Articles
Effect of fertilization rate on containerized ginger production under controlled environment
Article number
1460_24
Pages
199 – 206
Language
English
Abstract
Domestic production of ginger (Zingiber officinale) is of interest to US growers; however, the availability of planting material and production of fully grown rhizomes for consumption is limited due to seasonality, except southeastern regions of US. Controlled environment agriculture may offer opportunities for extended growing season for production, consumption, and availability of planting materials as needed.
Optimal fertilization rates must be identified for best growth and production using soilless substrate.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and development of ginger using different fertilization levels under greenhouse conditions.
Fertilizers were mixed based on five nitrogen (N) levels (50, 100, 200, 300, or 500 ppm N) and applied after transplanting 1-2 sprouted ginger rhizomes into grow bags filled with coconut coir pith and husk chips.
Treatments were arranged in the greenhouse using a completely randomized design with six replicates.
Physical growth parameters, such as the number of stems, relative chlorophyll content, number of roots, emerging buds, and fresh and dry weight of stems, roots, and new rhizomes, were measured.
Fertigation level significantly influenced all growth parameters except chlorophyll content, and the best production was evident under lower nutrient levels (100 ppm N-based fertigation). For example, the fresh weight of new rhizomes at the 100 ppm N-based nutrient level was 15.8, 205.3, 237.0, and 344.9% higher than those at 50, 200, 300, and 500 ppm N-based fertigation, respectively.
Similarly, the dry weight was 28.3, 183.9, 371.0, and 151.8% higher compared to the same respective treatments.
In conclusion, lower fertilization produces greater yield in containerized ginger rhizome production using coco coir substrate.
Optimal fertilization rates must be identified for best growth and production using soilless substrate.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and development of ginger using different fertilization levels under greenhouse conditions.
Fertilizers were mixed based on five nitrogen (N) levels (50, 100, 200, 300, or 500 ppm N) and applied after transplanting 1-2 sprouted ginger rhizomes into grow bags filled with coconut coir pith and husk chips.
Treatments were arranged in the greenhouse using a completely randomized design with six replicates.
Physical growth parameters, such as the number of stems, relative chlorophyll content, number of roots, emerging buds, and fresh and dry weight of stems, roots, and new rhizomes, were measured.
Fertigation level significantly influenced all growth parameters except chlorophyll content, and the best production was evident under lower nutrient levels (100 ppm N-based fertigation). For example, the fresh weight of new rhizomes at the 100 ppm N-based nutrient level was 15.8, 205.3, 237.0, and 344.9% higher than those at 50, 200, 300, and 500 ppm N-based fertigation, respectively.
Similarly, the dry weight was 28.3, 183.9, 371.0, and 151.8% higher compared to the same respective treatments.
In conclusion, lower fertilization produces greater yield in containerized ginger rhizome production using coco coir substrate.
Authors
M. Chowdhury, U. Samarakoon, J.E. Altland
Keywords
controlled environment agriculture, fertilizer rate, rhizome, soilless substrate, leaf tissue nutrient content
Online Articles (42)