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STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING SOIL FERTILITY IN GINGER PRODUCTION

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 ASURI, NRCRI
Book of Readings In honour of Dr. J.C. Okonkwo
Structural Transformation in Root and Tuber Research for Value Chain Development and Employment Generation in
Nigeria

ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike Nigeria

Book of Readings In honour of Dr. J.C. Okonkwo

Theme: Structural Transformation in Root and Tuber Research for Value Chain
Development and Employment Generation in Nigeria.
June 2017. Pages 305-314
__________________________________________________________________________________
STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING SOIL FERTILITY IN GINGER
PRODUCTION
Anedo, E.O., Amadi, C.O. and Nwaogu, E.N.

Introduction extracts nutrients from the soil, effective and efficient

Low yields of root and tuber crops like ginger are
often common and mostly attributed to low soil
fertility and pest attack (Sanginga and Mbabu, 2015).
Soil fertility influences both yield and quality in root
and tuber crops such as ginger, potato, yam, cassava,
sweetpotato etc. There is growing concern that, soils
are becoming degraded due to intensive cultivation
and improper management practices. (Snapp et al,
2016). Traditional farming systems in the tropics rely
on extended periods of fallow between cultivation
periods to restore and maintain soil fertility and to
control soil-borne pests and weeds. However,
demographic growth and consequently the
intensification of land use have led to reduced fallow
periods, which are therefore unable to fulfill their
desired functions (Sanginga and Mbabu, 2015). In
developing countries such as Nigeria, harsh climatic
conditions, population pressure, land constraints, and
the decline of traditional soil management practices
have in many places reduced soil fertility (Henao and
Baanante, 1999). The fertility continued to decline
due to continuous cropping (abandoning of
fallowing), reduced manure application, removal of
crop residues and animal dung for fire wood and
erosion coupled with low inherent fertility of the soils
(Tilahun et al., 2007). According to Abebe (1998),
other challenges of soil fertility decline are related to
cultural cropping practices like traditional cultivation,
removal of vegetative cover (such as straw or
stubble), burning plant residues as practiced under
the traditional system of crop production or the
annual burning of vegetation on grazing lands. All of
these have resulted in lowering of agricultural
production which is leading to food insecurity and
increased poverty. Kebede et al., 2013). Owing to the
fact that agriculture is a soil-based industry that
approaches to reduce the removal, and aid the return
of nutrients to the soil, will be required in order to
maintain and increase crop productivity and sustain
agriculture for the long term. The overall strategy for
increasing crop yields and sustaining them at a high
level must include an integrated approach to the
management of soil nutrients. An integrated approach
recognises that soils are the storehouse of most of the
plant nutrients essential for plant growth. At the same
time the way in which nutrients are managed, will
have a major impact on plant growth, soil fertility
and agricultural sustainability (Shiningayamwe,
2012). Therefore, Understanding the soil resources
for ginger production and strategies for their
management will not only boost ginger yield but will
generate more income for ginger farmers.
Soil Resources for Ginger Production
Ginger grows well in a wide range of soils from
sandy, sandy loam, clay loam, black rich clay soils,
and lateritic soils to even loamy sand. For higher
yields, the soil should be loose, friable and offer
minimum resistance to rhizome development
(Nwaogu, 2003, Kandiannan et al; 1996). Soils
having high proportion of stone or rock are
unsuitable for ginger growth as it impedes root
proliferation and plant growth. In this regard, soils
having 0 – 10 % stoniness is recommended.
Similarly, soils with very high preponderance of sand
particles are considered unsuitable for ginger
production. Such soils tend to be characterized by
high level of nutrient leaching (especially, basic
cations such as K, Ca, Mg and Na) and high rates of
water infiltration (Okwuowulu and Asiegbu, 2000).
Since the physical arrangement of the soil solids
(sand, silt and clay) dictates, to a large extent, the

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Anedo, E.O., Amadi, C.O. and Nwaogu, E.N.
 ASURI, NRCRI
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Structural Transformation in Root and Tuber Research for Value Chain Development and Employment Generation in
Nigeria

distribution possibilities of the liquid and gaseous
components within a soil system (Gardner et al.,
1999), any soil that does not provide adequate room
for liquid and gaseous exchange is considered
unsuitable for ginger production.
