354 _ QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Nov., 1902. 
Tropical Industries. 
CULTIVATION OF GINGER. 
The Journal d’ Agriculture Tropicale for July, 1902, contains an article on 
ginger, portions of which we translate in the interests of those who are growing 
that spice in Queensland :— 
‘‘ Jamaica is the true home of ginger. In 1897 there were exported from 
that island 666,600 kilogrammes (1,466,520 Ib.), valued at 1,332,200 franes 
(£55,550). This quantity was produced by 25,000 growers. ‘ 
“The plant demands much hand labour, and also plenty of sunlight, a 
virgin soil, and moisture. Ginger must be planted in countries where the sun 
is seldom obscured by clouds. As to rainfall, a maximum annual fall of 
72 inches is sufficient. The Barbados have shown that a calcareous soil, 
cultivated for the past 200 years, is suitable if properly manured. The land 
must be thoroughly worked and carefully cleared of weeds before planting. 
This must not be neglected, because during the growing season, if the weeds 
are torn out and the soil disturbed, the moisture may reach the rhizomes and 
cause them to rot. 
“When the land is planted, it is covered with dry banana leaves and with 
stable manure, but artificial manure must be added, as the stable manure hag 
little effect.” 
Here the Journal says that “unfortunately we do not as yet know of 
manures suitable for ginger.” We (Queensland Agricultural Journal) would 
oint out that if ginger is planted in a deep, sandy, peat soil, never suffering 
rom drought, yet free from standing water, only phosphoric acid and potash 
will be required. The quantity per acre is 500 Ib. of a fertiliser containing — 
Available phosphoric acid = we: ... 10 per cent. 
Potash eres Be, es 11 * 
“Tn dry countries, where drought lasts for a considerable time, irrigation 
is indispensable, and where heavy rains are the rule drainage’ must be carefull 
carried out, because humidity and stagnant water are inimical to the plant, the 
rhizomes of which acquire, in consequence a disagreeable odour called 
‘black rot.’ This disease is also attributable to the attacks of worms, and 
poe in this case cryptograms occur, which have not as yet been fully 
studied. 
“ Commercial ginger is the dried rhizome of the plant, which rhizome must 
not be confounded with the root. Itis a true subterranean branch, bearing 
minute leaves in the form of little scales. ‘The true roots are very small, with 
no ramifications, and which die as the rhizome develops and runs underground. 
They are also seen on the subterranean stolons. 
“The most valuable form of the rhizome is that which takes the shape of 
a hand with the fingers extended rectilinearly, and this shape it is sought to 
obtain in the cultivation. It arises from the fact that the branch springing 
from the eye of the nodule planted forms lateral: pairs of branches alternately 
from each side. They are raised more easily if the soil has been well worked 
and well prepared before planted, provided that vigorous plants have been 
selected. When the stalks bleach which occurs in January and February, 
then is the time to gather the rhizomes. If the period of maturity is allowed 
to pass, the rhizomes will send up aerial stalks and will become fibrous, but 
before this, for several months they remain succulent, and may be used for 
making preserved ginger. 
“The stool is raised by a single stroke of a hoe. As all bruises or 
breaks detract from its commercial value, the stool should be lifted in a mags. 
This operation requires almost a talent and a long apprenticeship. When 
extracted from the soil, the rhizomes are placed in a heap, haying been previously 
