Influence of Different Type and Levels of Fertilizer Application on Biomass and Essential oil Yield of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (Lemon Grass) in Togo

Due to its biological properties, Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L) Spreng is important in traditional medicine, pharmacology and, more particularly, agronomy as an alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. Controlling the conditions under which it is grown can increase biomass production, and hence essential oil yields. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of different doses of organic and mineral fertilizer application on biomass and essential oil yields of C. schoenanthus (L). The plot was set up in a randomized complete block design with five objects in three replications. Treatments consisted of increasing doses of poultry droppings (5 t/ha and 10 t/ha), 46% urea (0.05t/ha and 0.1t/ha) and the absolute. The best yields, in fresh biomass (8.78t/ha), dry biomass (3.21t/ha) and essential oil (69.09l/ha), were obtained with the poultry manure treatment at 10t/ha, then increased at the second and third cuts. Fertilizers did not influence the number of leaves per tillers. On the basis of these results, the use of poultry droppings at a dose of 10t/ha could be recommended in programs to promote C. schoenanthus production.