Varietal difference of NO3 uptake in fresh and frozen spinach (Spinacia oleracia L.) by organic and inorganic amendments
2016
Ilyas, F.
The nitrates are consumed indirectly in food. The permissible limit of nitrate for an adult ranges from 30 to 250 mg per kg. Nitrate dose above this concentration may prove to be hazardous for human health. Nitrate upon reduction to nitrite can cause methaemoglobinaemia. The leafy vegetables are the major vehicle for the entry of nitrate into the human system. The main objective of the study was to check the effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic amendments. Soil was brought from the research farm of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on spinach growth and their effect on the concentration of nitrate in different varieties of spinach. Two factors were used i.e. three varieties (Desi Palak, Prickley Heat and White Spinach); three fertilizer treatments i.e. T1 (Control without Nitrogen), T2 commercial Fertilizer Dose) and T3 (Integrated Fertilizer Dose), with a total of 3 treatments having 3 replications. At harvest, growth and yield parameters like plant height, root length, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, and no of leaves, fresh and frozen leaves nitrate content was determined by using spectrophotometer. Soil sampling and physico-chemical analysis was done before and after harvesting of the crop. Desi Palak showed more nitrate concentration 52 mg per kg in comparison to other varieties. Nitrate concentration was found more in frozen state. Use of Farmyard manure was proven as an effective tool to lessen nitrate concentration.
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