Development of enriched compost formulations and evaluation of their effects on growth, yield, and quality of palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis

Abstract

Purpose: The enriched compost has good potential as an alternative source of nutrients. In particular, less work has been done on enriched compost for green leafy crops. Method:The current study intended to determine how enriched compost affected the horticultural characteristics of Palak. Three repetitions of a randomized complete block design (RCBD) were used to test ten combinations, i.e. T1-Recommended dosage of fertilizers (RDFs) + Farmyard manure (FYM) (85:30:0 N: P: K kg/ha + 20 t/ha); T2-50% RDFs + FYM 10 t/ha; T3-FYM 20 t/ha; T4-mineral (Rock Phosphate) enriched compost (MEC1) 5 ha-1; T5-microbial enriched compost (MEC2) 5 t/ha; T6-vermicompost (VC) 5 t/ha; T7-50% MEC1 + MEC2 +50%); T8-MEC1 + MEC2 (75% + 25%); T9-MEC1 + MEC2 (25% + 75%); T10-absolute control (no application) for two consecutive years. Results: The results for growth and yield parameters revealed that the application of MEC1 + MEC2 (50% + 50%) during cultivation were found statistically at par with treatment combination T1 RDF 100% (85:30:0 N: P: K kg/ha) + FYM (10 t/ha) and led to remarkable rise in height of plants, numbers of leaves, length of petiole, leaf area, petiole diameter, giving rise to the maximum Yield in contrast to other modules (105.71 q/ha). Regarding characteristics of quality, ascorbic acid (88.54 mg), total phenols (22.52 mg), minerals content, and antioxidant activity (4.46%) were recorded higher in the same treatment T7 due to organically nutrition availability. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the application of enriched compost (MEC1 + MEC2) results in a decreased use of chemical fertilizers, leading to increased growth and Yield and enhancing the quality of leafy vegetables for human consumption. Research Highlights • Enriched compost can improve leafy vegetable growth, productivity, and nutritional quality, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing environmental and human health. • Compared to conventional fertilizers, EC1 + EC2 (50 percent each) treatment significantly increased plant height, leaf number, and yield. • Furthermore, enhanced compost application improved leafy vegetable quality, such as moisture, ascorbic acid, total phenols, minerals, chlorophyll, and antioxidant activity, boosting nutritional value. • Overall, application-enriched manures reduce chemical fertilizer consumption and increase crop production, making them a sustainable alternative.

Keywords

• Rock phosphate
• Biofertilizer
• Compost
• Palak
• Sustainable agriculture
• Production