International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

Volume 13, Issue 8, Page 2167-2179, 2023; Article no.IJECC.100361

ISSN: 2581-8627
(Past name: British Journal of Environment & Climate Change, Past ISSN: 2231–4784)

Evaluation of the Possibility of

Establishing Certain Organic
Cultivation Packages as Nutrient
Sources for Chamomile (Matricaria
chamomilla L.) Cultivation at
Temperate Region of
Uttarakhand, India
Durga a,b, K. C. Singh c*, R. S. Chauhan a, G. Goswami c,
T. A. Bhosale c, Manju d and J. W. Haobijam e
a
Department of PSMAP, VCSGUUHF Bharsar, Uttarakhand, India.
b
Department of Agriculture, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, India.
c
Department of Natural Resource Management, VCSGUUHF Bharsar, Uttarakhand, India.
d
Department of Fruit Science, VCSGUUHF Bharsar, Uttarakhand, India.
e
School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, India.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. All authors read and approved the final
manuscript.

Article Information
DOI: 10.9734/IJECC/2023/v13i82175

Open Peer Review History:

This journal follows the Advanced Open Peer Review policy. Identity of the Reviewers, Editor(s) and additional Reviewers,
peer review comments, different versions of the manuscript, comments of the editors, etc are available here:
https://www.sdiarticle5.com/review-history/100361

Received: 01/04/2023
Original Research Article Accepted: 01/06/2023
Published: 23/06/2023

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected];

Int. J. Environ. Clim. Change, vol. 13, no. 8, pp. 2167-2179, 2023
 Durga et al.; Int. J. Environ. Clim. Change, vol. 13, no. 8, pp. 2167-2179, 2023; Article no.IJECC.100361

ABSTRACT

An utmost attempt was made to investigate the response of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)
to certain types and doses of organic manures at under open condition at temperate regions of
Uttarakhand during the year 2019-2020. The study comprised of varying levels of three different
organic manure sources namely, FYM, compost and vermicompost, along with a check treatment
replicating thrice having plot having dimensions 1 m× 1 m with a spacing of 20 cm × 20 cm. The
experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Forty-five (45) days old
chamomile seedlings (attained about 10-15 cm in height) were transplanted during October, 2019
under open field condition. The soils of the experimental site were tested favourable with respect to
some of the basic physical and chemical properties. The results revealed that maximum plant
height (48.26 cm), number of branches per plant (35.40) and plant spread (33.09 cm) were
significantly higher under T 4 (FYM @ 25 t/ha) application at 180 days after transplanting.
Application of T10 (VC @ 4 t/ha) produced early flowering (119.73 days). At bud initiation stage the
highest total fresh (33.12 q/ha) and dry (7.59 q/ha) biomass yield were found in T4 (FYM @ 25 t/ha).
At flowering stage maximum value of total fresh (60.02 q/ha) and dry (12.70 q/ha) biomass yield
were found in T10 (VC @ 4 t/ha). The results, further revealed that T 10 provided the fastest crop
2
growth rate (0.86 g/m /day). The highest number of flowers per plant (139.73), fresh flower yield
(67.35 q/ha), dry flower yield (13.95 q/ha) and maximum cost: benefit (1:3.56) were obtained in
plots which received FYM @ 25 t/ha. All the organic input treatments performed better over control
and the treatment FYM @ 25 t/ha shall be recommended for profitable organic cultivation of
chamomile.

Keywords: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.); FYM; compost; vermicompost; crop growth rate;
flower yield; chlorophyll; cost: benefit.

