Mr. Gnaneshwar Ramesh, Team Lead, R and D Department at Way2Grow, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, explains spice cultivation in soilless systems.
There are many external and internal factors that cause poor and inconsistent growth in plants. The reasons could be unexpected rainfall, severe storm, or hailstorm. So, Controlled Environment Agriculture is helpful in controlling biotic and abiotic factors, consistency of yield etc. In normal cultivation methods, we may not get the same amount of yield every year. In soilless cultivation, we can be assured that we will in fact get more. With climatic change becoming highly unpredictable which the traditional farming cannot withstand, our only option is CEA. It increases yield, quality, and genetic potential. The only disadvantage here is the high investment cost which not everyone can afford. The reason for many opting out of traditional way of cultivation these days is that we cannot control the factors. In CEA we get consistent production, capability, and good yield. If the rain damages a particular area, the yield will be low. And hence it is better not going with traditional way.
The main difference between hydroponics and soilless is almost similar, but hydroponics is considered soilless farm, but soilless farming is not considered hydroponic as we do not use the NFT but only trough to grow. The advantages are non-production loss, no pest to affect production, higher and consistent yield and good quality since we give the plants the exact amount of nutrients the plants need. We can achieve the export quality parameters in traditional method too, but it is not consistent. When we take turmeric for example, the crop cycle varies in each variety such as 9 to 10 months or even 6 months in the ones that are developed by the Spices Research Institute, Kozhikode. Curcumin is extracted from turmeric. The ideal temperature for turmeric conditions is about 25 to 30 degree Celsius and humidity about 80%. The light conditions should be partially shady. We use shade net usually so that the plants do not get exposed to scorching sun. Nutrition is split into two stages, up to 150 days vegetative growth when it grows first and then rhizome. We have to focus on nitrogen rich fertiliser during this stage and then higher Potassium and Nitrogen levels. EC and pH should be around 5.5 which is ideal for each crop and 2000 PPM respectively. The conventional yield of turmeric is 16 tons per acre, and in soilless cultivation we get 24 tons per acre.
We have to select the variety according to the location and climatic conditions such as higher humidity and temperature. If these two are good, we can go ahead with more plantation. Pragati and Prathibha varieties can be grown 2 crop cycles in a year depending on the climatic conditions. Some varieties have higher curcumin and good resistance for disease and pest. If humidity is high, the diseases affect the plants. Not only in turmeric, but we also need to know a few steps in soilless and hydroponics cultivation of all crops. the level of pH in irrigation determines the availability of nutrients to the crops. If it is above 6.5, the nutrient availability will reduce. So, a new type of fertiliser is being developed which is EDTA coated fertiliser to prevent the fertiliser to react with the other fertilisers mixed with the water. In higher or lower pH, this will dissolve. But it is quite expensive. EC or electrical conductivity determines the combined nutrient level in the water. When we add more nutrients, the EC in water will increase which can be measured in 3 ways, total dissolved salts which has a unit called PPM, EC measured in micro siemens. Each EC meter will have different readings of EC and PPM ratio, and so it is better to stick to one meter.
Even in a CEA, pests and diseases can affect the plants. It may not be in a larger scale. By carefully watching over it, we can solve the issue in the beginning itself. Usually, grasshoppers, caterpillars affect the plants, and they are treatable. There will be no pest residue in the crop we are cultivating. If dissolved oxygen is low in the irrigation water, it will attract anaerobic bacteria affecting production. It is better to check the water before delivering into polyhouses. The Media moisture has to be checked regularly which should be ideally in 1:10 ratio. Flushing and leaching of media are done to prevent salt accumulation in the media. Flushing is a method where we can use RO or distilled water to completely flush the media to remove the sedimented salt deposits into the trough. Once the plants start taking the nutrients, the pH should increase. It is an indication that the plants are taking the nutrients properly. Dissolved oxygen should be higher to facilitate this. We use photosynthetic photon flux density active radiation which will vary for each crop. This may cost us Rs. 10 thousand, and they will give specific reading in lumens 10 to 20 thousand and PPM around 150 to 300 plus. For leafy and green vegetables, this is ok. For turmeric and vine crops like cucumber, it is better to have it between 300 to 350 PPFD.