According to Nwaogu, (2003) other, important
aspects of soil to consider in ginger production are
slope, soil depth, texture and nutrient content. A
highly coarse textured soil is considered unsuitable
for ginger production as this soil type encourages
excessive leaching of the basic cations, high soil
acidity and is of low fertility status. It does not retain
enough moisture for metabolic and physiological
processes of ginger. Compact clay soils which are
subject to water logging or gravely soils or those
which harden are not conducive for the production of
high yielding healthy plants (Lawrence, 1984). Soil
hardiness should be less than 15.7 mm (Cho et al.,
1987). Ginger performs best on medium loams with
good supply of humus (John, 1988). Uniform loamy
texture is more suitable than other types (Hacket and
Carolane., 1982). Sahu and Mitra (1992) reported
that maximum ginger yield was achieved in sandy
loam soil having minimum bulk density of 1.20g/cc,
moderate acidic reaction (PH 5.7) and high organic
matter (organic carbon 1.1%) and available K (351
kg/ha). Noting that the yield decreased with increase
in soil clay content and decrease in pH. Being a
tuberous crop, ginger requires soil with considerable
depth for root anchorage and proliferation as well as
nutrient exploitation, a gravel soil is highly
unsuitable for ginger growth as it presents a
mechanical barrier to seed emergence, root
penetration, seedbed preparation, moisture retention
and transmission (Nwaogu, 2003). Well drained soil
with at least 30cm depth is essential but by adopting
bedding and surface mulching, shallower soil can be
utilized satisfactorily (Kandiannan et al; 1996). As
depth of soil increases, its suitability for cultivation
also increases (Cho, et al., 1987). Considering the
impact of soil depth on ginger production, Nwaogu,
(2003) stated that a flat to nearly flat land is needed
for ginger cultivation, emphasizing that this is
necessary in order to minimize the risk of surface
soil erosion which washes off top soil and can cause
mixing of varieties particularly in newly planted
fields. Steep slopes, which reduce the efficiency and
likelihood of using earth moving equipment such as
tractors for commercial production of ginger should
therefore be avoided.
Soil Related Constraints to Ginger Production
Soil Structure and Bulk Density
The best structure for ginger production is granular
structure which is characterized by loosely packed,
crumbly soil aggregates and an interconnected
network of macro pores that allow rapid infiltration
and promote biological productivity. Ginger rhizome
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Anedo, E.O., Amadi, C.O. and Nwaogu, E.N.
seedlings are very sensitive to soil physical condition
and so, there should not be any hindrance to the
emergence of tender seedlings. Soil structure that
provides optimum soil water and soil aeration to
seedling during emergence is a better option. The soil
in the seedbed should have a crumby structure so that
the peds are soft and porous and roots of the seedling
can penetrate it easily. Platy structure is often
indicative of compaction and hard compact soil layer
impedes root growth and is therefore, considered not
very ideal for ginger growth. Similarly, clay soils
with poor structure and reduced infiltration and
which may experience runoff, erosion, and surface
crusting are not also very ideal for ginger production
as such soils may impact negatively on ginger
seedling emergence. Water entry into a sandy soil can
be rapid, but subsurface drainage of sandy soils with
poor structure can also be rapid such that the soil
cannot hold water needed for plant growth or
biological habitat. Because of its effect on root
growth and on the overall development of the root
system, maintenance of a favourable soil structure is
essential for ginger production as it affects aeration,
water-holding capacity, drainage, and penetration by
roots and seedlings, among other things. Soil
structure is not a stable property and is greatly
influenced by soil management practices. Good soil
structure means the presence of aggregation which
has positive benefits for plant Growth (Gardner et al.,
1999). These benefits arise from the wider range of
pore sizes which result from aggregation. Ginger is a
shallow-rooted crop and as such, requires a friable
soil with very low bulk density. Bulk density of a
soil is a dynamic property that varies with the soil
structural conditions. In general, it increases with
profile depth, due to changes in organic matter
content, porosity and compaction. The work of
Taylor, (1971) has shown that for most field crops
(ginger inclusive), optimum bulk density of 1.5 g/cm3
is ideal for sustainable growth and yield. Growing
ginger on high bulk density (> 1.6 g/cm3) or low
porosity (< 10 %) soils is bound to affect its growth
and yield potential negatively. This is because bulk
density is an indicator of soil compaction and soil
health. High bulk density (high soil compaction)
reduces soil water infiltration, rooting
depth/restrictions, available water capacity, soil
porosity, plant nutrient availability, and soil
microorganism activity, all of which influence key
soil processes and productivity. An air-filled porosity
of 10 % is frequently cited as the minimum value that
can allow sufficient oxygen supply to sustain plant
growth (Stepniewski et al,. 1994). Aubertin and
Kardos, (1965) identified a normal range of bulk
densities for clay to be 1.0 to 1.6 mg/m3 and a
normal range for sand to be 1.2 to 1.8 mg/m3 with
potential root restriction occurring at ≥ 1.4 mg/m3 for
clay and ≥1.6 mg/m3 for sand. A wide range of soil
physical properties and processes affecting soil
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Nigeria

physical quality and health and by extension, crop
growth and yield were identified by Lal (1994).