1. INTRODUCTION providing organic matter, improving physical

structure and directly influencing its water holding
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is annual, capacity and water availability for plants.
aromatic, herbal plant known as true chamomile Moreover, organic fertilizers contribute to greater
or German chamomile which belongs to the stability of nutrients through mineralization
Asteraceae family having chromosome number process, are an energy source for soil
2n=18 [1]. It is native to southern and eastern microorganisms and provide macro and
Europe. Chamomile widely distributed in Europe, especially micronutrients for plants [5]. Madadi et
Asia, Africa and America, and it has both autumn al. [6] reported that chamomile, by increasing the
and spring varieties. Chamomile has medicinal level of oxidants and osmolytes and reducing cell
properties, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, division and viability extracts, could disrupt and
antispasmodic, relaxing, antirheumatic, decrease the growth of flixweed suggesting
carminative, antiseptic bandages, antibacterial, natural herbicidal effects to suppress flixweed.
treatment of acne, insomnia, gastric ulcer Further, they also claimed that chamomile could
prevention and treatment [2]. In addition to be planted as a preceding crop in rotation with
pharmaceutical uses, the oil is extensively used wheat to reduce flixweed competition with wheat.
in perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy and in Wang et al. [7] through a preliminary study
food industry. studied that the essential oil reported that an organic compound derived
present in the flower heads contains from chamomile (Chamomila recutita L.) which is
chamazulene and is used in perfumery, cosmetic called 2-Cyclopenten-1-one (CCO), can inhibit
creams, hair preparations, skin lotions, tooth the soil urease activity and nitrification as well
pastes, and also in fine liquors [3]. The dry and thereby has the latent to serve as a dual-
flowers of chamomile are also in great demand function inhibitor for decreasing fertilizer-induced
for use in herbal tea, baby massage oil, for N losses and increasing N use efficiency,
promoting the gastric flow of secretion, and for simultaneously. Their study further elaborated
the treatment of cough and cold. Chamomile as that, the ability of CCO to reduce N losses and
medical plant is allegedly compatible with a wide improve maize yield was potentially superior to
range of climates and soils [4]. The use of DCD (dicyandiamide), NBPT (thiophosphoric
organic fertilizer for growing medicinal plants is triamide), or the combination of DCD and NBPT.
widespread due its beneficial effects in the soil, Compared with the urea treatment, the addition

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of CCO significantly reduced urease activity and graded doses of these three manures were
nitrification, which subsequently increased the examined in response to chamomile in our
+
content of NH4 -N and decreased the content of experiment.
-
NO3 -N in the soil during the maize growth
period. Moreover, the cumulative NH 3 and N2O 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
emissions, global warming potential (GWP) and
greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) of the maize The experiment comprised of ten treatments with
field were lowest from the CCO applied plots three replications. The experiment was laid out in
during the growth season, decreasing by 32.5 %, a Randomize Complete Block Design in
21.94 %, 7.69 % and 20.92 %, respectively, triplicates having plot size of (1m × 1m) and
compared to urea treatment. Notably, CCO consisted of ten treatments, i.e., T1 (control), T2
application significantly reduced the abundance (FYM @ 15 t/ha), T3 (FYM @ 20 t/ha), T4 (FYM
of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria in @ 25 t/ha), T5 (compost @ 10 t/ha), T 6 (compost
soil. @ 15 t/ha), T7 (compost @ 20 t/ha), T8
(vermicompost @ 2 t/ha), T9 (vermicompost @ 3
Organic fertilizers are naturally available mineral t/ha) and T10 (vermicompost @ 4 t/ha).
sources that contain moderate amount of Chamomile seeds were sown in the first week of
essential plant nutrients. Organic fertilizers can September, 2019 in the nursery beds. 45 days
be natural (manure and slurry) or processed, old seedlings (10-15 cm in length) of chamomile
such as compost, blood meal and humic acid, are transplanted with the spacing of 20 cm × 20
natural enzyme-digested proteins, fish meal, and cm during October, 2019 under open field
feather meal etc. [8]. Organic fertilizers act as condition. Cultural operations like gap filling,
slow-release fertilizers, in a sense, they provide irrigation, hoeing and weeding were done at
nutrients in lower amount over an extensive time regular intervals. Five plants were selected
period and have the advantages for improving randomly from each plot to record the
soil (microbiological, physicochemical, and observations at respective stages.
biochemical) properties and thus influence soil
quality; helping in replenishing the loss in organic 2.1 Planting Materials
matter in short- and long-term periods and thus
maintain soil fertility; enhancing the existing soil The experimental material used for the present
nutrients, and thereby healthy growth is achieved investigation comprised of Chamomile
with minimum nutrient densities; and minimizing (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Seeds of chamomile
environmental degradation without reducing crop were purchased from the Herbal Research and
yields and achieve sustainable levels of Development Institute (HRDI), Mandal-
agriculture production [8]. Favourable effects of Gopeshwar, Chamoli, Uttarakhand.
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) as an
organic nutrient source have been reported by 2.2 Soil Parameters
some researchers. Katarzyna et al. [9], reported
higher aboveground and underground mass 2.2.1 Bulk density (g/cc)
including mass of raw material in chamomile
(Matricaria recutita L.). Further, Eulenstein et al. Bulk density refers as weight of dry soil per unit
[10] quoted the enhancement in growth and dry of volume typically expressed as in g/cc. Soil
matter production after application of AM fungi. bulk density was determined by core method
Also, AM fungi is reported to accelerate [14]. Firstly, the stainless-steel core sampler was
decomposition and acquisition of nitrogen directly pushed vertically with help of hammer and
from organic material [11], increase plant wooden plank at the mid-point of 0-5 cm soil
growth [12], and protect plants against salinity layer without disturbing the soil within the core.
by alleviating salt-induced oxidative stress The core containing soil sample was removed by
[13]. excavating soil by using spade. The protruding
soil was trimmed with the knife from both ends of
Considering the negative impact on soil and the core. The soil within the core was transferred
climate due to inorganic farming and to maintain to the pre-weighted moisture box. The moisture
a sustainable soil and chamomile production we box with soil sample was then weighted and
hypothecated those organic manures viz., FYM, oven dried at 105ºC for 24 hours. Oven dry
compost and vermicompost would play a vital weight of the sample was taken and the
role in sustaining soil quality during cultivation of dimensions of the core and its volume were
chamomile organically. And hence, different measured.

