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Evaluating the Impact of Biodegradable Biofertilizers on Ginger Yield and Quality: A Comparative Study of Vaerer®, Magarshakthi®, and Rhyzo® Treatments
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), part of the Zingiberaceae family, is a valuable herbaceous perennial commonly grown as an annual spice (Figure 1). Widely cultivated from tropical to temperate climates, it is valued for its flavor, pungency, and aromatic and medicinal properties, which are attributed to its essential oil and oleoresin content. India leads in global ginger cultivation area and production, exporting 10–15% of its yield. However, India’s average productivity, at 3.6 Mg·ha−1 (Figure 2) is well below the global average.
Figure 1: Fresh Ginger Root
Ginger can be cultivated under both rainfed and irrigated conditions, depending on rainfall frequency and distribution. As a shallow-rooted plant that is a heavy nutrient feeder, ginger requires a substantial nutrient supply at key growth stages. Imbalanced, low, or absent fertilizer use can negatively impact rhizome growth and yield. Additionally, overuse of chemical fertilizers can harm the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological quality, leading to reduced yields over time.
Figure 2: Production volume of ginger across India from financial year 2015 to 2022, with an estimate for 2023(in million metric tons)
Vaerer®, Magarsakthi®, and Rhyzo® are bio-degradable products derived from organic matter through the interactions of earthworms and microorganisms. They serve as nutrient-rich natural biofertilizers, plant growth promoters, and soil conditioners, supplying essential macro- and micronutrients and enhancing soil quality and crop yield. A balanced nutrient approach combining organic manures and inorganic fertilizers in optimal ratios is a sustainable strategy for crop production, soil health, and environmental protection. The current study investigates the combined effects of these products and nutrient management on ginger’s growth, yield components, fresh rhizome yield, quality, and water productivity in India.
Figure 3: Comparative analysis of rhizome biomasses of two treatment Vaerer® and Magarshakthi®+Rhyzo® against a control
Figures 3 and 4 present data comparing two treatment combinations against a control, highlighting their effects on crop yield through percentage yield increase and average yield per plot (kg):
Treatments:
- Vaerer (1 litre/acre)
- Magarshakthi® (5 kg/acre) + Rhyzo® (1 litre/acre)
Results:
Figure 3 represents the rhizome biomasses of ginger has a higher yield with the treatment of Magarshakthi®+Rhyzo®, indicating a stronger impact on crop productivity than Vaerer® (1 litre/acre). Figure 3 represents the absolute yield per plant highlights the effectiveness of each treatment in increasing yield over the control. The control group shows the lowest yield, while Magarshakthi® + Rhyzo® leads to a significant increase, and Vaerer® results in the moderate yield per plant.
Figure 4: Effects of Vaerer® and Magarshakthi®+Rhyzo® on percentage yield increase
These results suggest that the Magarshakthi® + Rhyzo® treatment may act synergistically, providing nutrients or biostimulant effects that enhance plant growth and yield more effectively than Vaerer® (1 litre/acre). For farmers aiming to maximize yield, Magarshakthi® + Rhyzo® appears to be the more effective choice based on this data.
In conclusion, the data supports Magarshakthi® + Rhyzo® the superior treatment, offering a significant yield increase both in percentage and absolute terms compared to Vaerer®.