Effect of different growing media and varietal combinations on growth and yield of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) under grow bag condition

Introduction

Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa L., is a significant spice crop with a long history. It comes from the Zingiberaceae family and has been grown for over 4,000 years in tropical areas of South and Southeast Asia, notably India, its place of origin. Throughout history, turmeric has played vital roles in traditional medicine, religious ceremonies and cooking practices. Curcuma is a genus with more than 80 species found in Asia, Australia and South America. Most cultivated types of Turmeric are from the Curcuma longa species, which is a sterile triploid plant (2𝑛 = 3𝑥 = 63) grown by planting rhizomes. Turmeric is a perennial plant with underground rhizomes that are the valuable part of the plant. The plant's growth, development and yield are affected by environmental factors, genetic traits of the varieties and farming methods used during cultivation. Turmeric is a valuable plant widely used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and dye industries. Its dried rhizomes are commonly used in food as a spice, colouring and preservative. The main active compound in turmeric is Curcumin, which gives it its yellow colour. Curcumin, part of a group called curcuminoids, offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer benefits. Turmeric rhizomes are rich in nutrients, 60-70% carbohydrates, 6-8% protein, 5-10% fat and 2-% fiber, with essential vitamins like Vitamin C (20-30 mg/100g), Vitamin E and B-complex Vitamins. Curcumin levels in Turmeric range from 2 to 6%, influenced by species and growth conditions. Essential oils (3-7%) provide fragrance and medicinal benefits. Flavonoids and phenolic substances enhance its therapeutic properties. Turmeric may reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and support overall health (Kadam et al., 2020) [1] . India is the top producer, consumer and exporter of Turmeric globally. In 2023-24, India cultivated Turmeric on 305.182 thousand hectares, yielding 1,074.526 thousand metric tonnes. In Chhattisgarh, Turmeric was grown on 11.488 thousand hectares, producing 101.884 thousand metric tonnes. Within Rajnandgaon district, Turmeric was cultivated on 0.269 thousand hectares, yielding 2.080 thousand metric tonnes in 2023-24. Turmeric's growth in grow bags depends on the type of soil and the variety used. Various soils offer dif ferent conditions, and turmeric varieties vary in growth, nutrient absorption, and yield potential. Matching the right soil with the right variety is crucial for optimal growth and rhizome output in grow bags (Agrawal et al., 2024) [2] . Black soil is a type of soil rich in clay and organic matter, which helps it retain moisture and nutrients well, providing a stable base for plants to grow. Vermicompost is an organic material full of nutrients that are easily available to plants. It also enhances soil structure and promotes microbial activity (Mandavi et al., 2025) [3] . Sand, on the other hand, is coarse-textured and porous allowing for good drainage and aeration when mixed with finer materials (Mai Thi Thuy et al., 2013) [4] . Paddy husk is a lightweight organic material that enhances porosity, aeration, and drainage in the growing medium (Mai Thi Thuy et al., 2013) [4] . Cut paddy straw is a fibrous material high in carbon that breaks down slowly, enriching the soil with organic matter and improving its physical condition (Kumar et al., 2024) [5] . Cocopeat is another lightweight material with high water retention capacity, helping to keep the soil moist while ensuring the roots receive enough air. These different materials were combined to create growing media tested with three types of turmeric: Roma, PDKV Waigaon, and a local cultivar. Roma is a high-yielding commercial variety used to evaluate growth potential and yields (Ahirwar et al., 2019) [6] . PDKV Waigaon is an early-maturing selection ideal for assessing yield qualities (Darekar et al., 2022) [7] and the local cultivar is included for comparison purposes.