These physical properties were grouped into three
attributes namely mechanical, hydrological and
thermal. Mechanical characteristics: These are soil
attributes that influence several soil-modifying
processes such as compaction and densification,
crusting and surface seal formation, and water
infiltration and surface runoff. Hydrological
characteristics: These comprise moisture retention
and transmission properties and surface and sub-
surface drainage. These attributes also influence
several soil-modifying processes e.g., leaching, deep
drainage and interflow, and susceptibility to drought.
Thermal characteristics: These consist of heat
capacity and thermal conductivity which interact with
climate and soil moisture regime and influence soil
temperature and heat flux. These attributes influence
a wide range of soil modifying processes including
mineralization or organic matter decomposition,
microbial respiration, de-nitrification and soil
biodiversity.
Soil Temperature/Heat
All plants do not respond the same to a given soil
temperature regime, so knowledge of magnitude and
variation in soil temperature is necessary in crop
production. Soil temperature is reported to have
controlling influence on ginger growth and yield
(Bareja, 2011). All plant growth processes such as
photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, breaking of
dormancy, seed germination, protein synthesis and
translocation are controlled by soil temperature
(Bareja, 2011). At high temperatures, the
translocation of photosysnthate is faster so plants
tend to mature earlier. In general, plants survive
within temperature range of 0 to 500C (Poincelot,
1980). Excessively low temperature can also cause
limiting effects on plant growth and development.
For example, water absorption is inhibited when soil
temperature is low because water is more viscous at
low temperatures and less mobile, and the protoplasm
is less permeable. Heat is the catalyst for many
biological processes. When soil temperatures are low
(and biological processes slow), certain nutrients are
made unavailable or less available to plants. This is
particularly true in the case of phosphorus, which is
largely responsible for promoting the development of
roots and fruit in plants. So, no heat means less
nutrients and poor plant growth. When the soil is too
cold, the rhizome seed may not germinate in the
ground. If it does, it may be weak and lack the
strength and vigor needed to develop properly, and
may be at greater risk of succumbing to pests and
disease.
Soil erosion
The main constraints faced in the potential zones for
spices are steep sloping landform leading to
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Anedo, E.O., Amadi, C.O. and Nwaogu, E.N.
excessive erosion, risk of waterlogging in valleys
during heavy rainfall periods and acidic soils due to
heavy leaching of bases from soil leading to low soil
fertility. Soil erosion and associated nutrient losses is
a serious issue in the humid tropics, more so in ginger
and turmeric as the soil is constantly disturbed for
inter cultivation operations without any conservation
measures where, substantial amount of soil and
nutrients will be removed through the runoff water
(Parthasarathy et al., 2014)
Low fertility
Crop production in peasant systems in the tropics is
generally constrained by low soil fertility. Low soil
fertility inevitably leads to low agricultural
productivity, since agricultural development is
fundamentally affected by productivity status of land
resources. Poor soil management and the fragile
nature of tropical soils generally account for heavy
nutrient losses through soil erosion and nutrient
leaching in soils (Hossner and Juo, 1999). In
countries of SSA, unsuitable soil management
activities including deforestation, indiscriminate
vegetation removal, overgrazing and use of marginal
lands for agricultural purposes often precedes
eventual degradation of soil resources and
environmental damage (Henao and Baanante, 2006).
Poor cultivation practices have resulted in decrease of
soil fertility, reduction of soil organic matter (SOM),
and increase in occurrence of acidified soils (Aihou
et al., 1998). Decline in soil fertility as a result of
land degradation decreases farmland productivity
(Amede, 2003). Escalating rates of soil nutrient
mining makes nutrient losses highly variable in
agricultural areas of subhumid and humid savannas
of West Africa, where they range from moderate to
severe loss of nutrients (Henao and Baanante, 2006).
