The effects of organic materials on the growth of Boesenbergia rotunda

Abstract

Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. commonly known as temu kunci is a perennial herb which is botanically described as a small herbaceous plant. Temu kunci has a short, fleshy or slender rhizome shape. The rhizomes of B. rotunda have been widely used as spices due to their aromatic flavour, which promotes appetite. This herbal plant is also used as flavouring agents, dyes and traditional medicine to cure various kinds of illnesses. Organic materials have been widely used in agriculture development to improve soil quality, increase crop yield, and plant growth performance, and reduce chemical fertilizer usage. The adverse impact of excessive use of chemical fertilizers in conventional agricultural practices is well documented. A field study was conducted to identify the effects of organic materials on the growth of B. rotunda. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used which involve seven treatments and four replication including control, chemical fertilizer alone, and 10% additional materials in 5 kg of soil. The organic materials used in this study are biochar, vermicompost, food waste compost, empty fruit bunch compost and lignohumate. In this study, the vermicompost gave a significant increase and highest reading of plant height, number of leaves, rhizome and finger roots fresh and dry weight compared to other treatments. In conclusion, organic materials can give positive effects on the growth of B. rotunda and at the same time can reduce the dependencies on chemical fertilizer.