Effect of Different Organic Media and Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Amaranthus on Terrace Gardens

Amaranthus is the most preferred leafy vegetable consumed by people all over India. In the present day context of considering the pesticide free vegetable production in small space available on the building terrace for household purpose, a study was conducted at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kerala Agricultural University, using different organic media to assess the effect on growth and yield of amaranthus on terrace gardens. The experiment was laid out in completely randomised design comprising of 26 treatments with 3 replications. The data revealed significant difference in plant height, number of branches and yield. Maximum plant height was recorded in T₂₆ (Soil+Sand+Cowdung+adhoc POP of KAU) (44.11 cm) and was on par with T₁ (Soil+Sand+Cowdung) (41.55 cm), T₁₃ (Soil+Sand+Cowdung+ON) (40.33 cm), T₁₄ (Soil+Sand+vermicompost+ON) (40.33 cm) and T₂₅ (Soil+Sand+Cowdung+INM) (40.33 cm). Number of branches recorded was higher in T₂₅ (Soil+Sand+Cowdung) (11.55) which were on par with T₂₆ (Soil+Sand+Cowdung+INM) (10.11) and T₁ (Soil+Sand+Cowdung) (8.11). The yield of the entire harvest total yield was significantly higher in T₂₅ (Soil+ Sand+Cowdung+INM) (485 g/plant) and lower yield was recorded in T₉ (coirpith+Vermicompost) (84g/plant).