MgO Fertilizer Sole and Combined with Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers: Effect on Soil Chemical Properties, Turmeric Performance, and Quality in a Tropical Alfisol

Abstract

For soil fertility maintenance, secondary nutrient such as Magnesium (Mg) is always being neglected. However, its role is critical in the growth, yield, and quality of crops. Therefore, two field experiments were initiated in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the response of soil chemical properties, performance, and qualities of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) to Mg fertilizer alone and in combination with poultry manure (PM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (NPK). The treatments applied were the following: (i) PM alone at 8 t ha−1, (ii) NPK alone at 200 kg ha−1, (iii) Mg fertilizer alone (in form of MgO) at 20 kg ha−1, (iv) PM at 8 t ha−1 with MgO at 20 kg ha−1 (PM + Mg), (v) NPK at 200 kg ha−1 with MgO at 20kgha−1 (NPK + Mg), and (vi) control (no amendment of any kind). PM, NPK, and Mg fertilizers alone or NPK + Mg and PM + Mg increased soil chemical properties, performance (plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, number of rhizomes, and fresh rhizome weight), and minerals and vitamins C and A contents of turmeric rhizome compared with the control. By averaging 2017 and 2018, Mg fertilizer alone increased the yield of turmeric by 10.8% compared with the control. For this experiment, NPK + Mg increased growth and yield of turmeric compared with other treatments. Also, averaging 2017 and 2018, NPK + Mg increased rhizome yield of turmeric by 13.6% and 10.6% compared with PM + Mg and NPK alone, respectively. Similarly, PM + Mg significantly improved mineral and vitamins contents compared with other treatments. Therefore, for those that desire turmeric rhizome for its nutritive value, PM + Mg is recommended. For those that want quantity, NPK + Mg is recommended.

The Chemical Element Composition of Turmeric Grown in Soil–Climate Conditions of Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan

“…Mineral nutrients such as N, P, K play an essential role in plant growth, development, yield and productivity [ 27 , 28 ]. According to Adekiya et al [ 18 ], it was suggested that rhizome growth and yield were increased with the supply of high concentrations of nutrients and low C:N ratio, which resulted in an increase in decomposition with the nutrient release. A similar study was reported by Ihenacho et al [ 29 ] in their study on turmeric, as the deficiency of essential nutrients in the soil of the experimental site resulted in a lower yield and decrease in turmeric growth [ 30 ].…”

“…Curcumin has a long scientific history dating back to ancient times and has attracted modern research interest for the past four decades. It is rich in several essential minerals such as Fe, Ca, Mg, and P and vitamin A and widely used in drinks and supplements [ 18 ].…”

Mineral Fertilizers Improves the Quality of Turmeric and Soil

“…Turmeric crops exhaust soil fertility and require high amounts of fertilizers [14]. For good yields and soil fertility, the replenishment of soil fertility is necessary [14].…”

Effect of magnesium fertilizer combined with straw return on nitrogen use efficiency

“…Previous studies have shown that Mg can incorporate potential residual N into the biomass, improve the N utilization rate, and increase the biomass yield, meeting the main requirements for sustainable N management and ensuring a high level of plant production and environmental sustainability (Grzebisz, Przygocka-cyna, Szczepaniak, Diatta, & Potarzycki, 2010). Adekiya et al (2019) demonstrated that the application of Mg fertilizer increased the amount of N in turmeric crops, improved the photosynthetic activity of…”

“…Adekiya et al. (2019) demonstrated that the application of Mg fertilizer increased the amount of N in turmeric crops, improved the photosynthetic activity of leaves, and increased the biomass. Their study indicated that the application of Mg alone and with organic or inorganic fertilizers affected soil chemical properties, growth, rhizome yield, and quality.…”