Integrated nutrient management in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): A Review

Abstract

Withania somnifera commonly called as Ashwagandha is a widely used medicinal herb in Ayurveda. It is considered to be a Rasayana herb, an adaptogen, and is commonly referred to as ‘Indian ginseng’. It is one of the most important medicinal plant coined with two words viz., Ashwini and Gandha. Ashwini means horse and Gandha means power. Although an important medicinal plant, it is still seen growing on waste and marginal lands, with little or no manures and fertilizers. Use of organic manures, biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers has assumed great importance for sustainable production and for maintaining soil health. These not only supply macro- and micro-nutrients to the crop but also improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, leading to good crop production. The advantage of combining inorganic and organic sources of nutrients generally results in better use of each component which is responsible for crop growth and development. In this paper, the literatures pertaining to the different aspects of integrated nutrient management are reviewed.