Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrients on Soil characteristics, Nutritional Quality and Economics of Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.)

Author: Gangadhar Eswar Rao, V. Venkatachalapathi, M.M. Venkatesha, R.N. Lakshmipathi and Kushal

Download PDF

Abstract

A field study was conducted during Kharif 2021 at Research Institute of Organic Farming (RIOF) field unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore to investigate the influence of various organic nutrient sources on soil characteristics, nutritional quality of grain and the economic aspects of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) cultivation. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of twelve treatments, each replicated three times. Among the various organic nutrient sources tested, the combination of 50% N equivalent Farmyard Manure (FYM) and 50% N equivalent Pongamia cake (PC) resulted in the highest organic carbon content (0.66%) and the uptake of essential nutrients (58.7 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, 17.4 kg ha-1 of phosphorus, and 57.2 kg ha-1 of potassium), protein (12.98 g), calcium (414.98 mg), and iron (13.08 mg) per 100 grams of grain amaranth seeds. However, application of 100% N equivalent Pongamia cake (PC) significantly increased the crude fiber content (5.23 g) and oil content (7.14%) in the grain amaranth, whereas the lowest values were observed in the absolute control. Furthermore, Treatment 4, which involved the application of a microbial consortium to the soil at a rate of 1.5 kg ha-1, demonstrated significantly higher populations of beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (45.52× 105 CFC/g of soil, 15.83× 104 CFC/g of soil, 19.13× 103 CFC/g of soil, 27.17 × 106 CFC/g of soil and 13.46× 106 CFC/g of soil, respectively) compared to the other organic nutrient sources. In terms of economic considerations, the application of 50% N equivalent Pongamia cake (PC) combined with 50% N equivalent Bio digestor liquid manure (BDLM) resulted in the highest net return and benefit-to-cost ratio (89511 Rs. ha-1and 2.43 respectively).

Keywords

Amaranth, Organic nutrient sources, Pongamia cake (PC), Bio digestor liquid manure (BDLM), Microbial consortium, Nutritional quality, Grain yield and B:C ratio

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the choice of organic nutrient sources can affect soil characteristics, nutritional quality, and economic returns in grain amaranth cultivation. The microbial consortium treatment improved soil microbial activity, potentially enhancing soil health. Furthermore, specific nutrient combinations, such as the use of pongamia cake and Bio Digester Liquid Manure, showed promising economic benefits. Among the various organic nutrient sources tested, the combination of 50% N equivalent Farmyard Manure (FYM) and 50% N equivalent Pongamia cake (PC) resulted in the highest organic carbon content (0.66%) and the uptake of essential nutrients (58.7 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, 17.4 kg ha-1 of phosphorus, and 57.2 kg ha-1 of potassium), protein (12.98 g), calcium (414.98 mg), and iron (13.08 mg) per 100 grams of grain amaranth seeds. However, application of 100% N equivalent Pongamia cake (PC) significantly increased the crude fiber content (5.23 g) and oil content (7.14%) in the grain amaranth, whereas the lowest values were observed in the absolute control. Furthermore, Treatment 4, which involved the application of a microbial consortium to the soil at a rate of 1.5 kg ha-1, demonstrated significantly higher populations of beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (45.52× 105 CFC/g of soil, 15.83× 104 CFC/g of soil, 19.13× 103 CFC/g of soil, 27.17 × 106 CFC/g of soil and 13.46× 106 CFC/g of soil, respectively) compared to the other organic nutrient sources. In terms of economic considerations, the application of 50% N equivalent Pongamia cake (PC) combined with 50% N equivalent Bio digestor liquid manure (BDLM) resulted in the highest net return and benefit-to-cost ratio (89511 Rs. ha-1 and 2.43 respectively).

References

-

How to cite this article

Gangadhar Eswar Rao, V. Venkatachalapathi, M.M. Venkatesha, R.N. Lakshmipathi and Kushal (2023). Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrients on Soil characteristics, Nutritional Quality and Economics of Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 315-321.