Optimizing Cultivation Parameters and Bioactive Potential of Curcuma longa L. in Non-Traditional Climates

This study evaluated the impact of various soil amendments on turmeric (Curcuma longa) biomass production, curcuminoid concentration, and subsequent antibacterial efficacy. Twenty soil treatments, including a control, were applied to raised beds. Post-harvest, total biomass was recorded as fresh weight. Curcumin content was quantified via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and the resulting extracts were screened for antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli. Soil amendments applied at a nitrogen concentration of 300 kg/ha significantly enhanced turmeric biomass compared to other treatments. Furthermore, the treatments influenced the secondary metabolite profile, with specific amendments yielding peak curcumin concentrations. These findings suggest that optimized nitrogen-based soil amendments not only maximize physical yield but also enhance the bioactive potential of turmeric, providing a strategic approach for high-quality pharmaceutical-grade cultivation.