Bentong ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a premium ginger variety highly sought after in both domestic and international markets due to its superior aroma, taste, and medicinal properties. Traditionally cultivated in highland or mineral soil regions, its production faces challenges due to limited suitable land and soil-borne diseases. This research by Peter Laga and colleagues from MARDI explores an innovative approach for cultivating Bentong ginger on deep peat soil—an area previously underutilized due to its acidic nature, poor nutrient availability, and problematic drainage.
The study introduces the use of circular raised beds (batas bulat) instead of conventional long beds. This method is particularly effective for peat soils filled with decomposed organic matter and wood debris, which complicates standard farming practices. Each circular bed is constructed at 0.5 m² diameter and 0.3 m height, with 1-meter spacing between beds for ease of maintenance and weed control.
A key step in preparing peat soil for ginger farming is soil liming. The researchers applied 500 g/m² of magnesium lime (GML) to raise the soil’s pH from an acidic range of 3.4–4.5 to a level more suitable for ginger growth. Lime also plays a role in improving soil structure and providing essential nutrients.
To enhance productivity, the study tested the use of plastic mulch on the ginger beds. Out of 200 beds, half were mulched and the rest left uncovered. The results showed significant benefits of mulching: it suppressed weed growth, retained soil moisture during dry periods, reduced fertilizer leaching during rains, and ultimately improved ginger rhizome yield. The mulched beds produced an average of 1.43 kg per plant, compared to only 0.97 kg from unmulched beds.
Fertilizer management involved both organic inputs and conventional NPK (15:15:15) formulas, supported by foliar sprays to compensate for nutrient deficiencies typical in peat soil. Weed control between beds was done using systemic herbicides that are safe for ginger crops. Manual harvesting was performed after nine months when the ginger leaves turned yellow, indicating maturity. Care was taken to avoid damaging the rhizomes, which is crucial for maintaining market quality.
The study concludes that with proper planning, soil amendment, and management techniques, Bentong ginger can be successfully cultivated on peat soils, offering a promising solution to expand ginger farming areas and increase national productivity. Moreover, this approach supports sustainable agriculture, as it maximizes land use efficiency and reduces the need for chemical herbicides.
Future directions include exploring mechanized systems for planting and harvesting, and integrating controlled irrigation techniques such as drip or pipe-based systems to further optimize yield and reduce labor dependency.
This research is highly valuable for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers aiming to diversify Malaysia’s agricultural output, reduce reliance on imported ginger, and improve food security. It also sets the stage for innovative farming solutions adapted to challenging soil types like peatland.
Credit: Buletin Teknologi MARDI (BTM) & Halia Bentong
