Enhancing Growth and Yield of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) with Natural Fertilizers in Organic Farming Systems

Abstract

In organic agriculture, boosting plant growth and resilience with natural inputs is crucial for sustainable crop production. Organic extracts are effective, eco-friendly agents that can enhance crop performance across different field conditions. This experiment looks into how various organic extracts affect spinach by examining key growth, physiological, biochemical, and yield parameters. We conducted the study using a randomized block design featuring six treatments and three replications. We measured plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), and the levels of chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll. The results showed that spinach treated with organic extracts demonstrated improved vegetative growth, better water retention, higher photosynthetic pigment levels, and enhanced membrane stability. These findings suggest that the plants had better physiological functioning and stress tolerance, especially those treated with panchgavya and seaweed. Overall, the results confirm that organic extracts can effectively promote sustainable spinach cultivation while also improving soil health and crop quality.