IMPACT OF BIOFERTILIZERS ON NUTRIENT CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF AMARANTHUS
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Date
2011
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ACHARYA N.G. RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
Abstract
Amaranth greens, are common leafy vegetables available throughout the tropics and
in many warm temperate regions. It is remarkably rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium and
folate. However, there is very little information on the use of biofertilizers and organic
manures alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers on Amaranthus yield and quality.
Thus this study is desgined to evaluate the impact of biofertilizers on nutrient content and
antioxidant activity of Amaranthus.
The experiment was conducted in complete randomized design with 12 treatments
and three replications. Vermicompost, chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers were applied to
the soil according to the treatments imposed. Amaranthus seeds were sown in poly bags
with different treatments. The crop was harvested at 30 days (first picking), 45 days
(second picking), 60 days (third picking) DAS. At each picking, yield was noted. Fresh leaf
samples were used for estimation of vitamin C content and total carotene content. Dry
powdered leaf samples were used for estimation of total antioxidant activity, total phenols
and mineral content. The physico-chemical properties of soil and microbial population of
soil was estimated before sowing and after harvesting of crop. The shelf life was assessed
after harvesting at room temperature and refrigeration temperature.
There were significant differences in yield, vitamin C content, carotene content,
minerals, phenols and antioxidant activity of Amaranthus. Among treatments significantly
higher yield was recorded with the application of 50% RDF+NBF+PSBF. Total dry weight
differed significantly among the treatments at all stages. Higher total dry weight was
recorded with the application of 50 % RDF+NBF+PSBF.
The quality parameters viz., vitamin C content, carotene content, minerals, phenols
and antioxidant activity were significantly higher with the application of 50%
RDF+NBF+PSBF.
The shelf life of Amaranthus was significantly better with the application of 50%
RDF+NBF+PSBF and the lowest shelf life was recorded in 100% RDF. The results from
this study demonstrated that yield and quality parameters will be improved by combined
application of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers
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Keywords
biofertilizers, vermicomposting, fertilizers, azotobacter, yields, planting, bacteria, amaranthus, organic fertilizers, nitrogen, AMARANTHUS, ANTIOXIDANT, BIOFERTILIZERS