Influence of inorganic nutrients and biofertilizers on growth parameters of Palak

Now-a-days, the producers are taking more interest in the nutritional harvest i.e., quality of the produce in terms of its food value rather than its quantity per hectare. Ignorance of organic manures and random use of chemical fertilizers, soil becomes vulnerable that leads to nutrient imbalance and threat to ecological sustainability. A Field experiment was conducted during the rabiseason at the College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Palak, a nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable, is an essential crop for human consumption, providing vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. To meet the increasing demand for Palak, farmers rely on fertilizers to enhance growth and productivity. Inorganic nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are widely used, but their excessive application can harm the environment and human health. Biofertilizer offers a sustainable alternative to promoting plant growth while maintaining soil health. Therefore, research with the ten integrated treatments consisting of inorganic nutrients (75%, 50% and 25% NPK kg ha-1), Bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Arka Microbial Consortium (AMC) along with Arka vegetable special (micronutrient spray) @ 5 gm litre-1 was done for 3 times at 15 days interval with three replications. Results revealed that maximum growth was influenced by the application of a 50% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (NPK kg ha-1), 50% Biofertilizers (Arka Microbial Consortium + Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria), along with Arka Vegetable Special (micronutrient spray). This study investigates the influence of inorganic nutrients and Biofertilizers on growth parameters like Leaf area, Leaf area Index, Specific leaf area, Specific leaf weight, and Leaf area duration of Palak, aiming to identify an optimal fertilization strategy that balances productivity and environmental sustainability.