Comparative nutrient uptake and yield of Indian palak (Beta vulgaris L. var. bengalensis Roxb.) in hydroponics and other growing media

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to standardize best growing media for Indian palak. The transplanting for winter season was done in October while that for the summer season was done in March and February using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and UV-stabilized growth bags containing coco peat and soil media. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments in which plants were raised with NFT, soilless media in growth bags and in soil with and without 5% spray of jeevamrit. The NFT system consisted of PVC channels in which nutrients were recirculated at definite intervals, but for cocopeat and soil, the nutrient and water requirements were supplied as per recommended dose. Among treatments, T₂ (5 per cent spray of Jeevamrit + Plants raised in Nutrient Film Technique) had largest leaf area, NPK content in leaves, total nutrient uptake, higher dry matter of above and below ground mass as well as yield. It also showed the highest BC ratio (2.50:1) making it the most profitable and cost effective growing media for Indian palak. This hydroponic medium has the added advantage of being easily replicable in urban and peri-urban areas with little or no space for commercial agriculture.

Keywords:

• Indian Palak
• Jeevamrit
• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
• nutrient uptake
• soilless media

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in Horticulture (NCPAH) and Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India for financial support through Precision Farming Development Centre (PFDC), Solan.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.