Impact of integrated nutrient management on primary and secondary rhizome yield in IISR Pragathi variety of Curcuma longa. L

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on the primary and secondary rhizome yield of Curcuma longa cv. IISR Pragathi. A field experiment was conducted using seven treatments incorporating different combinations of organic manures (farmyard manure, vermicompost, neem cake) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK). Results revealed that the combined application of 50% NPK with farmyard manure, vermicompost, and neem cake (T4) significantly improved rhizome yield, producing 8.2 primary and 13.5 secondary rhizomes per plant—more than double the control treatment (T1). Other treatments with partial NPK and organic amendments (T6, T7) also enhanced yield but were less effective than T4. These findings highlight the synergistic effect of organic and inorganic inputs in optimizing nutrient availability, improving soil fertility, and promoting microbial activity, ultimately leading to enhanced rhizome multiplication. The study underscores the importance of INM in sustainable turmeric cultivation, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers while maintaining high productivity. The superior performance of T4 suggests that integrating organic and inorganic nutrient sources ensures efficient nutrient uptake and sustained soil health, making it a viable strategy for maximizing yield in IISR Pragathi. Given the increasing demand for high-yielding turmeric varieties, adopting INM approaches can significantly contribute to both economic profitability and ecological sustainability in turmeric farming.