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each replication of all the treatments. The mean

of three replications was considered as final
value in all the treatments.
2.2.2 Soil porosity (%)
2.3.3 Plant spread (cm)
-3
Assuming particle density of soil of 2.65 g cm ,
The plant spread was recorded for each
the porosity of all soils was calculated using the
treatment. Five plant per replication from all the
below equation [14] as:
treatments were randomly selected for plant
spread. Plant spread was recorded in
centimeters in both the directions i.e., East -
West (E - W) and North - South (N - S) and mean
2.2.3 Soil moisture content (%) value were taken as the actual plant spread.

Weight of the oven dry soil was taken and 2.3.4 Number of days taken to appearance of
moisture content was calculated from each first flower
sample as [14]:
Numbers of days required for flower initiation
were counted from transplanting up to the
stage when flower bud on the plant was fully
open.
2.2.4 Water holding capacity (%) 2.3.5 Total biomass: Fresh and dry (q/ha)
Maximum water holding capacity was determined Total plant biomass observation was recorded at
by Keen Rackzowski box technique [14]. For bud formation and flowering stages with respect
determination of water holding capacity, a filter to different treatments. Five plants were
paper was placed at the bottom of the Keen randomly selected from each plot in each
Raczkowski box. The soil was packed by taping replication for biomass measurement and
the box 20 time on a wooden bench. Small the mean of three replications were computed
portion of the soil was further added to the box in g/plant. For fresh biomass randomly
and tapped as before. Finally, the top of the box selected plant samples were collected by
was leveled by striking off the surplus soil with uprooting whole plant by soil excavation. After
the straight edge of spatula. The box was taken excavation, the samples were slaked by dipping
placed in a petridish containing water and was it into water and washed by gently flowing water.
left for overnight. The box containing the For dry biomass analysis the collected plant
saturated soil was removed from the petridish, samples were oven dried at 60ºC for more than
weight was taken, finally dried in an oven at 48 h till constant weight of the samples were
105ºC and weight was recorded. observed.

Total fresh and dry biomass were also recorded

in q/ha by using the formula given below.

2.3 Plant Growth Parameters

2.3.1 Plant height (cm)

Plant height was recorded with the help of scale

and expressed in centimeters from ground level
up to the tip of stem. Five plants were randomly 2
selected from each plot and expressed as 2.3.6 Crop growth rate (g/m /day) during
average height per plant. flowering to maturity stage

2.3.2 Number of branches per plant Crop growth rate (CGR) is the rate of dry matter
production per unit ground area per unit time
Numbers of branches per plant were counted on which was calculated by using the following
2
the basis of five randomly selected plants for formula and expressed as g/m /day [15].

