Abstract:
A study was conducted to
assess the effects of a bio-fertilizer and an
inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield of
spinach vegetable, on four cultivated soils,
representing different agro-ecological zones
of Chengdu, Hunan, Xiaotangshan and
Shaanxi. Three replicates soil samples
mixed with bio-fertilizer 100 g per pot and
nutrient solution (MgSO4, Ca(NO)2, KNO3)
633 ml based on container volume. Spinach
seeded directly ten per pot, thinned to five
watered to plant water requirement until
maturity. RCBD of three replication used,
data for growth, yield and other agronomic
characters and soil physicochemical
properties evaluated. Soil results showed
substantial differences in physicochemical
properties from the four agro-ecological
zones (Ferrod Arenosol, Entisol, Aridisol
and Vertisol). Plant emergence percent were
Xiaotangshan (74.8%), Chengdu (74.5%),
Hunan (72.4%) and Shaanxi (70.7%), plant
height at six week, Xiaotangshan (17.8 cm),
Hunan (17.1 cm), Shaanxi (16.8 cm) and
Chengdu (16.1 cm) the least, number of
leaves at six weeks were Xiaotangshan (21),
Hunan (19) and (16) Shaanxi, leaf area
Hunan (89.5 cm²), Shaanxi (83.7 cm²),
Chengdu (79.4 cm²) and Xiaotangshan (78.1
cm²), dry biomass of 4.88, 4.35, 3.83 and
3.03 g obtained for Hunan, Chengdu,
Shaanxi and Xiaotangshan, respectively.
Percentage plant emergence based on soil
layers were 0-25 cm (75.8%), 25-50 cm
(75.3%), 50-75 cm (71.6%) and 75-100 cm
(69.6%), respectively; highest plant
emergence percentage were obtained from
top soil layer of Hunan, treated with biofertilizer.
Substantial differences were
observed for plant height, biomass and other
agronomic characters in all the soils. The
results show that Hunan soil is the most
suitable for cultivation of spinach under biofertilizer
treatment, compared to other types.
The study underpins the importance soil types and fertilizer evaluation for a
sustainable vegetable production in China.
