Role of potash fertilization through organic and inorganic sources on growth and yield of turmeric

Aim: To investigate the possibility of substitution of inorganic inputs through organics and to evaluate the effects of bioorganic inputs on microbial population of soil. Methodology: A field experiment of RBD with 13 treatments and 3 replication using combination of organic manures viz., compost/vermicompost, potassic mobilising inoculants along with graded (100, 75 and 50%) levels of inorganic potassium were tried for partial substitution of inorganic potassium with organic source in turmeric cv. Suguna. Results: Considering the yield, the vermicompost + inorganic K (100%) + K mobiliser (32.35 t ha-1) was the best treatment, followed by Compost + K 100% + KM (31.13 t ha-1). Interpretation: These results indicate that soils were less fertile due to deficit in soil nutrients. Recommended doses of organic bio-fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer should be practiced for reclamation of soil status. Application of potassic mobilizer as biofertilizer in turmeric can reduce the application of inorganic potassium and support eco-friendly crop production. Key words: Compost, Curcuma longa, Organic manures, Potassic mobilizer, Turmeric, Vermicompost