The Effects of Water Deficit and Zeolite Application on Growth Traits and Oil Yield of Medicinal Peppermint (Mentha piperita L)
The research paper investigates the impact of water deficit and zeolite application on the growth traits and essential oil yield of medicinal peppermint (Mentha piperita L). Conducted as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design, the study involved three levels of drought stress (70%, 50%, and 30% field capacity) and four levels of zeolite application (0, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 g/kg soil). The results indicated that both drought stress and zeolite application significantly affected growth parameters and essential oil yield.
Drought stress led to a notable reduction in growth parameters, except for oil percentage, while zeolite application generally enhanced all measured traits. The interaction between zeolite application and drought stress showed that zeolite could mitigate the adverse effects of drought, particularly at the 50% field capacity with 2.5 g of zeolite yielding the highest oil output. The study emphasizes that zeolite application can be beneficial in arid and semi-arid regions, improving growth and oil yield in peppermint under drought conditions.
The research paper also discusses the physiological effects of drought on plants, highlighting the importance of effective irrigation strategies to sustain agricultural production. It notes that medicinal and aromatic plants are increasingly significant in various industries, and their growth and oil yield are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
This research paper is significant in the field of agricultural science, particularly in the study of drought tolerance in medicinal plants. It contributes to ongoing discussions about sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions, emphasizing the role of zeolite as a soil amendment to enhance water retention and plant growth. The findings are beneficial for researchers, agronomists, and farmers, providing insights into improving essential oil yield in peppermint, which is valuable for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The study underscores the need for innovative approaches to manage water scarcity and improve crop resilience, aligning with global efforts to address climate change and food security.
