Effect of rate and time of nitrogen application on growth and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the response of turmeric to rate and time of N application. The treatments consisted of three levels of nitrogen (60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1) as main plot treatments and number of applications (nitrogen applied in equal splits of one, two, three, four and five) as sub-plot treatments. The results showed that 60 kg N ha-1 produced maximum fresh rhizome yield. Turmeric yield at 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha-1 did not differ significantly. Nitrogen applied in three equal splits produced maximum fresh rhizome yield and it was significantly superior to application of whole N at planting and in two splits. N content in leaf, rhizome and available nitrogen in soil increased with increase in the level of nitrogen and number of split application.