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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Response of turmeric (Curcuma longa l.) to application of Polyhalite: A novel balanced slow releasing fertilizer
Authors
Harsha KN, Manoj Ommen, John Jo Varghese, Kavya S
Abstract
Turmeric (Curcuma longa
L.) is an important spice
crop cultivated for its underground rhizome. In Karnataka, commercial
cultivation is concentrated in southern districts like Mysore, Chamarajanagar.
Western ghats area is prominently cultivating ginger. Due to excessive biotic
and abiotic stress observed in ginger an alternate crop needs to be evaluated
here. Major challenge noticed in this area is high intense rainfall during July
& August month. This high rainfall not only threat from the point of rot
diseases but also has high nutrient leaching losses also. Hence slow release
fertilizer with all required plant nutrient elements is need of the hour in
this region for any crop. Polyhalite, a mineral that contains potassium,
magnesium, calcium, and sulfate, has received increasing recognition in recent
years as a valuable asset in sustainable agriculture and can serve as a viable
alternative to conventional fertilizers. This multi-nutrient fertilizer, mainly
obtained from evaporite deposits is distinct combination of nutrients like 14%
K2O, 19% S, and 6% MgO, along with 17% CaO. Keeping these points in
view, an observational trial was conducted at Spices Boards’ regional research
station - ICRI Sakleshpur, Karnataka during 2024-25. The experiment was
conducted under irrigated condition. The soil of experimental plot was sandy
loam in texture, pH 5.9 organic carbon content 1.3%, phosphorus 18 kg/ha,
potassium 338 kg/ha. The trail was laid
out in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and five
treatments. turmeric cultivar
IISR Prathibha was used in the trial. T1: RDF (100:50:50 kg ha-1),T2: RDF
+ 3 foliar spray of IISR Turmeric special, T3: RDF + Polyhalite @ 100kg /ha in
single split – 60 DAP,T4: RDF + Polyhalite @ 250kg /ha in two splits
– 60 & 90 DAP and T5: RDF + Polyhalite @ 500kg /ha in three
splits – 60, 90 & 120 DAP. The plot size of 3m x
1m was maintained. The spacing followed was 45 cm x 20 cm. Application of
polyhalite @ 500kg/ha to turmeric at critical stages of crop nutrient
requirement has helped in attaining higher number of primary rhizomes (9.2).
Significantly higher mother (72.9.4g), primary (308.2 g) and secondary (75.6 g)
fresh rhizome weight was recorded in turmeric where polyhalite was applied
@500kg/ha. Application of
polyhalite at 500kg/ha in two splits along with RDF for turmeric has helped to
achieve higher dry rhizome yield as well as recovery percentage (7.14 tonnes/ha
& 22.02%) higher net return (Rs 2,49,800) as well as BC ratio (2.00)
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Pages:44-46
How to cite this article:
Harsha KN, Manoj Ommen, John Jo Varghese, Kavya S "Response of turmeric (<i>Curcuma longa</i> l.) to application of Polyhalite: A novel balanced slow releasing fertilizer". International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 44-46
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