Effect of organic farming on nutritional profile, quality characteristics and toxic parameters of amaranthus

Abstract

Amaranthus crop was grown using organic manures and chemical fertilizers and the effect of organic farming on nutritional profile, quality characteristics, toxic parameters was studied. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 15 treatments consisting of four organic manure treatments of vermicompost (VC), poultry manure (PM), farm yard manure (FYM), rotten cow dung (CD) and recommended dose of chemical fertilizers, i.e., conventional farming as control. Organically and conventionally grown amaranthus were analysed for their nutrient composition. Poultry manure application to amaranthus resulted in significant increase in iron and calcium contents in the edible part of leaves. Application of vermicompost to the crop significantly increased in vitro iron availability, total carotenes, crude fibre, vitamin C and zinc contents compared to conventionally grown crop. Both conventionally and organically grown crops were found to contain significantly higher nitrates. Among the organic manures, vermicompost and poultry manure application to amaranthus resulted in significantly higher nitrates. Application of organic manures was found to be significantly influence the nutrient content of these crops compared to conventional fertilizers.