Yield performances of quinoa for leaves under irrigation and fertilization regimes

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa sp.) is a pseudo-cereal native to South America, known mainly for seeds. In recent years, studies and research have begun to be done on leaves, as it is known that in the area of origin, some local populations used as vegetables. The aim of the research is to evaluate the effect of fertilization and irrigation on the growth and development of two quinoa varieties (Vikinga and Puno), in order to introduce them on the Romanian economic market. The experience was organized in vegetation pots, in 42 variants, in the greenhouse. The obtained results show that the species is suitable for cultivation in protected areas, under the influence of factors: variety, fertilization and irrigation. The highest amount of leafy mass was obtained by Vikinga variety under biological fertilization irrigated with 75% of water from soil capacity (SC) positively correlated with the leaf area and the number of leaves. The irrigation with a rate of 75 % of the field capacity obtained the best results, compared to the regimes of 50 % and 100 % of the soil capacity.