Influence of Organic Manures and Bio-fertilizers on the Growth and Productivity of Indian Spinach

Abstract

The present study was conducted during the winter season of 2024–2025 at CRC-3, Turari, Department of Horticulture, ITM University, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising ten treatments, replicated thrice. Treatments included combinations of organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) and bio-fertilizers (PSB and Azotobacter). The results demonstrated that the combined application of FYM (10 t/ha), Vermicompost (4 t/ha), PSB (8 kg/ha), and Azotobacter (8 kg/ha) (T₁₀) significantly enhanced growth and yield attributes. The highest plant height (25.50 cm), number of leaves per plant (15.00), fresh weight per plant (88.61 g), yield per plot (7.60 kg), and yield per hectare (168.88 q/ha) were recorded under T₁₀. In contrast, quality parameters such as chlorophyll content (7.93 mg/100g), and total soluble solids (8.06 °Brix) were highest in T₇ (FYM 12 t/ha + Vermicompost 5 t/ha + PSB 10 kg/ha). Root length (13.73 cm) was maximized in T₅ (Vermicompost 10 t/ha + PSB 10 kg/ha), and the highest number of roots per plant (2.97) was recorded under T₃ (FYM 25 t/ha + PSB 10 kg/ha). Treatments T₇ and T₁₀ were found to be significantly superior in enhancing both quality and yield parameters.