Growing ginger out of the ground
When it comes to innovative growing practices, ginger is at the forefront of the future of horticulture. Around the world ginger has always traditionally been a field crop, with growers at the whim of the challenges growing in-ground brings. However new research and testing led by Galuku in collaboration with ginger growers is bringing new innovation to ginger – by growing ginger out of the ground.
Ginger farming traditional challenges
Traditionally, ginger has been grown in tropical climates in well-drained coastal soils. Like all farmers, ginger growers can struggle with various weeds, pests and diseases. The most notable of these are Fusarium and Pythium. Both destructive diseases cause serious rhizome rot, they cause havoc in ginger crops throughout the world. Once Fusarium or Pythium get into a ginger crop they are almost impossible to eradicate, ruining the entire patch. While many growers would see 10% crop loss as acceptable, the pervasive nature of these diseases often sees as much as 80% loss of crop.
Growing ginger out of the ground
First with a large ginger grower in Bundaberg, Australia, and then with growers around the world, Galuku began researching and testing growing ginger hydroponically in coir substrate over a period of 7 years. Using Easyfil PlanterBags and specialised coir created by our in-house agronomist, soilless ginger cultivation has consistently seen higher yields, less disease and easier labour. The success of this initial research and development has seen many growers move into hydroponic ginger in coir substrate with Galuku’s help.
The advantages of growing ginger in coir substrate
Coir substrate, sometimes called ‘cocopeat’ is a growing media made from coconut fibre. It is an ideal soilless media for commercial hydroponic ginger farming. Growing ginger in coir comes with many benefits, not the least of which is better yields and improved control.
Reduced risk of disease and pests
Unlike soil where disease entering one plant infects and ruins the whole patch, growing in coir has less risk of disease and pests. Given so many diseases are born from the soil itself, the nature of soilless growing means your growing media is guaranteed to be clean from the outset. Plus, each plant is contained in its own bag, so if any pest or disease does make its way into one plant, this one can simply be removed and the others continue to grow.
Improved productivity and yield
Specialised coir combined with the right fertigation and monitoring is a much more controlled way of growing crops, facilitating a better result. This is no exception when it comes to ginger. The initial results of ginger growers working with Galuku to grow their ginger above ground have shown that coir is ideal for improved crop productivity and yield.
Cleaner rhizome cultivation
Given the importance of having clean mother pieces for a successful ginger crop, the ability to cultivate your own clean rhizome is invaluable. With reduced disease risk and improved controllability of harvest timelines, hydroponic ginger growing is ideal for producing clean rhizome pieces.
Other benefits of growing ginger in coir include:
- Increased crop quality; including potency, flavour and aroma
- Cleaner crops reducing post-harvest labour need and spoilage risk
- Dramatic reduction in chemical use overall
- More ability to harvest on market demand
Getting started with above ground ginger
At Galuku we believe in partnering with growers to help them succeed, and ginger is no exception. If you’re ready to get started growing ginger above ground in coir substrate, let us help you! Book a consultation with our expert team or download our free technical guide in getting started.
