Integrated nano formulated macro and micro nutrient management enhances yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Abstract

A two-year field experiment (2022–23 and 2023–24) was conducted at HRS, Mondouri, BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal, India, to evaluate the effect of nano-formulated macro and micro nutrients integrated with conventional fertilizers in turmeric. The whole experiment was designed in RBD with three replications and eight treatments, including a control. Treatments involved three levels of N, P and K (100%, 75%, and 50%) combined with foliar application of nano NPK (0.4%) and nano Zn+Mn+Cu (0.4%) at 45 and 90 DAP. The maximum plant height (160.05 cm), tiller number (3.25), clump weight (442.40 g), plot yield (14.30 kg 3 m^-2), dry recovery (24.45%), oleoresin (13.91%), and total phenols (72.14 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹) were recorded under application of 40% N + 75% P (basal) followed by 0.4% nano P at 45 DAP and 0.4% nano N+K+Zn+Mn+Cu at 45 and 90 DAP (T₈). Plants receiving 40% N + 100% P basally with foliar 0.4% nano N+K+Zn+Mn+Cu at 45 and 90 DAP (T₄) recorded highest curcumin content (6.25%). The yield under control (100% NPK+ 0.4% nano Zn+Mn+Cu) was 10.57 kg 3 m^-2. Based on the growth, yield and quality T₈ is the best treatment.