Soil nutrient analysis on inorganic nutrients and biofertilizer application in spinach beet (Beta vulgaries var. Bengalensis)

Abstract

In recent years, the consumers are becoming more aware about the use of chemical free vegetables particularly leafy vegetables. Hence, it becomes the need to sustain the production level with minimum or no use of chemicals. Continuous application of chemicals deteriorates the soil and cause soil problems. Ignorance of organic manures and random use of chemical fertilizers, soil becomes vulnerable that leads to nutrient imbalance and threat to ecological sustainability. It is also well understood that the ideal soil condition can be created through combination of organic manures for maximum crop yield. Keeping this facts in view, A Field experiment has been conducted to study the effect of inorganic nutrients and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of spinach beet during rabi, at PG research farm, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad with the ten integrated treatments consisting of inorganic nutrients (75%, 50% and 25% NPK kg/ha), Biofertilizers such as Azotobacter, Phosphorous Solubulizing Bacteria (PSB), Potassium Solubulizing Bacteria (PSB), Arka Microbial Consortium (AMC) and Arka vegetable special @ 5 gm/litre was done for 3 times at 15 days interval with three replications were arranged in a randomized block design. Results revealed that Maximum macronutrients and micronutrients are recorded high in effective nutrient combination of application of 50% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (NPK kg/ha), 50% Biofertilizers (Arka Microbial Consortium + Potassium Solubulizing Bacteria) along with Arka vegetable special (micronutrient spray) after harvest of the crop.