Subsistence of soil through organic amelioration to enhance the growth, herbage yield and quality of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.)

Trigonella foenum-graecum commonly called fenugreek is an important minor spice belonging to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Its seeds serve as a condiment to flavor food, while its leaves are commonly used as a vegetable. Given the widespread culinary use of fenugreek leaves, enhancing herbage yield and optimizing organic inputs for leaf production is essential. A study was conducted at the Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, HC & RI, TNAU, Periyakulam, to investigate the impact of organic manures and biostimulants on the growth, yield of herbage and quality of fenugreek. The results demonstrated that the combination of 25% nitrogen (N) from farmyard manure (FYM), 75% N from vermicompost and Panchagavya (3%) as a foliar spray significantly improved various growth parameters. Specifically, this treatment improved plant height (30.38 cm), the number of leaves branch-1 (9.42), the number of branches plant-1 (9.34) and herbage yield metrics, including yield plant-1 (2.85 g), yield plot-1 (2*2 m) (3.39 kg) and estimated herbage yield (16.95 tons ha-1) when compared to the control. Additionally, this treatment enhanced leaf quality by recording the highest contents of carbohydrate (6.63%), fiber (3.31%), iron (35.67 mg 100 g-1), calcium (178.36 mg 100 g-1) and protein (25.17g 100 g-1). Therefore, the application of vermicompost with FYM and Panchagavya is more effective for achieving maximum growth and yield levels compared to using these inputs individually.