After in the previous post I have discussed about the efficacy of turmeric plants for our health, then now I want to discuss how to do Turmeric cultivation.
As we know, there are a lot of benefit that we can take from this herbal plants, that's why there are so many people trying to cultivate it. This effort, beside can give much benefit to many people, it can also be used for a cottage industry.
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Turmeric |
Turmeric cultivation is not easy after all, but also is not too difficult. But, we should have the knowledge how to cultivate Turmeric. If we have that knowledge, the results obtained can be maximized.
Right now, there are some countries has started to cultivate these plants. Those countries are Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, China, Haiti, and Jamaica. In Indonesia, turmeric cultivation centers located in Central Java with the production of nearly 12 323 kg / ha. Whereas in other countries such as India, Sri Lanka, China, Haiti and Jamaica, production reach 15 tons / ha.
Turmeric plant can grow well in areas which has full intensity of light or moderate. It can be said that this crop can grow very well in open places. The best growth is achieved in regions with rainfall 1000-4000 mm / year. When planted in the area of rainfall < 1000 mm / year, the irrigation system must be arranged and organized well. These plants can be cultivated throughout the year. The best time to grow this plant is in the beginning of the rainy season. The temperature range approximately 19-30 C.
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Turmeric Cultivation |
Turmeric could grow well if planted in loose soil. Type of soil needed is a land with a high organic matter or sandy loam soil with a little puddle of water. For altitude, turmeric should be planted in the lowlands.
The following are step-by-step how to cultivate the turmeric :
Choosing the Seeds
Good turmeric seeds comes from the rhizome, because it is easier to grow.
In order to grow the Turmeric very well, we should know what are the requirement of good seeds :
- Derived from plants which grow fast, fresh, healthy, and green leafy.
- Coming from rhizomes that have been aged more than 7-12 months.
- Shapes, sizes, and colors should be uniforms.
- Have adequate moisture.
- Seed has undergone enough a period of rest (dormancy).
- Avoid foreign material (seeds of other plants, bark, and gravel).
Preparation of Seeds
Rhizome seed material is cut to gain size and weight which uniform, as well as to estimate the number of eyes shoots. Cutting marks is closed with kitchen ash or husk. Soak the cut Rhizome with a fungicide solution (Benlate and agrymicin) to avoid fungal growth. Each piece has a maximum rhizome 1-3 buds, weighing between 20-30 grams and length of 3-7 cm.
Seeds Seeding Technique
Growing of Turmeric rhizome bud can be done by giving an air into the rhizomes in the shade, or moisturize it for 1 - 1.5 months with a watering 2 times a day (in the morning and afternoon).
Seedlings grow well if kept at room temperature (25-28 0 C). Besides that, it can also be done by placing the rhizome between the hay and soaked in a solution of atonic (1 cc/1.5 liter) and a solution of G-3 (500-700 ppm). Rhizome that will be soaked, should be dried first at 35 Celcius Degree for 42 hours.
Displacement the Seed
Seedlings which had been prepared and placed in the seedbed places, the rhizomes will grow shoots at the age of 1-1.5 months. After the shoots grow 2-3 cm, the rhizomes can be planted on open land already. Displacement seed which has sprouted, should be done very carefully in order not damaged. During transfer, the germinate seeds should not be stacked.
Hopefully this article useful.