Materials and Methods

The (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon, (T 8 ) Black Soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy Straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon, (T 9 ) Black soil + Roma, (T 10 ) Black Soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy Husk (1:1:1:1) + Roma, (T 11 ) Black Soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Cocopeat (1:1:1:1) + Roma and (T 12 ) Black Soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy Straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma. The experimental data relating to the various growth and yield parameters of Turmeric under growbag condition. During the study were subjected to statistical analysis by means of the method of analysis of variance (ANOVA) for a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), as described by Fisher and Yates (1963). The significant differences between the treatments were determined by referring to the critical differences at the 5% level of significance. Statistical analysis was performed using the OPSTAT portal, which is available on the CCS HAU website. The media for growth was formulated based on specific treatments, mixing components in equal proportions, ensuring uniformity before filling grow bags. Three turmeric varieties -Local, Roma, and PDKV Waigaon -were studied in this research. Properly mixed different growing media comprising of only Black soil, Black soil: Vermicompost: Sand: Paddy husk (1:1:1:1), Black soil: Vermicompost: Sand: Cocopeat (1:1:1:1), Black soil: Vermicompost: Sand: Cut paddy straw (1:1:1:1) respectively filled up in black polythene bags. Turmeric rhizomes of optimal health, consistency, and absence of diseases, ranging from 20 to 30 grams each, were selected as planting material for the study. The Roma and PDKV Waigaon varieties were acquired from Dr. Panjab Rao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Nagpur, while the Local cultivar was directly obtained from a Rajnandgaon farmer. Turmeric seed rhizomes of Local cultivar and Roma, PDKV Waigaon, weighing 20-30 g each, were planted in black polythene grow bags (14"x16") with specific growing media treatments. Each bag accommodated one rhizome planted at the correct depth, followed by immediate irrigation. Each treatment received the recommended soluble NPK fertiliser dose for turmeric, with split fertigation every 30 days. Irrigation was applied every 3 to 4 days during the initial growth phase for proper establishment, adjusting later to every 5 to 6 days based on soil moisture levels. Continuous monitoring for shoot borer and prompt implementation of plant protection measures ensured crop health and stand preservation. Turmeric rhizomes were collected at physiological maturity, signaled by yellowing and drying leaves, 150 days post planting, following cessation of irrigation a week prior.

Result and Discussion

At 60 days after planting, treatment T 12 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy Straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma) recorded the maximum plant height (34.33 cm), which was followed by T [8] and Chandana et al. (2022). :1:1:1) + Roma) recorded the maximum number of leaves per plant (18.58), followed by T 8 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy Straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon), which produced (17.17) leaves per plant. The minimum number of leaves per plant (10.25) was recorded under T 1 (Black soil + Local cultivar). The presence of vermicompost may have improved nutrient availability, while decomposing paddy straw could have supplied nutrients progressively during crop development. Sand may have maintained suitable physical conditions around the roots, encouraging root activity and efficient nutrient uptake. The combined effect of improved nutrition and root-zone conditions may therefore have promoted greater development of the photosynthetically active leaf area. Similar findings were reported in Turmeric by Kumar et al. (2015) [9] and Agrawal et al. (2024) [2] . [8] and Chandana et al. (2022).

Number of leaves per plant

Number of tillers per plant

A significant variation in primary finger length was observed among the treatment combinations. Harvest observations revealed significant differences in primary finger length among the treatments. Treatment T 8 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon) recorded the maximum primary finger length (8.72 cm). Treatment T 12 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma) was statistically at par with T 8 and recorded a primary finger length of (8.27 cm). The minimum primary finger length (4.73 cm) was recorded under T 1 (Black soil + Local cultivar). The presence of vermicompost may have enhanced nutrient availability, whereas sand could have improved aeration and root development. Decomposition of paddy straw may have further supported nutrient release during the crop period. These conditions could have promoted efficient water and nutrient uptake and improved the supply of assimilates towards developing rhizomes, ultimately favouring primary finger elongation. The genetic characteristics of PDKV Waigaon may have additionally contributed to the production of longer fingers. Similar findings were reported in Turmeric by Pariari et al. (2019) [10] .

Significant variation was also evident in finger diameter at harvest. Treatment T 12 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma) recorded the maximum finger diameter (3.34 cm), followed by T 8 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon), which recorded a finger. diameter of (3.14 cm). The minimum finger diameter (1.77 cm) was recorded under T 1 (Black soil + Local cultivar). Vermicompost could have supported adequate nutrient availability, while the presence of sand may have created a more favourable root environment by improving aeration. Such conditions may have encouraged active root functioning and subsequent rhizome enlargement. In addition, the varietal characteristics of Roma may have favoured radiated growth, resulting in comparatively thicker fingers under T 12 . Similar findings were reported in Turmeric by Agrawal et al. (2024) [2] .

