MSc

The effect of soil and atmospheric environment on productivity of ecotypes of Kacholam
iKaempferia galanga L.) was investigated during the year 2001-2002 at the Agricultural
research station, Mannuthy. The objective of the study was to assess the interaction effect
of soil loosening and shade in the coconut intercropping system that finally influence
development process and productivity of kacholam ecotypes and generate information on
integration of the quantitative and qualitative components of production, which is vital in
the cultivation of medicinal plants.
The results showed that the level of shade imposed did not significantly affect the
vegetative growth of Kaempferia galanga. However, it was observed that lower shade
level promoted higher rhizome yield while increased shading intensity led to higher
content of qualitative components in rhizomes. A study of the anatomy of the leaf
revealed the possibility of kacholam being a C4 plant, which is of advantage in the
stressed rainfed condition in which the crop is usually grown.
The ecotype grown had a .pronounced effect on vegetative growth and nutrient
uptake. The Vellanikkara and Echippara ecotypes produced more number of shoots and
leaves while the Thodupuzha ecotype had greater foliage spread. Expanded leaf surface
area in Kacholam is linked with weater rhizome yield, which is evident from the high
rhizome yield in Thodupuzha. However ecotype Echippara and Vellanikkara with smaller
leaves produced higher content of oleoresin and essential oil; thus more number of
smaller leaves in medicinal plants can be linked to higher quality.
Nutrient availability to plants was affected by shading and soil loosening
treatments. With regards to N content of leaf and rhizome, shading had no effect, while
contents of Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn in the leaf and rhizome were found to be increased by

higher shade intensity. However, P and K contents were found to be higher when the
level of light penetration was increased. Shallower loosening of soil i.e., up to lOcm
resulted in higher contents of major nutrients while the contents of Fe and Mn were
reduced as they were rendered unavailable. However, deep loosening to 20cm resulted in
leaching of nutrients and ultimately produced lower yield.
Low residual value obtained III path co-efficient analysis indicated that
interrelation among elements was the predominant factor affecting quantitative and
qualitative yields. N, P, K and Ca had high positive relation with rhizome yield while
Mg, S, and micronutrient, viz; Mn and Zn were positively correlated with oleoresin and
essential oil contents.
The involvement of P and K in the initial growth and development of the crop and
that of Mg and S in the formation of qualitative components call for the formulation of
phasic nutritional management system in the crop. Top dressing of P and K at initial
stages of growth, i.e, at }lh to 2 months after planting could improve vegetative growth
and rhizome yield. Application of MgS04 at the stage of formation of rhizome, i.e 4
months after planting, would favour the development of qualitative components in the
rhizome. The experimental results also show that the present level of application of
farmyard manure, i.e., 20 tonnes per hectare is sufficient to meet the N requirement of the
crop.