Page 17 - Medicinal Plants_PharmD general

5. Soil

Each and every plant species have its own soil and nutritive
requirements. The three important basic characteristics of soils are
their physical, chemical and microbiological properties. Soil provides
mechanical support, water and essential foods for the development of
plants. Soil consists of air, water, mineral matters and organic matters.
Variations in particle size result in different soils ranging from clay,
sand and gravel. Particle size influences the water holding capacity of
soil. The type and amount of minerals plays a vital role in plant
cultivation. Calcium favours the growth of certain plants whereas with
some plants it does not produce any effects. The plants are able to
determine their own soil pH range for their growth; microbes should
be taken in to consideration which grows well in certain pH. Nitrogen
containing soil has a great momentum in raising the production of
alkaloids in some plants. Soil fertility can be maintained by addition
of animal manures, nitrogen-fixing bacteria or by application of
chemical fertilizers. The latter is time saving and surest of all above
techniques.

6. Pests and Pests Control

Pests are undesired plant or animal species that causes a great damage
to the plants. There are different types of pests; they are microbes,
insects, non-insect pests and weeds. Different controlling techniques
should be applied to regulate the presence of pests during cultivation.

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