Combining Level of Watering and Soil pH to obtain high concentration of Essential Oil in Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Nash)

Abstract

Abstract Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Nash) is a grass that has been known for its tolerance to drought conditions. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the combination of watering level and soil pH on the production of essential oil in the root of the plant. Watering level was given based on percentage of field capacity i.e. 100%; 75%; 50%; 25%; and 5%, while the soil pH was 3; 7; and 11. Analysis of the quality and quantity of essential oils was carried out using GC-MS. At soil pH 3 and watering volume of 25%, the highest levels of terpenoid compounds were produced (47.36%), while at pH 3 and watering level of 100%, fatty acid compounds were produced at highest level (38.51%). Watering level of 100% and 25% combined with pH 3 showed as optimal combinations for vetiver to produce essential oils.