Smaling (1993) estimated that annual net nutrient
depletion rates per hectare exceeded 30kg N and 20
kg K in arable soils of several countries in SSA. In
many parts of SSA where poor soil conservation
methods prevail, long term productivity of soil is
projected to decline considerably unless soil
management practices improve. Low soil fertility has
been implicated for the decreasing yield trends of
ginger in the tropics. Due to low soil fertility, there is
a wide spread multiple nutrient deficiencies
(especially nitrogen and phosphorous) and the
productivity of crops such as ginger is low (Nwaogu,
et al., 2011,). According to Srinlvasan et al (2012),
the major reasons for low productivity of spices such
as ginger are low soil PH, high clay, low sand content,
low CEC, base saturation, low status of organic
carbon, K, Ca, Mg and Zn. That use of low levels of
inputs likes manures and fertilizers, crop protection
chemicals, crop loss due to diseases add to the
farmers’ woes.
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Imbalance/No fertilizer application
Relatively excess/indiscriminate and long term use
of N and P straight fertilizers, which are generally
free from micronutrients, ignoring potential soil
amelioration with liming materials has raised concern
about preferential buildup of P and imbalance of
other nutrients and creating wide spread deficiencies
of secondary and micronutrients especially Mg, B
and Zn in major spice growing soils. The
alleviation of such deficiency by use of corrective
soil amendments and micronutrients fertilizers is also
limited due to non-availability of standard fertilizer
materials and its awareness by farmers. Effort to
correct this imbalance has to be made through
promotion of site specific nutrient management
taking into consideration the initial soil fertility status
(Parthasarathy et al., 2014).
Nutrient management constraints
A negative nutrient balance of 100m tons per year of
NPK is likely to increase at an estimated nutrient
removal of 3.7 m tons of NPK (11.9N +5.3 P 2O5,
20.3 K2O m tons) to meet food production by 2020,
the nutrient balance identifies excess use of N and
P2O5 and deficit use of nearly 18 m tons of K which
accounts for 55% of NPK removal. An unfavorable
ration of consumption can restrict the crop yields and
can lower the productivity, thus hampering the
fertilizer use efficiency and waste of financial
resources of the farmer. A large removal of K by
rhizomatous spices compared with little
replenishment through inputs is of major concern.
The crop residue management and loss of plant
nutrients through erosion and leaching are key factors
in monitoring plant nutrient balance in spice cropping
system. In addition, to maintaining the sufficiency
levels, serious efforts are needed to work out
secondary and micro nutrients needs and strategies
to ensure their availability (Parthasarathy et al.,2014).
Soil Fertility Maintenance Strategies in Ginger
Production
To improve the productivity of ginger producing
soils¸ application of different organic manure
sources, inorganic fertilizers, mulching and other soil
management strategies are needed in other to boost
ginger production. The following soil and nutrient
management strategies are recommended:
Contouring and use of Legume cover crops
The introduction of contour staggered trenches (CST)
with cover crops could reduce the soil loss and
runoffs to a marked extend. The use of cover crops
on steep slopes is advisable for recycling of nutrients
and consequently for an efficient regulation of flow
of nutrients by runoff and
sediments.Vegetation cover makes a nutrient more av
ailable while moderating surface runoff and sediment
movement both of which are the soil fertility that be
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Anedo, E.O., Amadi, C.O. and Nwaogu, E.N.
nefits both the main and component crops (Parthasara
thy et al., 2014). To reduce production cost and
improve soil and crop productivity, integration of
legume cover crops in tropical cropping systems is
now being highly emphasized among smallholder
farmers in the tropics (Odhiambe, et al., 2010).
Legumes play a wide role in contributing to food
security, income generation, and maintenance of
environment for millions of small-scale farmers in
sub-Saharan Africa (Tarawali et al., 2002). Apart
from being a major source of dietary protein and oil,
legumes are known to biologically fix atmospheric
nitrogen (N) in symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria.
The fixed N can at least partly reduce the N fertilizer
requirement of the main field crop in rotation. Thus it
becomes an affordable source of N for resource-poor
farmers in Nigeria (Nwaogu and Echendu, 2006). In
most farming systems in Nigeria, legumes are usually
intercropped with cereals and other field crops to
improve land productivity (Gbaraneh et al, 2004).
