Optimizing organic ginger cultivation: Evaluating growth behavior and production potential of HP 05/15 in eastern Himalayan Inceptisols

Can specific ginger genotypes thrive under organic farming (OF) in the acidic Inceptisols of Eastern Himalayas Region (EHR)? This study identifies HP 05/15 as the top performer in yield, quality, and soil health improvement. Over two years (2019–20 and 2020–21), field experiment was conducted involved ten different ginger genotypes with three replications. Results revealed that the lowest incidence of bacterial wilt disease (18.10 %) and maximum fresh rhizome yield (15.50 Mg ha −1 ) was found at HP 05/15. Meanwhile, significantly higher dry recovery (22.30 %) and crude fiber content (6.89 %) was recorded at Bhaise, followed by HP 05/15. At Bhaise, genotype HP 05/15 was noticed significantly higher (47.30 %) essential oil content and oleoresin (+43.20 % more) content followed by V0.5/2. Similarly, genotype HP 05/15 was registered the significant improvement of production efficiency (41.10 %) and profitability (43.30 %) as comparison to the Bhaise. In case of soil health improvement, genotype HP 05/15 cultivated plot was recorded ∼6.40 % reduced bulk density ( pb) , increased ∼13.40 % total water stable aggregates (TWSA), ∼6.35 % soil organic carbon (SOC), ∼12.80 % macronutrients, ∼13.50 % micronutrients and ∼ 14.90 % biological activity. Overall, genotype HP 05/15 recommended for organic farming (OF) cultivation due to its high yield, disease resistance, essential oil content, profitability, and positive effects on soil health improvement, making it ideal for sustainable cultivation in the Eastern Himalayas Region . • HP 05/15 ginger genotype excels in yield, disease resistance, and essential oil content. • Organic farming with HP 05/15 enhances soil health, improving SOC and biological activity. • Bhaise genotype shows high dry recovery and crude fiber content, following HP 05/15. • Sustainable ginger cultivation with HP 05/15 boosts production efficiency and profitability.