Effect of land configuration and soil conditioners on growth and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years (2007–08 and 2008–09) to study the effect of land configuration and soil conditioners on growth and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on clayey soil of Navsari (Gujarat). Four land configurations viz., ridge and furrow method, raised bed (50 cm width) with 2 rows, raised bed (75 cm width) with 3 rows and raised bed (120 cm width) with 4 rows and three soil conditioners viz., bio-compost @ 12.5 t/ha, bio-compost @ 25 t/ha and biocompost @ 12.5 t/ha + gypsum @ 2 t/ha were evaluated. Raised bed planting had favourable effect on growth and yield of turmeric as compared to ridge and furrow planting. Raised bed with either 3 or 4 rows were equally effective in improving plant growth of turmeric. However, raised bed with 3 rows land configuration recorded significantly higher fresh rhizome yield (21.78 t/ha), the yield advantage being 26.6, 16.4 and 13.9% over ridge and furrow method, raised bed with 4 rows and raised bed with 2 rows, respectively. Application of biocompost @ 25 t/ha recorded significantly the highest rhizome yield (20.90 t/ha) and the magnitude of response was to the tune of 17.8 and 10.2% as compared to bio-compost @ 12.5 t/ha and bio-compost @ 12.5 t/ha + gypsum @ 2 t/ha, respectively. Interaction effect between land configuration and soil conditioner was found significant and the combination involving raised bed with 3 rows and biocompost @ 25 t/ha recorded the maximum fresh rhizome yield (25.38 t/ha). These treatments also accrued the maximum net realization and B:C ratio.