Differential Effect of Fertilizers on Menthol Contents in Mint (Mentha Arvensis)

Mint either as herb or its essential oil form is used for flavoring, perfume production and medicinal purposes.Among various factors affecting mint plant, type and amount of fertilizers, such as nitrogen based, have more pronounced effect on mint plants growth and quantity and quality of menthol oil.Therefore, the present study was conducted with to evaluate the effect of fertilizer on menthol contents and to observe the accurate doses of fertilizer for the maximum quantity of menthol content in mint.Seven treatments of fertilizers (T1=Control, T2=FYM 20 t/ha, T3=N, P, K 75:15:15 kg/ha and FYM 15 t/ha, T4=N, P, K 100:30:30 kg/ha and FYM 10 t/ha, T5=N, P, K 150:45:45 kg/ha and FYM 8 t/ha, T6=N, P, K 175:50:50 kg/ha and FYM 6 t/ha and T7=N, P, K 225:60:60 kg/ha and No FYM) were applied randomly in each block with three replications.Result demonstrated that plant height was maximum with T7 while no.of leaves, leaf area, herb yield and oil yield with T5 and menthol contents was maximum with T6.