Cultivation
Tulsi is an ideal crop for Nepalese farmers to cultivate due to how versatile and easy it is to grow. Ocimum sanctum “thrives well on a variety of soils and climatic conditions”1, which is perfect for farmers all across diverse Nepal.
Perennial in nature, the Tulsi plant enjoys long days and produces best yields in tropical and subtropical climates, but can be cultivated in cooler climates also.1 Tulsi should be planted 60 cm by 60 cm apart from each other1, but can be inter-cropped with plants that have different root systems that will not compete for water, sunlight or nutrients.
Irrigation is only required for year-round growth, especially in the summer months. Watering 3-4 times per month is necessary during the summer season.1 In terms of weeds, Cyanodon dactylon, also known as Bermuda grass, and Cyperus rotundus, another weed-like grass, can sometimes be troublesome, requiring 4-5 weeding sessions, making sure to get the weed’s roots.1
Ocimum sanctum is “a hardy crop and no serious pests and diseases have been reported.”1 One problem that may occur, if the Tulsi roots become waterlogged, is root-rot. However, if Tulsi plants are cultivated on slight mounds, this problem can be avoided.
Tulsi can be grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, although, it is common knowledge that adding nitrogen fertilizer to a crop usually produces a higher yield. A study at Southwestern University in Texas showed a positive effect of nitrogen fertilizer “on the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of basil (Ocimum).”4 It is well known that polyphenolic compounds “play an important function in preventing many chronic illnesses”4, and by adding nitrogen fertilizer to the soil, it increases the production of polyphenolic compounds in basil which, in turn, provides larger health benefits. In simpler terms, adding nitrogen to the soil correlates not only with a higher yield and healthier plant for the farmer, but also higher health benefits for the consumer.
Nitrogen fertilizer can be expensive, so intercropping Tulsi with a crop that produces its own nitrogen is ideal for lower-income farmers. Adding nitrogen-fixing shrubs that are indigenous to Nepal will enrich the soil for the Tulsi plants and create higher health benefits. Nitrogen fixing shrubs are also incredibly useful for poor soil, restoring what has been degraded during long dry seasons or by erosion on sloped land.6 Flemingia macrophylla and Desmodium rensonii are two examples of nitrogen fixing shrubs that could be useful to plant along with Tulsi.6 Legumes are also an excellent example of a nitrogen-fixing crop that would be beneficial to intercrop with Tulsi. Not only will legumes naturally add nitrogen to the soil, but will also be an available, nutritious source of protein 5 for the farmer and/or family cultivating Tulsi.