We should have tools like soil moisture meter with scale of 1:!0, multi-meter to check the pH of the media and set light intensity. Then we should have EC meter to check the dissolved oxygen in the irrigation water. The higher the oxygen level, the better for the plants as diseases will not affect the plants, and good bacteria will grow. These parameters should be checked every day. We can use Hydrogen peroxide to increase the pH. Temperature and humidity meter will read the temperature outside the greenhouse and inside. The reading should be between 25 to 30 degrees. If it is higher, especially turmeric plans will wither. We should have temperature controlling machine, both manual and automated. We can also use fans and pads system to adjust the temperature and humidity. PPFD meter is needed one time only in the crop cycle, while selecting the site for the farm. If the pH is low, we can add more alkaline liquids like sodium hydroxide or nitric and phosphoric acid. We can check the leaf temperature using temperature sensor to set the ideal temperature inside. If one nutrient is high, it will affect the other nutrients element. So everything should be in ideal range. We have to refer to the deficiency chart to know how a nutrient-deficient plant would look like.
The combo of micronutrients will vary for each crop. We can use HydroBuddy website which will ask how much nutrient is needed, and after filling the data, we should select the fertiliser available with us. In soilless and hydroponics cultivation, we use water soluble fertilisers which dissolve in water and gives nutrition to plants. Regarding turmeric, we have two methods to grow it – start the seedling by direct sowing method which is great but expensive. The plant will not need nutrient for many days after growing as the rhizome has all the nutrients. Next is the single bud method where we cut the rhizome into pieces and keep it in phosphate filled cocopeat for 30 days. once the plant grows about 3 to 4 inches, it has to be transplanted on a single bed. We have to give nutrients after germination. The expenditure here is low and yield high. The major cost of cultivation goes for seeds, manure, land preparation and works out to Rs. 1.20 lakhs. The soilless cultivation is consistent in all areas and costs R. 1.85 lakhs as the nutrient is expensive here. Turmeric now sells at Rs. 210 per kg. We have to boil turmeric, polish, dry, and then we will get yield percentage about 20% which may increase as per variety. Due to demand, the price is also increasing. The CEA is quite expensive, climatic changes, and so we are looking for soilless cultivation, and it is good to have good knowledge about it before venturing into it.
How does spice cultivation in soilless system compare to the traditional cultivation system? What are the key advantages of using soilless cultivation system for spices?
In soil cultivation, the cost is around Rs. 1 lakh, and in soilless cultivation, it is Rs. 80 thousand. Initial expenses are higher in soilless, but we don’t have the capital expense in soil cultivation. For example, if we take ginger, we would have seen people cultivating it and after harvest leave the land without cultivation for 4 years which is done to prevent any diseases. So we usually want to cultivate disease free. This can help us to get export quality because in export quality, there will be parameters such as it should be disease free, no pesticide residue, and no low curcumin content. There are many such criteria. It is easily achievable by cultivating spice in soilless system as we do not use soil, but the cocopeat in inert media where the presence of bacteria that can cause disturbance will not be there. Whatever we introduce in the media is only the helpful bacteria like Trichoderma.
What is the role of hydroponics in spice production without soil? What types of soilless methods are most suitable for growing spices?
We cannot say spice cultivation in hydroponics method. It is not ethical too. We can cultivate spices in media like cocopeat and others. We can consider hydroponics as soilless system, but we cannot consider soilless system as hydroponics and market the produce as hydroponically grown. We can market it as soilless produce without residue, disease, and we have to mention these things. For beginners, it is advisable to go with cocopeat media as it will not have any issues. And after gaining some experience, they can go for different compositions of media. 25% cocopeat, 25% perlite, 25% vermiculate and so on. If one is experienced, he can do trials with media. For beginners, it is better to stick to cocopeat, low EC cocopeat. They have to look for low EC and higher EC cocopeat. They should buy low EC as the salt deposit in this will be low. When they want to try new media, they can go with 75% cocopeat and 25% perlite. The cost of cultivation is high here. The cheapest is going with cocopeat.
What challenges are associated with spice cultivation in soilless environments?
The main challenge is irrigation. If we are not measuring the dissolved oxygen and soil moisture, and if not found in order, we have to regulate the parameters. Otherwise the plants will face issues of diseases, rhizome rot, and the same issues that the traditional farmers are facing. If these two parameters are good, the challenges are low other than pests like lace-winged bugs. We have to keep an eye on this and remove them at an early stage to solve the problem. Managing the farm is the next challenge. We should be in the farm every day. In soilless cultivation, the buffer system of irrigation should be maintained. Other than these there are no challenges in soilless cultivation system.
