Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of patchouli [Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.] in a semi-arid tropical climate

A field experiment was conducted for two years at Bangalore, to study the influence of organic (vermicompost) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) in a semi-arid tropical climate. The results revealed that application of vermicompost (5 t ha-1) + 50% NPK (100 : 25 : 25 kg ha-1) produced significantly higher herbage and oil yield (13.98 t ha-1 and 83.4 kg ha-1), respectively, which was on par with recommended dose of NPK (200 : 50 : 50 kg ha-1). Application of vermicompost (5 t ha-1) + 50% NPK (100 : 25 : 25 kg ha-1) increased the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake, respectively, which was at par with recommended dose of NPK (200 : 50 : 50 kg ha-1). Oil content was not influenced by organic and inorganic fertilizers. &nbsp