Evaluation of integrated natural farming components on quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and soil health
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Natural farming is a sustainable approach that improves soil health and crop quality without chemical inputs. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif-Rabi 2025-26 at Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, Halol, to evaluate the effect of different natural farming components on turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with seven treatments and four replications. Treatment T₁ (all natural farming components) recorded the highest curcumin content (5.51%) and essential oil content (6.90%). It also significantly improved soil organic carbon (0.92%), available nitrogen (173.3 kg/ha), and available potassium (321.3 kg/ha). The highest populations of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and earthworms were also observed under T₁. In contrast, omission of individual natural farming components reduced crop quality and soil biological activity. The study concludes that the integrated application of Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, mulching, mixed cropping and raised-bed planting enhances turmeric quality, soil fertility and microbial activity, making natural farming a sustainable production system for turmeric under middle Gujarat conditions.
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204496335