Water_Management_Medicinal_Aromatic_Plants.pptx

Ornamental medical and aromatic

1. Water Management in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Efficient Irrigation Practices for Quality and Yield Presented by: [Your Name] Department of Agriculture / Horticulture

2. Introduction Water is essential for plant growth and active constituent formation. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) need specific moisture conditions. Proper water management improves yield, oil content, and quality.

3. Importance of Water Management Maintains physiological processes (photosynthesis, nutrient uptake). Prevents stress conditions (drought/waterlogging). Enhances secondary metabolite production (essential oils, alkaloids). Increases crop productivity and sustainability.

4. Factors Affecting Water Requirement Climatic factors: Temperature, rainfall, humidity. Soil type: Texture, structure, and water-holding capacity. Plant factors: Root depth, growth stage, crop duration. Irrigation method and frequency.

5. Water Requirements of Selected Medicinal Plants Ashwagandha – Moderate water; sensitive to waterlogging. Aloe vera – Low water; drought-tolerant. Mentha (Mint) – High water; needs frequent irrigation. Lemongrass – Moderate to high; avoid stagnant water. Citronella – Moderate; irrigate at 7–10 day intervals.

6. Irrigation Methods Used Surface Irrigation – Traditional but less efficient. Sprinkler Irrigation – Uniform water distribution. Drip Irrigation – Efficient and ideal for aromatic crops. Mulching with Drip – Conserves soil moisture effectively.

7. Scheduling of Irrigation Based on soil moisture and crop growth stage. Critical stages: vegetative, flowering, and oil accumulation. Use tensiometers or soil moisture sensors for precision.

8. Water Stress Management Deficit irrigation: Applying limited water to save resources. Mulching: Reduces evaporation and improves soil structure. Organic matter: Enhances water retention capacity. Shade nets: Used in nurseries for delicate herbs.

9. Role of Water Quality Saline or alkaline water affects active ingredient synthesis. Maintain EC < 1.5 dS/m for most medicinal and aromatic plants. Regular testing and treatment of irrigation water are essential.

10. Case Study Example: Lemongrass under Drip Irrigation 40% water saving compared to flood irrigation. 15–20% higher oil yield. Improved quality (higher citral content).

11. Sustainable Water Management Practices Rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling. Contour bunding and proper field leveling. Integrated nutrient–water management. Promotes sustainability and resource efficiency.

12. Conclusion Efficient water management = higher yield + better quality. Drip irrigation and mulching are key practices. Essential for conserving water and protecting plant biodiversity.

13. References NMPB (National Medicinal Plants Board) Guidelines. ICAR – Water Management in Horticultural Crops. Aromatic Plants Cultivation Manual – CSMCRI, Gujarat. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper Series.