Abstract
The aim of this work is to assess soil types’ effect on the growth and production of Curcuma longa rhizomes. The Rhizome of Curcuma longa was grown in a greenhouse in pots for seven months on different soil types. Physico-chemical analyses of the different soils were carried out. Collar diameter, the height of the plants, and yield of rhizome were measured. Total microbial density, number of spores, and root colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from these soils were assessed. Results show that soils are sandy clay loam, clay sandy, clay, acidic (pH 4.16 to 6.62), and have a C/N ratio from 6.10 to 19.83. Nitrogen (N) is between 0.49 to 2.41 g/kg, available phosphorus (P) between 2 to 16 ppm, Organic matter (OM) from 14.6 to 51.4 g/kg. Total microbial density is between 2 to 16 × 106 Cell/mm3, number of AMF spores in situ between 4 to 67 spores/g of soil. The frequency of root colonization is between 47% to 78%. The average growth and rhizome production are between 5 to 15 g/plant. All the results obtained show that the soils with clay to sandy clayey loam texture, medium acidity (pH 5.5 - 6.6), low C content (7.3 - 9.6 g/kg), low N content (0.49 - 1.13 g/kg), good C/N ratio (Curcuma longa in Cameroon.
Highlights
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, widely used as a spice and extensively applied in the traditional systems of Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha, the various folk medicines [1]
All the results obtained show that the soils with clay to sandy clayey loam texture, medium acidity, low C content (7.3 - 9.6 g/kg), low N content (0.49 - 1.13 g/kg), good C/N ratio (
Some studies [7] [8] have shown the place of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungis (AMfs) and endophytes in the culture and production of Curcuma longa
Summary
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, widely used as a spice and extensively applied in the traditional systems of Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha, the various folk medicines [1]. Higher nitrogen (N) application is effective for rhizome production [5]. Soil microorganisms and their activities play important roles in the transformation of plant nutrients from unavailable to available forms and have many metabolic qualities related to soil fertility improvement [6]. The vegetative growth period takes place 7 - 10 months after the seedlings of germination Once this period has elapsed, the leaves turn yellow and the harvest is ready [10]. The rhizomes are harvested from the 8th month after sowing With such great economic potential, it would be important to increase the production of Curcuma longa in the tropics, where there are all conditions required for its growth. Ameliorate the knowledge about Curcuma longa production, and determine the most suitable type of soil for its production might create an interest in this promising culture for the major producers across the country, enabling this one to increase the production and to become competitive in the international market
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