Abstract:
The aim of the study was to study the effect of bio-extract and chemical fertilizer (CF) on the growth and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) growing in a hydroponic system. The experiment was set as completely randomized design. The applications of fertilizer were using six treatments for three replications; 1) A and B standard solutions (control); 2) CF 15-15-15; 3) vermiculture bio-extract; 4) CF 15-15-15 and vermiculture bio-extract (1:1); 5) CF 15-15-15 and vermiculture bio-extract (1:3); and 6) 15-15-15 and vermiculture bio-extract (1:5), preparing the EC of 1.4 mS/cm and pH between 5.8 to 6.0. The experiment revealed that the treatment of CF A and B standard solution yield the highest survival rate, height, fresh weight and nutrient content of 70%, 8.9 cm., and 274 g, respectively. The proportion and amount of nitrogen of 1.78%, phosphorus of 3.15 mg/g, potassium of 4.84 mg/g, magnesium of 0.59 mg/g, calcium of 0.88 mg/g, Ferrous of 0.01 mg/g, beta-carotene of 0.03 mg/g and chlorophyll of 0.01 mg/g, respectively.