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Changes in all the soil properties were noticed

when soil analysis were done after harvesting
with varying degree of changes. Among the soil
Where, physical properties, slight increase in bulk
2 density (BD) values were seen suggesting there
W 1 = dry weight of the plant (g/m ) at time t1 has been increment in compaction from sowing
2
W 2 = dry weight of the plant (g/m ) at time t2 time to harvesting of crop. Likewise, fall in the
(t1-t2) = time interval in days porousness of soils in all the treatments were
2
A = unit land area (m ) witnessed which is directly related with increase
in BD in respective treatments. Water holding
Crop growth rate was studied between two capacity (WHC) was also seen to increase in all
growth stages: (i) Bud initiation stage (ii) the treatments with varying degree of
Flowering stage. increments. There were minute changes in soil
pH. EC values were hike a little but still are in
2.4 Plant Pigment Parameters completely safe range for crop production
satisfactorily. Negligible changes in organic
2.4.1 Total chlorophyll content (mg/g fresh carbon (OC) content were also seen in all the
leaf weight) treatments. Few of the treatments resulted in fall
in OC content suggesting the utilization of
Hiscox and Israelstam [16] method was used to appreciable amount OC during the active crop
find the chlorophyll content of leaf samples using growth period. Increase in OC were seen
Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). treatments where plants performed weaker
suggesting less accumulation OC by the plants
2.4.2 Determination of total chlorophyll and in addition carbon content by the crop
content [17] residues in those treatments. Summarily, the soil
of the experimental site has abundant nutrient
The absorbance (optical density) of green colour status and with organic manures it could raise
was measured on UV-VIS spectrophotometer at chamomile satisfactorily.
645 and 663 nm. From the absorbance values,
the concentration of total chlorophyll (mg/g) were 3.2 Plant Growth Parameters
calculated by using following equations.
The data presented in Table 2 revealed the
highest plant height (48.26 cm), number of
branches per plant (35.53) and plant spread
(33.09 cm) at 180 DAT were found in T 4.
However, Kwiatkowski et al. [18] reported
Where, chamomile plant height ranging from 56.63 –
59.92 cm in response to different foliar biological
A663 = Absorbance (optical density) at 663 nm preparations sprays (growth stimulant Bio-
A645 = Absorbance (optical density) at 645 nm algeen, fertilizer Herbagreen Basic, and Effective
V = Total volume of the extract (mL) Microorganisms applied as EM Farming spray).
W = Weight of the sample (g) Our results further showed that growth of plant
increased with increasing amount of applied
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION organic manure levels and showed a progressive
effect on plant height, number of branches per
3.1 Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil plant and plant spread with respect to number of
days after transplanting. It might possibly be due
Some of the basic physicochemical properties of to the fact that organic manures support in the
the soils of the experimental site were studied plant metabolic activity by the supply ample
and the mean value of results are presented on amount of such important macronutrient and
Table 1. The results clearly indicates that initially, micronutrient in the early vigorous growth and
the soils of experimental site were tested development of plant [19]. Kumar et al. [20]
optimum with respect to physical and chemical reported that growth of chamomile growth was
properties viz., bulk density (1.19-1.27 g/cc), found to be superior with the application of FYM.
porosity (55.83-60.37 %), water holding capacity Yadav and Singh [21] also reported that the
(52.45-61.76 %), moisture content (23.03-34.91 application of FYM in marigold significantly
%), pH (5.55-6.52), EC (0.08-0.14 dS/m) improved the number of branches per plant with
and oxidizable organic carbon (0.59-1.02%). the increasing level of FYM.

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Table 1. Physico-chemical soil properties of experimental site

