Assessment of Suitability of Fallow Lands for Major Medicinal Plants in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the extent of permanent fallow lands and identify the suitability of fallow lands for cultivation of major medicinal plants viz., Aswagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal), Senna (Cassia angustifolia M. Vahl) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) in Nanguneri Block of Tamil Nadu during 2013–14. Indian Remote sensing satellite Resourcesat-2 LISS IV data was used to map the extent and distribution of permanent fallow lands of study area and the detailed soil survey work was carried out to identify the problems and potentials of land resources. The biophysical survey revealed that 41.3% of total geographical area (TGA) in Nanguneri block is identified as permanent fallow lands. Climate and soil resources of fallow lands were evaluated for the medicinal plants suitability for cultivation using the parametric methodology. The results showed that out of 5 identified soils, two soils (N₄ and N₅) are highly suitable for cultivation of all the three medicinal plants. Depth, soil texture and soil pH are identified as a major constraints in other soils. The area analysis revealed that 53.4% of fallow lands in Nanguneri block are highly suitable for Aswagandha and 72.2% of fallow lands as highly suitable for Senna and Tulsi cultivation. These results can be transferred to the local stakeholders for converting unproductive fallow lands into productive hub for medicinal plants.