Number of primary rhizomes per plant

The treatment combinations differed significantly with respect to primary rhizome production. Treatment T [11] .

Number of secondary rhizomes per plant

A similar treatment-wise variation was observed for secondary rhizome formation. Treatment T 12 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma) recorded the maximum number of secondary rhizomes per plant (14.08), followed by T 8 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon), which recorded (12.67) secondary rhizomes per plant. The minimum number of secondary rhizomes per plant (7.17) was recorded under T 1 (Black soil + Local cultivar).

A continuous supply of nutrients from vermicompost and decomposing paddy straw could have promoted vigorous plant growth and assimilate accumulation. At the same time, improved aeration and rootzone conditions provided by sand may have facilitated nutrient and water uptake. Greater availability of assimilates for underground growth may consequently have encouraged secondary rhizome development. The inherent characteristics of Roma may also have contributed to its higher rhizome branching ability. Comparable results were reported in Turmeric by Dudekula et al. (2022) and Bindu et al.

Rhizome yield per plant (gm)

Rhizome yield per plant showed marked differences among the treatment combinations. Treatment T 12 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma) recorded the maximum rhizome yield per plant (311.84 g), followed by T 8 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon), which recorded (271.49 g) per plant. The minimum rhizome yield per plant (148.42 g) was recorded under T 1 (Black soil + Local cultivar). The highest rhizome yield per plant obtained from T 12 appears to be the cumulative outcome of better vegetative development and favourable rhizome characteristics. Greater leaf production and tillering may have increased the photosynthetic capacity of the plants, resulting in enhanced assimilate production and assimilates, together with adequate nutrient availability and favourable root-zone conditions, could have been efficiently channelled towards rhizome development and biomass accumulation. The superior yield potential of Roma under the selected growing medium may have further contributed to the higher rhizome yield. Similar results were reported in Turmeric by Patil et al. (2022) [12] .

Treatment T 12 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma) recorded the highest rhizome yield per plot (2.82 kg), followed by T 8 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon), which produced (2.44 kg) per plot. The lowest rhizome yield per plot (1.33 kg) was recorded under T 1 (Black soil + Local cultivar). The greater yield obtained per plant under this treatment directly contributed to higher cumulative production at the plot level. Better vegetative growth, higher rhizome number and favourable rhizome development collectively appear to have enhanced the harvestable biomass. Thus, the plot-wise performance of T 12 reflects the combined contribution of individual plant productivity and the suitability of the growing medium variety combination. Similar findings were reported in Turmeric by Kumar et al. (2015) [9] and Patil et al. (2022) [12] . [9] .

The treatment combination T ). In relations of B:C ratio, T 12 (Black Soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy Straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma) showed the highest value of (2.12), followed by T 8 (Black Soil + + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy Straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon) with (1.85). The lowest B:C ratio of (1.10) was recorded under T 1 (Black Soil + Local Cultivar). The use of paddy straw as a component of the growing medium may hold assisted reduce the cost associated with the media, while the superior yield of Roma increased the gross and net returns acquired from the treatment. Consequently, the balance among production cost and economic output was more favourable in T₁₂, resulting in the highest profitability between the treatment combinations.

Conclusion

In the present investigation, treatment combination T 12 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Cut paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + Roma variety) recorded the maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of tillers per plant, finger diameter, number of primary and secondary rhizomes, rhizome yield per plant, rhizome yield per plot, rhizome yield per hectare and benefit-cost ratio. However, T 8 (Black soil + Vermicompost + Sand + Paddy straw (1:1:1:1) + PDKV Waigaon variety) recorded the maximum primary finger length. Thus, T 12 can be considered the most promising treatment combination for growth, yield and economic performance of Turmeric under grow bag conditions. Therefore, T 12 may be recommended as a promising growing medium-variety combination for Turmeric cultivation under grow bag conditions.

References

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13. How to cite this article: Khan MA, Kumari V, Paikra M, Dhruw SS, Singh N, Patel M, et al. Effect of different growing media and varietal combinations on growth and yield of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) under grow bag condition. International Journal of Research in Agronomy. 2026;9(9):1568-1573. doi: htt ps://www.doi.org/10.33545/2618060X.2026.v9.i9u.6732