Assessment of Various Nutrient Management Technologies for Quality, Fertilizer Use Efficiency, and Economics of Ginger Production under Subtropical to Subtemperate Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ginger is a major spice crop cultivated in subtropical to subtemperate regions of the world. A comprehensive evaluation of various nutrient management practices in ginger was undertaken, during 2015–2019, by taking various soil properties, plant yield, and quality, crop and soil quality, and economics under consideration. Fourteen nutrient management technologies including farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), urea, single superphosphate, and muriate of potash were incorporated. The study concluded that 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) and FYM was most effective in increasing soil nutrient status and recorded the highest soil-quality index (SQI) of 0.91, while 100% NPK through FYM improved soil organic carbon, physical and microbiological properties. Integrated nutrient management increased SQI to 0.63, while organic management increased it to 0.36. However, the application of 75% RDN + 25% N through VC recorded higher yield and crop quality and registered 103.1%, 21.9%, and 75.7% higher yield over absolute control, RDN, and organic management, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiency (48.6%), agronomic efficiency (64.6 kg kg−1), Nitrogen Harvest Index (70.8%), Potassium Harvest Index (72.1%), and Harvest Index (71.4%) were highest under this treatment. The highest crop quality index (20.0), net returns (8210 US$ ha−1), and marginal rate of return (4.89) were also obtained with this treatment. Hence, 75% RDN + 25% recommended N through VC can be recommended to farmers over absolutely organic and 100% RDN management, in terms of being a cost-effective nutrient module for getting superior quality yields on a sustainable basis and for improving soil health.