Treatment details pH EC (dS/m) Bulk Density Porosity (%) Soil Water holding Organic
(g/cc) moisture capacity (%) Carbon (%)
Before After Before After Before After Before After content Before After Before After
(%) at
sowing
T1 (Control) 6.01 6.05 0.08 0.11 1.28 1.36 59.18 52.11 28.12 58.21 60.18 1.02 1.00
T2 (Farmyard Manure @ 15 t/ha) 6.15 6.01 0.14 0.18 1.19 1.29 58.90 53.16 26.86 53.55 55.58 1.00 0.93
T3 (Farmyard Manure @ 20 t/ha) 6.00 6.06 0.10 0.18 1.21 1.27 58.26 53.22 27.24 56.48 59.35 0.88 0.92
T4 (Farmyard Manure @ 25 t/ha) 5.89 6.06 0.10 0.16 1.25 1.30 60.37 53.59 26.98 56.66 60.79 0.95 0.92
T5 (Compost @ 10 t/ha) 5.68 5.88 0.08 0.13 1.23 1.29 57.21 51.43 23.03 58.88 62.48 0.59 0.61
T6 (Compost @ 15 t/ha) 6.16 6.22 0.09 0.14 1.21 1.27 58.18 53.66 24.20 57.12 62.10 0.66 0.67
T7 (Compost @ 20 t/ha) 5.55 5.89 0.08 0.21 1.25 1.29 56.76 52.87 26.10 52.45 59.06 0.61 0.69
T8 (Vermicompost @ 2 t/ha) 6.05 6.00 0.12 0.18 1.26 1.36 60.06 56.33 34.91 61.76 65.52 0.71 0.77
T9 (Vermicompost @ 3 t/ha) 6.52 6.36 0.09 0.18 1.27 1.34 55.83 53.65 29.10 57.89 63.01 0.67 0.55
T10 (Vermicompost @ 4 t/ha) 6.13 6.02 0.09 0.16 1.22 1.27 57.86 53.16 24.62 53.12 60.23 0.97 0.91

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Table 2. Effect of different types and doses of organic manures on plant height (cm), number
of branches per plant, plant spread (cm) at 180 DAT in Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Treatment details Plant height Number of branches Plant spread

(cm) ± S.E(m) per plant ± S.E(m) (cm) ± S.E(m)
T1 (Control) 41.87±0.24 29.46±0.43 27.26±0.67
T2 (Farmyard Manure @ 15 t/ha) 45.84*±0.11 32.73*±1.33 29.50±0.84
T3 (Farmyard Manure @ 20 t/ha) 45.96*±0.99 33.13*±0.57 30.23*±0.57
T4 (Farmyard Manure @ 25 t/ha) 48.26*±0.26 35.40*±0.72 33.09*±0.53
T5 (Compost @ 10 t/ha) 44.44*±0.79 31.40±0.20 28.93±1.71
T6 (Compost @ 15 t/ha) 45.93*±0.39 32.26*±0.81 29.71*±0.90
T7 (Compost @ 20 t/ha) 46.89*±0.57 33.53*±0.24 31.20*±0.17
T8 (Vermicompost @ 2 t/ha) 45.54*±0.70 32.06*±0.63 29.33±0.58
T9 (Vermicompost @ 3 t/ha) 46.46*±0.93 34.26*±1.38 31.57*±1.16
T10 (Vermicompost @ 4 t/ha) 48.08*±0.68 35.06*±0.52 32.80*±0.37
S.E(d) 0.92 1.05 1.09
C.D. (0.05) 1.96 2.23 2.32
*Significant at 5% level of significance as compared with control

The data presented in Table 3 showed that the Data presented in Table 4 indicated that total
first flower appearance (119.73 days) was noted fresh and dry biomass yield (q/ha) of chamomile
significantly the earliest under the treatment T 10. were significantly affected by various treatments
This might be because of presence of in bud initiation as well as flowering stage. The
gibberellins and other useful hormones in highest value of total fresh biomass yield (35.25
vermicompost which is associated with regulation q/ha) and total dry biomass yield (7.59 q/ha)
of flowering [22]. The present findings are in were found in T4. Rao et al. [26] also reported
harmony with the finding of Azizi et al. [23] in that application of FYM increase the biomass
chamomile. The results also revealed that T 10 yield of Davana (Artemisia pollens) as compared
treatment provided the fastest crop growth rate to control. Ngetich et al. [25] also reported that
2
(0.86 g/m /day) from the stage of bud formation fresh and dry biomass yield of spider plant
to flowering and produced early flowering increases with increasing rate of FYM and this is
(119.73 days) in Chamomile (Matricaria because farmyard manure being an excellent
chamomilla). The favourable effect of source of macro- and micro-nutrients, could have
vermicompost caused the faster crop growth rate contributed to enhanced biomass production. At
might be due to the fast take-up of macro and flowering stage, maximum value of total fresh
micronutrients like Fe, Zn, enzymes, growth biomass yield (60.02 q/ha) and total dry biomass
hormones and also by enhancing soil fertility and yield (12.70 q/ha) were appeared from T 10.
moisture retention capacity of the soil. Perhaps this is due to the application of
Jagadeesh et al. [24] observed highest crop vermicompost, which supplies macronutrients,
growth rate by the application of vermicompost. enzymes, and growth hormones and provides
micronutrients such as Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn in
Data obtained on total chlorophyll content (mg/g) an optimum level. Blouin et al. [27] found
at mid stage of growth in chamomile (Matricaria significant effects of vermicompost on plant
chamomilla L.) indicated that the highest total biomass production and reported that largest
chlorophyll (a+b) content (0.639 mg/g) was biomass increments in the presence of
observed under T4 (Table 4). The present vermicompost.
findings are in conformity with the finding of
Ngetich et al. [25] in spider plant (Cleome 3.3 Yield Characters
gynandra L.) and reported that increase in FYM
rate led to subsequent increase in leaf Data recorded on fresh and dry flower yield
chlorophyll content of spider plant. However, (q/ha) of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Kwiatkowski et al. [18] reported a lower total have been portrayed in Table 5. The highest
chlorophyll content ranging from 0.126 – 0.319 fresh flower yield (67.35 q/ha) and dry flower
mg/g owing to different foliar biological yield (13.95 q/ha) were obtained with the
preparations sprays (growth stimulant Bio- application of T4. Kwiatkowski et al. [18] also
algeen, fertilizer Herbagreen Basic, and Effective reported total dry yield of chamomile ranging
Microorganisms applied as EM Farming spray). from 8.20 – 9.20 q/ha owing to different foliar