This practice is believed to provide the farmer with
several options for returns from land and labor, and
often increases efficiency with which scarce
resources are used. It also reduces dependence upon a
single crop that is susceptible to environmental and
economic fluctuations ( Katung et al., 2000). Cover
crops legumes are believed to have the potential to
enhance the yields of subsequent crops through
atmospheric N fixation as well as enhanced
mineralization of soil organic N during legumes
residue incorporation (Jenkinson, et al., 1985). Other
soil related benefits attributed to cover crop legume
use includes breaks to crop pest and diseases cycles
and reduces the population of bacterial and fungal
diseases and parasitic nematodes during rotation and
reduction in soil erosion through improvement of soil
physical and chemical properties (peoples and
Crawswell, 1992.).and Weed suppression through
allelopathy (Singh,et al.,2007) Integration of short
duration grain legume crops into ginger-based
farming system have been reported to improve the
organic matter, total N, Available P and
exchangeable K contents of soil and hence improved
ginger rhizome yield in Nigeria (Nwaogu et al,2010).
These grain legume crops when planted in mixture
with ginger, resulted not only in increased nutrient
status of the soil but also in enhanced growth,
rhizome yield and yield variables of ginger relative to
when ginger was sole cropped. Highest improvement
in ginger yield and soil chemical attributes was
achieved when one row of ginger was planted with
two rows of legume crops (Nwaogu and Muogbo,
2015).
Mulching
Planted ginger sets are mulched (5cm thick) within
48 hours after planting. For this reason, identification
of source and procurement of mulch materials should
be done before planting (Nwaogu, 2003; Njoku et al.,
 ASURI, NRCRI
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1995; Nwaogu, et al, 2008). However, mulching can
be delayed up to (1WAP) without any adverse effect
(Nwaogu et al., 2008). Mulching conserves moisture
and improves infiltration rate of water, lowers soil
temperatures, controls runoff losses and soil erosion,
reduces weeding and weed competition and
improves soil structure (Karl and Kotshi, 1997).
Chukwu et al (2003) stated that resource poor
farmers can sustain ginger production in south
eastern Nigeria without inorganic fertilizers provided
they apply 20t/ha of mulch. Mulching also reduces
the incidence of yellow leaf spot disease of ginger
and increases rhizome yield (Nwaogu and Echendu,
2004). Mulching could change the physical and
chemical environment of the soil resulting in
increased availability of P and K (Muralidhara,
1973). The quantity of mulch applied varies with
availability of material. In general, 10 to 30 t/ha is
applied twice or thrice one at planting, second at 45 th
day and third at 90th day after planting (Kandiannan
et al., 2012). Commonly used mulch materials are
wilted panicum maximum (guinea grass),
multipurpose tree pruning’s, pigeon pea husk
(Nwaogu, 2003, Nwaogu et al., 2003) others are
coconut leaves (Aclan and Quisung, 1977) banana
leaves (Moharnty, 1977) and green forest leaves (Roy
and Wammanan, 1988). If the quantity of the above
materials are in short supply, live mulches like sun
hemp, green grain, soybean, cowpea, mungbean,
melon and other short duration legume crops can be
intercropped with ginger and used for insitu
mulching between 45-60 days after planting
(Kandiannan et al., 2012; Nwaogu, et al., 2010).
Performance of different live mulches can be similar
but superior to unmulched plots (AICRPS, 1990).
Integration of short-duration legumes cover crops as
live much in ginger based farming system have been
reported to improve the organic matter, total N,
available P and exchangeable K contents of soil and
hence improved ginger rhizome yield (Nwaogu, et
al., 2010).
Application of organic manures/ residues
The application of organic materials to soils have
been shown to enhance crop yields, whereby yield
increases varied with agro-ecological setting and
rates of amendments applied (Schlecht et al., 2006).
The success of applying organic materials in the
tropics is due to higher decomposition rates (3 - 5
times) of plant residues and soil organic matter in
humid tropical environments than under temperate
conditions (Mueller-Harvey et al., 1985). Organic
materials have also been observed to increase
microbial biomass and activity in soils (Vinten et al.,
2002); which suggests a more responsive microbial
community in such soils. The application of organic
residues has also been shown to decrease incidence
and abundance of Striga weed aside from improving
soil fertility status (Esilaba et al., 2000). The use of
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Anedo, E.O., Amadi, C.O. and Nwaogu, E.N.
