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