Are there any environmental benefits in adopting soilless system for spice farming? How can technology enhance the efficiency of soilless spice cultivation?
In a normal farm, we cannot control temperature and humidity. If these two are high, the photosynthesis rate will reduce and result in low yield. In soilless system, we can adjust the temperature and humidity as per our needs. It will not affect photosynthesis and yield. We can use technologies such as automatic EC and pH dispenser to regulate the same. A company supplies equipment to facilitate this. From your location, you can monitor the crop, EC, pH measurements, irrigation, and we can include drone scouting. There are also AI tools coming these days, and apps to let us know about pests. We can thus reduce manpower used in farms.
Please share some successful stories and case studies from soilless cultivation of spices. How does nutrient management differ in soilless spice cultivation compared to the traditional method?
We started our trial unit of one acre in Chennai, and when it proved successful, we shortlisted the successful variety to use the next time. We have got land in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, where construction is going on, and we are going to cultivate ginger and turmeric with Ashwagandha in the pipeline. In traditional method, we use urea, DAP, and NPK fertilisers which are not fully used by the plants as they get leached into the ground system or water body causing algae growth. In soilless cultivation, the fertiliser we use is 100% water soluble and fully available to the crop. We are giving the nutrients exactly as required by the plants at the right time. There is no leaching here.
Can you share details about yourself, your career background, and what made you take interest in this field?
After completing schooling, I went to an institute in Bangalore which specialises in soilless spice cultivation. It is near Yelahanka in Bangalore. They provide 3 months in depth course on spice cultivation and hydroponics. I realised the demand and market for this and entered this field. After joining Way2Grow, we tried with cucumber and capsicum. The main reason for me to enter this field is the climatic change leading to collapse of many countries. With soil becoming less fertile, ground resource depleting, and salt accumulation, soilless cultivation is the only option.
CONTACT: Mr Gnanaeshwar Ramesh, Team Lead-
R&D Department, Way2grow, Kandigai, Vandalur
Chennai, Tamilnadu 600048
Email : gnanaeshwarramesh@yahoo.com
Phone: 9489586510
There are many external and internal factors that cause poor and inconsistent growth in plants. The reasons could be unexpected rainfall, severe storm, or hailstorm. So, Controlled Environment Agriculture is helpful in controlling biotic and abiotic factors, consistency of yield etc. In normal cultivation methods, we may not get the same amount of yield every year. In soilless cultivation, we can be assured that we will in fact get more. With climatic change becoming highly unpredictable which the traditional farming cannot withstand, our only option is CEA. It increases yield, quality, and genetic potential. The only disadvantage here is the high investment cost which not everyone can afford. The reason for many opting out of traditional way of cultivation these days is that we cannot control the factors. In CEA we get consistent production, capability, and good yield. If the rain damages a particular area, the yield will be low. And hence it is better not going with traditional way.
The main difference between hydroponics and soilless is almost similar, but hydroponics is considered soilless farm, but soilless farming is not considered hydroponic as we do not use the NFT but only trough to grow. The advantages are non-production loss, no pest to affect production, higher and consistent yield and good quality since we give the plants the exact amount of nutrients the plants need. We can achieve the export quality parameters in traditional method too, but it is not consistent. When we take turmeric for example, the crop cycle varies in each variety such as 9 to 10 months or even 6 months in the ones that are developed by the Spices Research Institute, Kozhikode. Curcumin is extracted from turmeric. The ideal temperature for turmeric conditions is about 25 to 30 degree Celsius and humidity about 80%. The light conditions should be partially shady. We use shade net usually so that the plants do not get exposed to scorching sun. Nutrition is split into two stages, up to 150 days vegetative growth when it grows first and then rhizome. We have to focus on nitrogen rich fertiliser during this stage and then higher Potassium and Nitrogen levels. EC and pH should be around 5.5 which is ideal for each crop and 2000 PPM respectively. The conventional yield of turmeric is 16 tons per acre, and in soilless cultivation we get 24 tons per acre.
