Growth and yield performances of turmeric (<em>curcuma longa</em>) grown in dry zone of Sri Lanka as affected by planting space, growing media and shade

Turmeric is mainly grown as monocrop or intercrop in wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. However, promoting the dry zone turmeric cultivation under intensive irrigation proper shade conditions could address increased demand for locally produced create an extra potential exportation. Therefore, it essential urgent need to find out feasibility growing semi-arid areas. Thus, this study focus evaluate effect different plant spacing, media, on growth yield performances Hambantota district,belong zones. The split-plot design was used. main plot consisted two levels (30% without shade), subplots were assigned three spacing (30 x 20 cm, 30 40 cm) potting media (Cow dung: Topsoil - 1:1, Cow Topsoil: Sand – 1: 0.5 replicated by times. Results revealed no significant interaction shade, planting height, leaf length yield. effects found between height rhizome improvement plants established cow topsoil; 1:1 cm spacing. significantly highest recorded from 30% compared number sprouts media. both shade. results be concluded that are topsoil: with condition suitable dry/semi-arid areas