Enhancing Spinach growth and yield through the synergistic effects of Rhizobacter-Enriched compost

Plant Microbe Interaction Lab, Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida 201313

^* Corresponding author: spandey5@amity.edu

Abstract

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and compost present promising solutions for bolstering agricultural sustainability by stimulating plant growth and yield while lessening dependence on chemical inputs. Our investigation delved into the combined effects of PGPR and compost on spinach cultivation, conducted at Amity University’s Organic Farm. Employing a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments and three replications, we evaluated how these treatments influenced spinach growth parameters and photosynthetic pigment levels. Results showed that treatment T5 (AIOA Strain + Compost) outperformed others, significantly boosting plant height, leaf breadth, root length, and leaf count per plant. Furthermore, T5 exhibited elevated chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, indicating enhanced photosynthetic function and overall plant vigor. These outcomes underscore the potential synergy between PGPR and compost in fostering sustainable crop production. By diminishing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides while enhancing soil health and nutrient cycling, integrating PGPR and compost-based biofertilizers offers an economical and environmentally friendly avenue for augmenting agricultural productivity and mitigating environmental hazards. Further exploration into optimization techniques and underlying mechanisms is crucial to fully harness the potential of these microbial and organic interventions across varied agroecological settings. Overall, this study contributes to advancing our knowledge of employing microbial and organic methods in sustainable agriculture, crucial for addressing global challenges in food security and environmental conservation.