Performance of isabgol or blond psyllium (Plantago ovata) under different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and bio- fertilizers in shallow black soil

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in shallow black soil of Malwa region of Madhy Pradesh during winter season of 1996 and 1997, to find out the effect of fertilizers on the growth, yield and quality of blond psyllium or isabgol (Plantago ovata Forskaal). Maximum plant height, number of spike-bearing tillers and - length of spikes were recorded at 25 kg N/ha without P application. Higher seed yield by 30% was obtained at 25 kg Nlha compared with the control. Phosphorus w and cultures did not affect plant attributes and seed yield and different treatments did not show beneficial effect on the swelling factor and mucilage of isabgol seed. As such 25 kg Nlha without P was found to be the most optimum and economic dose to realize maximum profit and benefit.