Growth and Nutrient Composition of Indian Spinach Grown in Saline Soil Using Treated Water

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in Batiaghata Upazila of Khulna district to evaluate the growth and nutrient composition on Indian spinach by irrigating with different water sources. Water that has been used as treatment are saline- and treated water (water from a project called Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)). A field condition was also included (control). As per consumption pattern of Indian spinach, leaf and stem are mixed together. All the growth parameters of the crop were significantly improved for treated water except for the plant height. Carbohydrate, protein, fat, total dietary fiber (TDF) and energy increased (1.06, 2.76, 0.15, 3.21 g/100 g and 23.09 Kcal/100 g) with treated water than the control and saline water while ash content (2.04 g/100 g) decreased than saline water. pH, EC, Na, K, S, Fe and Mg of the soil decreased markedly by applying treated water and other nutrients present in soil also varied. From the study, it is revealed that the best alternate source of water for irrigation is MAR water which can improve plant nutrient content and uptake and soil nutrient status.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 45(2): 197-207, December 2019