The Biobrio 5(1 & 2), 2018
High density spacing trial of Oroxylum indicum and its
feasibility as agroforestry crop
Sanjeev Kumar, Shambhu Nath Mishra, Rajeev Ranjan, Arvind Kumar, Shalini Vatsa and Sumita Sirkar
ABSTRACT:
Oroxylum indicum (Sheonak) is very important medicinal plants used by pharmaceutical and
Ayurvedic companies in many formulations. Roots of Sheonak are one of the ingredients of
traditional Ayurvedic formulations, viz., Chyavanaprasa, Dasamula, Awalwha, Narayana Taila,
Brahma Rasayana and Dantyadyarista. Roots can be harvested from one year to three year
plant, at that stage plant has less branches and leaves, making it suitable as agroforestry
species. Experimental trial was laid down using three different types of spacing viz., 0.75 m x
0.5 m, 0.75 m x 1 m and 0.75 m x 3 m using randomized block design (RBD) with seven
replications. The spacing 0.75m x 1m depicted the maximum values for all the growth
parameters and yielded 10 quintals of dry root per hectare. Andrographis paniculata
(Kalmegh) was tried as an intercropping crop, which is a sun loving crop. Acceptable growth
was observed and approximately 16 quintals of dry plant was recorded per hectare. The result
of the present study reveals that agricultural crops may also be cultivated as intercrop and in
result good returns can be achieved.
Keywords: Oroxylum indicum, Andrographis paniculata, Ayurvedic formulations, Randomized Block Design, Replicationsy
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