We have to select the variety according to the location and climatic conditions such as higher humidity and temperature. If these two are good, we can go ahead with more plantation. Pragati and Prathibha varieties can be grown 2 crop cycles in a year depending on the climatic conditions. Some varieties have higher curcumin and good resistance for disease and pest. If humidity is high, the diseases affect the plants. Not only in turmeric, but we also need to know a few steps in soilless and hydroponics cultivation of all crops. the level of pH in irrigation determines the availability of nutrients to the crops. If it is above 6.5, the nutrient availability will reduce. So, a new type of fertiliser is being developed which is EDTA coated fertiliser to prevent the fertiliser to react with the other fertilisers mixed with the water. In higher or lower pH, this will dissolve. But it is quite expensive. EC or electrical conductivity determines the combined nutrient level in the water. When we add more nutrients, the EC in water will increase which can be measured in 3 ways, total dissolved salts which has a unit called PPM, EC measured in micro siemens. Each EC meter will have different readings of EC and PPM ratio, and so it is better to stick to one meter.
Even in a CEA, pests and diseases can affect the plants. It may not be in a larger scale. By carefully watching over it, we can solve the issue in the beginning itself. Usually, grasshoppers, caterpillars affect the plants, and they are treatable. There will be no pest residue in the crop we are cultivating. If dissolved oxygen is low in the irrigation water, it will attract anaerobic bacteria affecting production. It is better to check the water before delivering into polyhouses. The Media moisture has to be checked regularly which should be ideally in 1:10 ratio. Flushing and leaching of media are done to prevent salt accumulation in the media. Flushing is a method where we can use RO or distilled water to completely flush the media to remove the sedimented salt deposits into the trough. Once the plants start taking the nutrients, the pH should increase. It is an indication that the plants are taking the nutrients properly. Dissolved oxygen should be higher to facilitate this. We use photosynthetic photon flux density active radiation which will vary for each crop. This may cost us Rs. 10 thousand, and they will give specific reading in lumens 10 to 20 thousand and PPM around 150 to 300 plus. For leafy and green vegetables, this is ok. For turmeric and vine crops like cucumber, it is better to have it between 300 to 350 PPFD.
We should have tools like soil moisture meter with scale of 1:!0, multi-meter to check the pH of the media and set light intensity. Then we should have EC meter to check the dissolved oxygen in the irrigation water. The higher the oxygen level, the better for the plants as diseases will not affect the plants, and good bacteria will grow. These parameters should be checked every day. We can use Hydrogen peroxide to increase the pH. Temperature and humidity meter will read the temperature outside the greenhouse and inside. The reading should be between 25 to 30 degrees. If it is higher, especially turmeric plans will wither. We should have temperature controlling machine, both manual and automated. We can also use fans and pads system to adjust the temperature and humidity. PPFD meter is needed one time only in the crop cycle, while selecting the site for the farm. If the pH is low, we can add more alkaline liquids like sodium hydroxide or nitric and phosphoric acid. We can check the leaf temperature using temperature sensor to set the ideal temperature inside. If one nutrient is high, it will affect the other nutrients element. So everything should be in ideal range. We have to refer to the deficiency chart to know how a nutrient-deficient plant would look like.
The combo of micronutrients will vary for each crop. We can use HydroBuddy website which will ask how much nutrient is needed, and after filling the data, we should select the fertiliser available with us. In soilless and hydroponics cultivation, we use water soluble fertilisers which dissolve in water and gives nutrition to plants. Regarding turmeric, we have two methods to grow it – start the seedling by direct sowing method which is great but expensive. The plant will not need nutrient for many days after growing as the rhizome has all the nutrients. Next is the single bud method where we cut the rhizome into pieces and keep it in phosphate filled cocopeat for 30 days. once the plant grows about 3 to 4 inches, it has to be transplanted on a single bed. We have to give nutrients after germination. The expenditure here is low and yield high. The major cost of cultivation goes for seeds, manure, land preparation and works out to Rs. 1.20 lakhs. The soilless cultivation is consistent in all areas and costs R. 1.85 lakhs as the nutrient is expensive here. Turmeric now sells at Rs. 210 per kg. We have to boil turmeric, polish, dry, and then we will get yield percentage about 20% which may increase as per variety. Due to demand, the price is also increasing. The CEA is quite expensive, climatic changes, and so we are looking for soilless cultivation, and it is good to have good knowledge about it before venturing into it.
How does spice cultivation in soilless system compare to the traditional cultivation system? What are the key advantages of using soilless cultivation system for spices?