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biological preparations sprays (growth stimulant et al. [28]. The better performance in flower yield
Bio-algeen, fertilizer Herbagreen Basic, and of chamomile under T4 could be attributed to
Effective Microorganisms applied as EM Farming higher dose of FYM (25 t/ha FYM) and FYM is a
spray). The lower yield under their experiment as store house of several plant nutrients and
compared to our experiment could possibly be provided adequate condition of soil and
due to the lower chlorophyll content resulting in increased population of microorganisms and their
lesser photosynthetic activities in the plants in activities, which gave synchronized effect and
their research. They further noticed that enhanced yield of flower than other organic
chamomile responded significantly on those manure. Enhanced flower yield of marigold over
different biological formulations when applied control owing to the successive addition of FYM
once or twice which clearly indicated that was observed by Yadav and Singh [21]. Similar
chamomile preferably performed well in organic results were reported with Kumar et al. [29],
inputs. The favourable effect of FYM on flower Kumar [30], Bhat et al. [31] and Shadanpour et
2
yield (@ 1 kg/m FYM) was reported by Chandra al. [32] in marigold as well.

Table 3. Effect of different types and doses of organic manures on number of days taken to
2
appearance of first flower, crop growth rate (g/m /day) and total chlorophyll content (mg/g
fresh leaf weight) in Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Treatment details Number of days Crop growth rate Total chlorophyll

2
taken to appearance (g/m /day) ± S.E(m) content (mg/g
of first flower ± [during bud fresh leaf) ±
S.E(m) formation to S.E(m)
flowering stage]
T1 (Control) 127.46±2.39 0.59±0.04 0.527±0.016
T2 (Farmyard Manure @ 15 t/ha) 126.53±1.04 0.75*±0.04 0.603*±0.007
T3 (Farmyard Manure @ 20 t/ha) 122.80*±1.04 0.77*±0.07 0.610*±0.009
T4 (Farmyard Manure @ 25 t/ha) 121.13*±1.96 0.84*±0.05 0.639*±0.009
T5 (Compost @ 10 t/ha) 125.46±1.67 0.71±0.02 0.566*±0.007
T6 (Compost @ 15 t/ha) 124.33±0.26 0.78*±0.08 0.583*±0.004
T7 (Compost @ 20 t/ha) 123.60±0.52 0.84*±0.00 0.578*±0.021
T8 (Vermicompost @ 2 t/ha) 125.20±1.17 0.77*±0.02 0.577*±0.020
T9 (Vermicompost @ 3 t/ha) 121.66*±1.96 0.79*±0.00 0.593*±0.005
T10 (Vermicompost @ 4 t/ha) 119.73*±1.09 0.86*±0.06 0.619*±0.004
S.E(d) 1.98 0.06 0.017
C.D. (0.05) 4.19 0.14 0.036
*Significant at 5% level of significance as compared with control

Table 4. Effect of different types and doses of organic manures on total fresh and dry biomass
yield (q/ha) at bud initiation and flowering stage in Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Treatment details Total biomass yield (q/ha) ± S.E(m)

