Assessment of Suitability of Fallow Lands for Major Medicinal Plants in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the extent of permanent fallow lands and identify the suitability of fallow lands for cultivation of major medicinal plants viz., Aswagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal), Senna (Cassia angustifolia M. Vahl) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) in Nanguneri Block of Tamil Nadu during 2013-14. Indian Remote sensing satellite Resourcesat-2 LISS IV data was used to map the extent and distribution of permanent fallow lands of study area and the detailed soil survey work was carried out to identify the problems and potentials of land resources. The biophysical survey revealed that 41.3% of total geographical area (TGA) in Nanguneri block is identified as permanent fallow lands. Climate and soil resources of fallow lands were evaluated for the medicinal plants suitability for cultivation using the parametric methodology. The results showed that out of 5 identified soils, two soils (N 4 and N 5) are highly suitable for cultivation of all the three medicinal plants. Depth, soil texture and soil pH are identified as a major constraints in other soils. The area analysis revealed that 53.4% of fallow lands in Nanguneri block are highly suitable for Aswagandha and 72.2% of fallow lands as highly suitable for Senna and Tulsi cultivation. These results can be transferred to the local stakeholders for converting unproductive fallow lands into productive hub for medicinal plants.

GIS based Land Use Suitability of Diversified Cropping Systems in Bareli Watershed

“…The evaluation for suitability (Table 3) indicated that soils of Bareli-1 were moderately suitable with severe limitation of effective soil depth, whereas, soils of Diwartola and Bareli-3 are marginally suitable (S3) with marginal limitations of soil depth and slope, while, soils of Diwara and Bareli-2 are not suitable (N1) for growing Aswagandha due to very severe limitations of soil depth, slope and coarse fragments. Similar results of non-suitability of Ashwagandha due to shallow depth were reported by Ramamurthy and Singh (2015) and Dharumrajan et al (2016).…”

“…The results indicated that (Table 3) soils of Bareli-1 were moderately suitable with severe limitation of effective soil depth, whereas, soils of Diwartola, and Bareli-3 are marginally suitable (S3) with marginal limitations of soil depth, slope and the soils of Diwara and Bareli-2 are not suitable (N1) for growing Tulsi due to very severe limitations of soil depth, slope and coarse fragments. The results were in close conformity with the results of Natarajan et al (2010) and Dharumrajan et al (2016). The spatial suitability maps of Lemongrass and Tulsi are presented in Figure 3a and Figure 3b.…”

“…Indian sub-continent is blessed with most diverse soil and climatic conditions, which are suitable for the growth of many medicinal and aromatic plant species. In India, medicinal and aromatic plants are grown in large scale and their products are being exported to various countries for their huge demand (Rajendran et al, 2008 andDharumrajan et al, 2016).…”

A Review on Cost and Return of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Cultivation in India

“…(Singh et al, 2023). Medicinal plants like Senna, Tulsi and Aswagandha provide opportunity to transferred unproductive fallow lands into productive hub for medicinal plants (Dharumarajan et al, 2016). Medicinal plants production is a profitable alternative to traditional crops (Saiyam et al, 2022).…”