In soil cultivation, the cost is around Rs. 1 lakh, and in soilless cultivation, it is Rs. 80 thousand. Initial expenses are higher in soilless, but we don’t have the capital expense in soil cultivation. For example, if we take ginger, we would have seen people cultivating it and after harvest leave the land without cultivation for 4 years which is done to prevent any diseases. So we usually want to cultivate disease free. This can help us to get export quality because in export quality, there will be parameters such as it should be disease free, no pesticide residue, and no low curcumin content. There are many such criteria. It is easily achievable by cultivating spice in soilless system as we do not use soil, but the cocopeat in inert media where the presence of bacteria that can cause disturbance will not be there. Whatever we introduce in the media is only the helpful bacteria like Trichoderma.
What is the role of hydroponics in spice production without soil? What types of soilless methods are most suitable for growing spices?
We cannot say spice cultivation in hydroponics method. It is not ethical too. We can cultivate spices in media like cocopeat and others. We can consider hydroponics as soilless system, but we cannot consider soilless system as hydroponics and market the produce as hydroponically grown. We can market it as soilless produce without residue, disease, and we have to mention these things. For beginners, it is advisable to go with cocopeat media as it will not have any issues. And after gaining some experience, they can go for different compositions of media. 25% cocopeat, 25% perlite, 25% vermiculate and so on. If one is experienced, he can do trials with media. For beginners, it is better to stick to cocopeat, low EC cocopeat. They have to look for low EC and higher EC cocopeat. They should buy low EC as the salt deposit in this will be low. When they want to try new media, they can go with 75% cocopeat and 25% perlite. The cost of cultivation is high here. The cheapest is going with cocopeat.
What challenges are associated with spice cultivation in soilless environments?
The main challenge is irrigation. If we are not measuring the dissolved oxygen and soil moisture, and if not found in order, we have to regulate the parameters. Otherwise the plants will face issues of diseases, rhizome rot, and the same issues that the traditional farmers are facing. If these two parameters are good, the challenges are low other than pests like lace-winged bugs. We have to keep an eye on this and remove them at an early stage to solve the problem. Managing the farm is the next challenge. We should be in the farm every day. In soilless cultivation, the buffer system of irrigation should be maintained. Other than these there are no challenges in soilless cultivation system.
Are there any environmental benefits in adopting soilless system for spice farming? How can technology enhance the efficiency of soilless spice cultivation?
In a normal farm, we cannot control temperature and humidity. If these two are high, the photosynthesis rate will reduce and result in low yield. In soilless system, we can adjust the temperature and humidity as per our needs. It will not affect photosynthesis and yield. We can use technologies such as automatic EC and pH dispenser to regulate the same. A company supplies equipment to facilitate this. From your location, you can monitor the crop, EC, pH measurements, irrigation, and we can include drone scouting. There are also AI tools coming these days, and apps to let us know about pests. We can thus reduce manpower used in farms.
Please share some successful stories and case studies from soilless cultivation of spices. How does nutrient management differ in soilless spice cultivation compared to the traditional method?
We started our trial unit of one acre in Chennai, and when it proved successful, we shortlisted the successful variety to use the next time. We have got land in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, where construction is going on, and we are going to cultivate ginger and turmeric with Ashwagandha in the pipeline. In traditional method, we use urea, DAP, and NPK fertilisers which are not fully used by the plants as they get leached into the ground system or water body causing algae growth. In soilless cultivation, the fertiliser we use is 100% water soluble and fully available to the crop. We are giving the nutrients exactly as required by the plants at the right time. There is no leaching here.
Can you share details about yourself, your career background, and what made you take interest in this field?
After completing schooling, I went to an institute in Bangalore which specialises in soilless spice cultivation. It is near Yelahanka in Bangalore. They provide 3 months in depth course on spice cultivation and hydroponics. I realised the demand and market for this and entered this field. After joining Way2Grow, we tried with cucumber and capsicum. The main reason for me to enter this field is the climatic change leading to collapse of many countries. With soil becoming less fertile, ground resource depleting, and salt accumulation, soilless cultivation is the only option.
CONTACT: Mr Gnanaeshwar Ramesh, Team Lead-
R&D Department, Way2grow, Kandigai, Vandalur
Chennai, Tamilnadu 600048
Email : gnanaeshwarramesh@yahoo.com
Phone: 9489586510