Effect of organic and bio fertilizer on the growth and yield of quinoa

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during the Rabi season at Himalayan University, Jollang, Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) to evaluate the effect of organic manure and bio fertilizer on the growth and yield of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). The study was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatment combinations involving spacing (25 cm × 15 cm,) and two bio fertilizers PSB(Phosphate solubilizing bacteria) AMF(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) and three organic manure was applied alone and in combination. Among all treatments, T3 (chicken manure+ phosphate solubilizing bacteria) performed the best, recording the highest plant height (79.3 cm), number of leaves per plant (45), crop growth rate (0.38 g m⁻² day⁻¹), and relative growth rate (0.16 g g⁻¹ day⁻¹). T₂ also produced the highest test weight (3.85 g), grain yield (21.3 t/ha), stover yield (8.23t/ha), and harvest index (41.4%). Additionally, it recorded the highest protein content (18.4%), gross returns (Rs75186.67/ha),net returns (Rs 59453.33/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (3.49). All these improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared to the control (T₁).