2024, Vol. 12, Issue 5, Part B

author(s)
Chippalapalli Somashekar, Achaiah Nalamada, Kedarini S and Nageswara Rao Singisala

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.