Minimizing volatilization and leaching losses of nitrogen by different nitrogen carriers in Japanese mint (Mentha arvensisL.)

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Abstract
Japanese mint, an important essential-oil-bearing crop, is cultivated for menthol used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It requires a high level of nitrogen fertilizer, between 150 and 250 kg N/ha depending on the agro-climatic conditions (Ghosh & Chatterjee, 1976; Yadav, Mohan & Ram, 1983). During the crop cycle (January–August), frequent irrigations and high intensive rains result in poor N recovery especially on light-textured soils. With a view to reduce losses of N and improve N recoveries, the relative efficiency of neem-cake-coated urea, laccoated urea and urea supergranules has been investigated in comparison with prilled urea in Japanese mint.