Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economics of Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus amarus) – An Anti-jaundice Plant

Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn) is an important anti-jaundice medicinal plant which contains several alkaloids in leaves. Phyllanthin and hypo-phyllanthin are important alkaloids having anti-hepatotoxic property. A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2004-05 to study the response of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth, yield and economics of P. amarus. Four organic sources (Farmyard manure, poultry manure, distillery bio-compost and city compost) were applied alone or super imposed over 25, 50 and 75% of recommended dose of inorganic fertilisers on N basis, and compared with control. Amongst the organic sources, the conjunctive use of 75% nutrients through fertilisers and 25% through FYM recorded maximum plant height, number of branches, number of compound leaves, fresh and dry herbage yield and total alkaloid yields (phyllanthin and hypo-phyllanthin), besides obtaining maximum net returns and highest benefit: cost ratio.