Response of Root Growth and Rhizome Yield of Red Ginger to Organic Fertilizer and Pruning in Agroforestry Systems

Abstract Red ginger is a plant that has medicinal potential because it contains gingerol. However, red ginger has not been optimally cultivated. Red ginger rhizome is greatly influenced by root growth. This research aims to examine the response of root growth and rhizome yield of red ginger to organic fertilizer and pruning in an agroforestry system. The study used a completely randomized block design with a nested pattern with two factors: pruning and fertilization. Pruning as a nest with two levels, namely without pruning and pruning. Organic fertilizer as a factor nested in the nest with four levels, namely: inorganic fertilizer, corn cob, Indigofera tinctoria, and goat manure compost (20 tons.ha −1 ). Repetition was carried out three times. Fertilization with Indigofera compost nested without pruning can encourage root elongation with a root length of 34.75 cm. Goat manure compost nested with pruning showed the highest fresh weight of rhizomes, which was 114.7 g. Pruning can affect the root length, weight, and number of segments of red ginger rhizomes. Without pruning, it can increase the elongation of ginger roots in agroforestry systems. Organic fertilization with pruning can encourage root growth and yield of red ginger rhizomes in agroforestry systems.