organic manures generally ensures effective and
efficient management of soil by providing nutrients
in correct quantity and proportion in environmentally
beneficial forms (Gruhn et al., 2000). Farmyard
manure can also improve nutrient and water use
efficiency as well as yields of common crops in the
humid/sub humid transition zones of SSA (Juo and
Kang, 1989). Several organic manure sources such as
poultry manure, rice mill waste, and cow dung,
(Nwaogu et al, 2010.) compost (Vevai, 1971), bio
fertilizer (Konde, et al., 1988) and others have been
used as sources of organics in ginger production. The
quantity of organics applied may vary with
availability of material and generally it varies
between 5 to 30t/ha. Organics are mostly applied as
basal doses and in certain places it is also applied
after the emergence of crop as mulch (Kandiannan et
al., 1996) different organic manure sources increased
the yield response of ginger in guinea savannah zone
of Nigeria (Nwaogu, et al., 2010). Similarly, organic
residue application significantly increased rhizome
yield, soil organic matter content and reduced
significantly, the severity of yellow leaf spot diseases
of ginger (Nwaogu and Echendu, 2005).
Liming
Liming is an important practice to achieve optimum
yields of all crops grown on acid soils and the most
widely used long-term method of soil acidity
amelioration, and its success is well documented
(Scott et al., 2001). Application of lime at an
appropriate rate brings several chemical and
biological changes in the soils, which are beneficial
or helpful in improving crop yields on acid soils
(Fageria and Baligar, 2008). Liming raises soil pH,
base saturation, and Ca and Mg contents, and reduces
aluminium concentration in acidic soils (Fageria and
Stone, 2004). The acidic soils are naturally deficient
in total and plant available phosphorus. This is
because significant portions of applied P are
immobilized due to precipitation of P as insoluble Al
phosphate or chemisorption to Al oxide and clay
minerals (Nurlaeny et al., 1996). The liming of acidic
soils result in the release of P for plant uptake; this
effect is often referred to as ‘‘P spring effect’’ of lime
(Bolan and Hedley, 2003). Increase in availability of
P in the pH range of 5.0 to 6.5 is associated with
release of P ions from Al and Fe oxides, which is
responsible for P fixation. But at high pH (> 6.5)
soluble P precipitate as Ca phosphate (Naidu et al.,
1990). Soil microbiological properties can serve as
soil quality indicators. Soil acidity restricts the
activities of beneficial microorganisms, except fungi,
which grow well over a wide range of soil pH (Brady
and Weil, 2002). Lime application is practiced in
acidic soils to correct the pH and nutrient imbalance
(Srinlvasan, et al., 2012). Igbokwe et al (1982) stated
that the growth and yield of ginger in south eastern
Nigeria, characterized by high levels of acidity and
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aluminum toxicity have been low and to ameliorate
the problem, application of lime at the rate of 1.5t/ha
have been recommended. Obasi et al., 2010) stated
that lime applied beyond 1.5t/ha may probably
induce micronutrient deficiencies resulting to low
crop yield. Palm bunch ash can also be used in
reducing soil acidity in this area (Onwuka, et al.,
2009), and contains some mineral elements needed
by plants for growth and yield mostly tuber crops and
rhizome bearing crops like ginger (Ahaiwe, 2008).
Inorganic fertilizers
For high yield of crops, the use of mineral fertilizers
will be recommended because fertilizer can promote
and sustain the ability of soils to grow crops. Among
the benefits of using the mineral fertilizers as noted
by Cheng, (2008) includes; (1) Nutrients are soluble
and immediately available to the plants therefore the
effect is usually direct and fast. (2) They are quite
high in nutrient content; only relatively small
amounts are required for crop growth. However,
fertilizer is both unaffordable and unavailable during
critical periods because the importation of fertilizer
is expensive due to shipping cost (Effiong and Ibia, 2
009). Fertilization recommendation in ginger
production varies with variety, soil type and climate.
A fertilizer dose of 36-225; 20-115; 48-200N, P2O5,
K2O5kg/ha has been adopted in different states of
India (Kandiannan et al., 2012). In Nigeria,
Okwuowulu et al (1990) recommended 105:241:26.
Applications of inorganic fertilizers are guided by the
nutrient status of the soil and usually as split
application. The first application is carried out a few
days after mulching by broadcasting which saves
time and labour while the second application is
carried out a few days after mulching at 12 WAP.
