ASSESS THE EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC SOIL SUPPLEMENTS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SPINACH (SPINACIA OLERACEA)

Abstract

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an important leafy vegetable valued for its high nutritional content, particularly essential minerals such as calcium
and magnesium. Sustainable nutrient management and efficient irrigation practices are essential for improving soil health and crop productivity.
The present study evaluated the effect of organic and inorganic soil supplements on the growth, nutrient enrichment, and soil properties of spinach
cultivated under a sprinkler irrigation system. The experiment was conducted at the field laboratory. The study consisted of three treatments with
two replications: T1 - organic fertiliser (egg shell powder, fish meal, and panchagavya), T2 - inorganic fertiliser (NPK), and T3 - control without
fertiliser application. Soil samples were collected before and after the cropping period to analyse physicochemical parameters, including pH,
electrical conductivity, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The results indicated that the T1 treatment improved soil quality by
increasing soil organic carbon and slightly reducing soil pH compared to T2 and T3, suggesting enhanced soil fertility due to organic amendments.
Nutrient analysis of spinach leaves showed that T1 recorded the highest calcium content (8429.7 ppm), while T2 exhibited the highest magnesium
content (8183.95 ppm), whereas the control plot showed comparatively lower values. The sprinkler irrigation system maintained good water
distribution efficiency, ranging from 81% to 88% during the cropping period. Overall, the study demonstrates that the integration of organic soil
supplements with an efficient sprinkler irrigation system can improve soil health, enhance nutrient enrichment in spinach, and support sustainable
vegetable production.