Getting started in soilless turmeric farming with coir

How to start growing turmeric hydroponically

Grow turmeric above-ground and future proof your farm

Growing turmeric hydroponically has many benefits, including improved yield, reduced risk of disease and more productive crops that can mature faster. Whether you’re moving a current turmeric crop out of the ground, or planning to farm turmeric for the first time, there are several important factors to consider before deciding if hydroponic soilless turmeric farming is right for you. Read on for our expert advice on growing turmeric hydroponically, what to consider to be successful and how to get started!

The benefits of growing turmeric in coir substrate

Coir substrate, also known as ‘cocopeat’ is a growing media made from coconut fibre, the husk of coconuts. Coir is an ideal growing media for commercial hydroponic turmeric farming.

The benefits of soilless turmeric farming include

• Reduced risk of soil-borne disease
• Improved crop productivity and yield
• Increased quality of crop; including potency, flavour and aroma
• Cleaner crops reducing spoilage risk and post-harvest labour need
• Dramatically reduce chemical use overall
• More ability to harvest on market demand
• The cultivation of clean rhizomes “seed” or “mother” pieces

What to consider before starting to growing turmeric hydroponically

Coir substrate

A successful soilless turmeric crop starts with the right substrate. A well-balanced blend of coir substrate is advisable to allow turmeric rhizome expansion while still maintaining consistent water-holding capacity (WHC) and air-filled porosity (AFP) throughout the lifecycle of the crop. In collaboration with leading Australian farmers, Galuku has compiled over seven years of research and development to fine tune a proven blend and tailor a product solution for the successful cultivation of soilless turmeric and ginger crops.

Irrigation infrastructure

Suitable infrastructure for irrigation is required to ensure successful turmeric cultivation. We recommend an A & B stock tank system with pH adjustment, automated dosing and computerised controller support. This will allow precise control of the root-zone environment.

Specialised expertise and support

Having the right products is only part of successfully growing turmeric hydroponically in coir. With any new growing method or crop you need specialised support from experts who know how to help you succeed. Galuku partners with their growers, and is here to support and advise you on project design, layout, infrastructure, nutrition, and irrigation strategy to ensure your turmeric crop is the best it can be. Our patented systems and years of research and development position us as the perfect partner for you and your hydroponic turmeric crop.

Timing consideration

Implementing a commercial hydroponic turmeric growing system can be a long process. Depending on the scale and complexity of your project, availability of supply, and additional factors, it can take many months to organise everything ready for planting out. Scoping out your needs early is key to reaching your goals, book a free consultation so we can help!

If you’re serious about growing turmeric hydroponically, soilless turmeric farming in coir substrate is the best choice. Experience improved yields, cleaner disease-free crops, increased productivity and much more! Learn how to start for yourself by downloading our free guide to growing turmeric and ginger.