Effect of Tree Canopy, Topographic Aspect and Tillage Practices on Growth and Yield of Ocimum basilicum in Mid Hills of Indian Himalaya

Abstract

The introduction of Ocimum basilicum under Pinus roxburghii forest has been studied to assess the growth and yield for its commercial exploitation and conservation. It was grown below tree canopy and outside tree canopy on three topographical aspects viz. Northern, North-Western, and Western, followed by three tillage depths viz. minimum (0 cm), medium (up to 10 cm) and deep tillage (up to 15 cm) at 30 cm x 30 cm spacing. The growth and yield of Ocimum basilicum were significantly higher outside tree canopy than under storey of Chirpine forests. In other case, the maximum yield was observed on Northern aspect in deep tillage. Thus introduction of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) under Chir pine for developing Chir pine and Basil based silvi-medicinal system without adding any fertilizer and irrigation application and its consequent conservation, which is apparent by its regeneration can be suggested, which will help in utilizing an unutilized part of land and increasing total productivity of forest lands. This practice is also likely to reduce the fire hazards because such kind of activity will not allow the flammable needles to accumulate in bulk in the understorey.