Effect of different bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

¹ Research scholar of Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201303, India
² Assistant Professor-II, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201303, India

Abstract

A field trial was conducted with the aim to study the effect of different bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Spinach stands as a significant leafy vegetable in global agriculture, prized for its nutritional richness and versatile culinary applications. With an increasing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, the investigation of alternative fertilization methods has garnered attention, particularly bio-fertilizers known for their eco-friendly attributes and potential multifaceted benefits. This study delves into the effects of diverse biofertilizers on the growth and yield of spinach crops. During the rabi season of 2023-2024, the field experiment was carried out at AlOA Amity University Noida U.P. Agricultural Research Farm. The experiment was organized in a randomized complete block design to assess the efficacy of different bio-fertilizer treatments. Key growth parameters including plant height, leaf area were meticulously monitored throughout the crop cycle. Additionally, yield metrics such as fresh weight and marketable yield were recorded to evaluate the productivity of spinach plants under various bio-fertilizer regimes with six treatments consisting of a single or combination of bio-fertilizers in three replications. T6 (Vermicompost + azotobacter +poultry manure) exhibited the highest values for maximum plant height, no. of leaves per plant, length and width of leaves, leaf area, followed by T5 and T4 at 30, 45, and 60 DAS. The minimum plant height and other morphological parameters were observed in the treatment T1 (control) at 30, 45, and 60 DAT. T6 (Vermicompost + azotobacter + poultry manure), T5 (Azotobacter + Vermicompost), and T4 (FYM and poultry manure) had the highest fresh weight whereas the control treatment had the lowest. When compared to all other treatments, the treatment T6 (Vermicompost + Azotobacter + poultry manure) produced the highest growth and yield.