Bud initiation stage Flowering stage
Fresh Dry Fresh Dry
T1 (Control) 25.50±0.36 4.52±0.08 48.63±1.84 8.10±0.28
T2 (Farmyard Manure @ 15 t/ha) 30.02*±1.45 5.85*±0.06 56.60*±1.73 10.38*±0.22
T3 (Farmyard Manure @ 20 t/ha) 33.76*±0.66 7.21*±0.31 58.51*±1.51 11.88*±0.49
T4 (Farmyard Manure @ 25 t/ha) 35.25*±0.94 7.59*±0.31 59.32*±1.13 12.67*±0.19
T5 (Compost @ 10 t/ha) 28.99*±1.30 5.17±0.07 54.08*±2.00 9.42*±0.18
T6 (Compost @ 15 t/ha) 32.44*±1.19 5.22*±0.18 57.77*±1.40 9.93*±0.39
T7 (Compost @ 20 t/ha) 33.12*±0.53 7.13*±0.18 58.97*±1.33 12.20*±0.15
T8 (Vermicompost @ 2 t/ha) 30.47*±1.66 6.05*±0.05 55.75*±1.59 10.67*±0.19
T9 (Vermicompost @ 3 t/ha) 31.08*±0.36 6.19*±0.08 58.79*±1.06 10.95*±0.10
T10 (Vermicompost @ 4 t/ha) 33.97*±0.79 7.50*±0.41 60.02*±0.42 12.70*±0.08
S.E(d) 1.51 0.31 2.09 0.36
C.D. (0.05) 3.20 0.66 4.43 0.78
*Significant at 5% level of significance as compared with control

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Table 5. Effect of different types and doses of organic manures on fresh and dry flower yield
(q/ha) and economics of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) cultivation

Treatment details Flower yield (q/ha) ± S.E(m) Per cent increase C:B ratio
Fresh Dry in dry flower yield
over control
T1 (Control) 31.85±3.67 5.00±0.56 - 1: 1.38
T2 (Farmyard Manure @ 15 t/ha) 47.56*±1.84 8.22*±0.88 39.17 1: 2.02
T3 (Farmyard Manure @ 20 t/ha) 59.05*±1.37 12.01*±0.73 58.37 1: 3.16
T4 (Farmyard Manure @ 25 t/ha) 67.35*±1.57 13.95*±0.51 64.16 1: 3.56
T5 (Compost @ 10 t/ha) 42.00*±2.80 6.46±0.78 22.60 1: 1.53
T6 (Compost @ 15 t/ha) 45.85*±1.47 8.02*±0.74 37.66 1: 1.95
T7 (Compost @ 20 t/ha) 57.65*±3.35 10.60*±0.67 52.83 1: 2.67
T8 (Vermicompost @ 2 t/ha) 44.04*±2.17 6.73±0.21 25.71 1: 1.63
T9 (Vermicompost @ 3 t/ha) 56.76*±5.32 9.83*±0.74 49.14 1: 2.61
T10 (Vermicompost @ 4 t/ha) 61.53*±3.84 12.75*±0.84 60.78 1: 3.41
S.E(d) 4.19 1.01 -
C.D. (0.05) 8.87 2.15 -
*Significant at 5% level of significance as compared with control

The rest of the treatments were also witnessed spread (cm) and chlorophyll content (mg/g) was
providing higher yield over control, however, it is also being established (Fig. 2). The relation
worth to note the treatment T 4 provided 64.16% clearly indicated that the chlorophyll content
higher yield over control which could be due to significantly increased with increase in plant
2
better plant physiological activities in the spread (p<= 0.05; R = 0.712). The established
treatment which might in turn be due to better relation is expressed as the following equation:
soil chemical, physical and biological properties
derived from higher rate of FYM @25 t/ha
followed by T10 (vermicompost @ 4 t/ha).

