Studies on in situ soil moisture conservation and additions of phosphorus and potassium in rainfed palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) in a semi-arid tropical region of India

Field studies were made to devise improved agronomic methods in the essential production of a perennial, aromatic grass, palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) in a semi-arid tropical region in India. The results of the studies indicated that incorporation of palmarosa spent material in soil greatly helps in in situ conservation of soil moisture and thereby improves the essential oil yields of palmarosa. In the course of time, deficiencies of phosphorus and potassium may emerge in perennial palmarosa. Therefore, in the long run, additions of 52.5 kg P/ha per year in conjunction with 66.6 kg K/ha per year sustained palmarosa yields as well as soil levels of available P and exchangeable K.