loam to clay in nature. The soil had made saline with the use of saline water having EC of 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 mmhos/cm. It was found from the research work that the yield of palmarosa not affected adversely up to the electrical conductivity of 12 mmhos/cm. Yield of palmarosa slightly decreased at electrical conductivity of 16 mmhos/ cm as compared to best quality soil. Herbage yield and oil content were not affected by various salinity levels. Therefore, on the basis of present research work it is concluded that the cultivation of palmarosa complete successfully

at 16 mmhos/cm electrical conductivity.