The recommended compound fertilizer is NPK
15:15:15 at 300kg/ha followed with 100kg/ha at 12
WAP in low fertility soil. For medium and high
fertility soil, ½ and ⅓ respectively of the fertilizer
requirements for low soils are recommended (Njoku
et al., 1995). Ginger responds mainly to nitrogen in
the rainforest and to both nitrogen and phosphorus in
the savannah (Nwaogu, 2003).
Micronutrient application
Despite the fact that ginger is responsive to mineral
fertilizer application, micronutrients like Zn, Fe, and
B have been shown to increase the growth and
rhizome yield of ginger (Roy, et al, 1992., and
Halder, et al, 2007). According to Halder, et al,
(2007) The integrated effect of Zn and B have been
shown to significantly influence the rhizome yield
and other yield attributes of ginger. This shows that
micronutrient deficiencies contributes to yield
reduction in ginger and can be improved by blanket
application of NPK and micronutrients (Mohanty et
al., 1993). Similarly, Judicious use of micronutrients
__________________________________________________________________________________
Page | 310
Anedo, E.O., Amadi, C.O. and Nwaogu, E.N.
with organic manure will not only increase the
rhizome yield but also help to maintain soil fertility
to some extent and play an active role in diseases
control and even increase postharvest life of spice
crop like ginger (Halder et al., 2007).
Integrated nutrient management
In recent years, the focus of soil fertility research has
been shifted towards the combined application of
organic resources and fertilizers as a way to arrest
soil fertility decline in sub-Saharan Africa
(Vanlauwe, et al., 2001). This is simply because
experience has shown that the most rewarding
benefits occur when different technologies are
combined. When applying resources and mineral
fertilizers simultaneously, one hardly ever observes
negative interactions, indicating that even without
clearly understanding the mechanisms underlying
positive interactions, applying organic resources in
combination with mineral inputs stands an
appropriate fertility management principle (Yusuf,
and Yusuf, 2008). Integrated soil fertility
management (ISFM) offers technologies that aim at
increased productivity through the use of improved
germplasm, fertilizer application, organic matter
management, and adaptation to the local conditions
of smallholder farmers (Vanlauwe et al., 2010).
There is great need for sustainable intensification of
small-scale agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa:
increasingly larger marginal areas are taken under
cultivation, insufficient nutrient inputs are used and
traditional management practices relying on recycling
of soil nutrients are unable to maintain productivity
(Smaling et al., 1993). ISFM recognizes the absolute
necessity of mineral fertilizer use, but aims at
maximizing the agronomic efficiency of moderate
quantities of fertilizer (Vanlauwe et al., 2010), as it is
an expensive commodity for most farmers. Improved,
disease-resistant germplasm is indispensable to
ensure response to fertilizer. Organic matter
commonly improves the use efficiency of fertilizer
(Vanlauwe et al., 2001). In ginger cultivation,
application of organic manures and inorganic
fertilizers is commonly practiced to increase the yield
and quality of rhizome. This is also done with an
objective to sustain soil fertility (Yanthan et al.,
2010). A few reports on the use of organic manures
and inorganic fertilizers in ginger have also been
documented (Singh and Singh, 2007; Roy and Hore,
2007). Incorporation of inorganic N combine with
neem cake (50%N) poultry manure (25%N) and
groundnut cake (50%N) where found to be best for
higher yield of up to 29t/ha-1, increased yield of
ginger and reduced the rhizome rot incidence in
India (Sarma et al., 2003). Among the different
nutrient management strategies, INM through
judicious use of inorganic fertilizers, biofertilizers,
biosolids, biological nitrogen fixation and other
nutrient cycling mechanisms that enhance nutrient
 ASURI, NRCRI
Book of Readings In honour of Dr. J.C. Okonkwo
Structural Transformation in Root and Tuber Research for Value Chain Development and Employment Generation in
Nigeria

use efficiency appears to be the best in ginger
production. (Parthasarathy et al., 2014).
Conclusion
Soil erosion, low soil fertility, imbalance/no fertilizer
application, and nutrient management constraints are
impediments to sustainable ginger production in the
humid tropics. To alleviate these problems,
development of site specific soil conservation and
nutrient management strategies should be made a top
priority. In addition to maintaining the sufficiency
levels, serious efforts are needed to work out
secondary and micro nutrients needs and strategies to
ensure their availability. This will go a long way in
restoring the soil health and hence increase ginger
yield as well as farmer’s income.
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Structural Transformation in Root and Tuber Research for Value Chain Development and Employment Generation in
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