3.4 Correlation Between Certain Crop

Growth Parameters 3.4.3 Correlations between number of days
taken to first flowering and flower yield
3.4.1 Correlations between chlorophyll
(q/ha)
content (mg/g) and fresh flower yield
(q/ha) Statistically significant negative, which is
2
depicted by the R value of 0.7959 as per
Statistically significant positive correlation, which
2 Pearson’s correlation chart, correlation between
is depicted by the R value of 0.7912 as per
number of days taken to first flowering and flower
Pearson’s correlation chart, between chlorophyll
yield (q/ha) was being established (Fig. 3) as per
content (mg/g) and fresh flower yield (q/ha) was
our observed data. The correlation clearly
being established (Fig. 1). The relation clearly
indicated that the fresh flower yield is subjected
indicated that with the increase in chlorophyll
to decrease significantly as long as the beginning
content there resulted a statically significant (p<= 2
2 of flowering delays (p<= 0.01; R = 0.7959). The
0.01; R = 0.7912) increase in fresh flower yield
established relation is expressed as the following
which is expressed as the following equation:
equation:

3.4.2 Correlations between plant spread (cm)

and chlorophyll content (mg/g)
3.5 Economic Studies
Statistically significant positive correlation, which
2
is depicted by the R value of 0.712 as per The data related to economics of different
Pearson’s correlation chart, between plant treatments have been presented in Table 5. The

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highest net income (Rs 653,566.25) per hectare i.e., C:B (1: 3.56) was seen in T 4. Similar result
was projected in T4 (FYM @ 25 t/ha). The also reported by Kisic et al. [33] in chamomile
maximum benefit derived per unit cost invested [34].

Fig. 1. Correlations between chlorophyll content (mg/g) and fresh flower yield (q/ha)

Fig. 2. Correlations between plant spread (cm) and chlorophyll content (mg/g)

Table 6. Effect of different types and doses of organic manures on the economics of
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) production

Treatments details Estimated Selling Total cost Gross Net return C:B
dry flower rate (₨/ha) return (₨/ha) ratio
yield (kg/ha) (Rs/kg) (₨/ha)
T1 (Control) 500.00 600 125,933.75 300,000 174,066.25 1: 1.38
T2 (Farmyard Manure @ 15 t/ha) 822.50 600 163,433.75 493,500 330,066.25 1: 2.02
T3 (Farmyard Manure @ 20 t/ha) 1201.67 600 173,433.75 721,000 547,566.25 1: 3.16
T4 (Farmyard Manure @ 25 t/ha) 1395.00 600 183,433.75 837,000 653,566.25 1: 3.56
T5 (Compost @ 10 t/ha) 646.67 600 153,433.75 388,000 234,566.25 1: 1.53
T6 (Compost @ 15 t/ha) 802.50 600 163,433.75 481,500 318,066.25 1: 1.95
T7 (Compost @ 20 t/ha) 1060.83 600 173,433.75 636,500 463,066.25 1: 2.67
T8 (Vermicompost @ 2 t/ha) 677.33 600 153,433.75 404,000 250,566.25 1: 1.63
T9 (Vermicompost @ 3 t/ha) 983.33 600 163,433.75 590,000 426,566.25 1: 2.61
T10 (Vermicompost @ 4 t/ha) 1275.00 600 173,433.75 765,000 591,566.25 1: 3.41

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Fig. 3. Correlations between number of days taken to first flowering and flower yield (q/ha)

4. CONCLUSION Uttarakhand for providing laboratory and field

facilities for conducted the experiment.
The experiment was conducted to evaluate the
possibility for establishing the certain organic CONFERENCE DISCLAIMER
cultivation packages of Chamomile (Matricaria
chamomilla L.) On the basis of observations Some part of this manuscript was previously
recorded during the experiment, it can be presented in the conference: 3rd International
concluded that the application of T 4 (FYM @ 25 Conference IAAHAS-2023 "Innovative
t/ha) was found to be more effective and better Approaches in Agriculture, Horticulture & Allied
performing among all other treatments with Sciences" on March 29-31, 2023 in SGT
respect to physiological growth parameters as University, Gurugram, India. Web Link of the
well as yield attributes. The maximum net return proceeding: https://wikifarmer.com/event/iaahas-
and benefit: cost ratio was also obtained under 2023-innovative-approaches-in-agriculture-
treatment T4 (FYM @ 25 t/ha). Therefore, horticulture-allied-sciences/
treatment T4 (FYM @ 25 t/ha) after testing under
open field cultivation of Chamomile (Matricaria COMPETING INTERESTS
chamomilla L.) can be recommended for
commercial cultivation. Following the results Authors have declared that no competing
obtained in the present investigation it was interests exist.
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