Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
VP Nadre, SJ Shinde, KB Nagargoje and PR Hange

Abstract:
The study conducted at the Organic Farming Research and Training Centre, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidhyapeeth, focused on the impact of bio-fertilizers and organic manure on Indian spinach during the summer season of 2021-2022. Employing a Factorial Randomized Block Design, three bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, PSB, Azospirillum) and two organic manure FYM levels (75% and 100% RDN through FYM) were evaluated, totaling twelve treatments. Observations on growth, yield, quality, soil analysis, and economic factors were recorded and statistically analyzed. The results highlighted significant effects of bio-fertilizers and organic manure on growth, yield, and quality parameters. Azotobacter demonstrated the shortest germination period (5.26 days) and highest germination percentage (90.18%). Azospirillum exhibited optimal growth attributes, including number of leaves (12.74), plant height (29.17 cm), leaf area (61.27 cm2), and shoot length (27.80 cm). PSB led to the minimum days to horticulture maturity (32.55). The treatment with 100% RDN through FYM showed favorable results in various growth parameters and days to maturity. Azospirillum resulted in superior yield attributes, including fresh weight of leaves (21.91 g), total plot yield (13.87 kg), and total yield per hectare (20.38 t). Similarly, the 100% RDN through FYM displayed higher values for yield parameters (fresh weight, total plot yield, total yield per hectare). Quality parameters, such as chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid value, and iron content, were notably higher with Azospirillum and the 100% RDN through FYM treatment. Soil analysis revealed maximum available nitrogen with Azospirillum, phosphorous with PSB, and potassium with PSB treatment. The highest monetary returns and benefit-cost ratio were achieved with Azospirillum and the 100% RDN through FYM treatment. In summary, Azospirillum bio-fertilizer and 100% RDN through organic manure FYM exhibited superior effects on the growth, yield, and quality of Indian spinach compared to other bio-fertilizers and organic manure levels.