Organic and inorganic amendments improved the morpho-physiological and nutritional status of moringa (Moringa oleifera) genotypes

Abstract

Overuse of synthetic fertilizer affects the nutritious quality of moringa (Moringa oleifera) and environmental pollution. Moringa, a miracle tree, is classified as an important herbal plant due to its immense medicinal and non-medicinal benefits. However, organic amendments in the soil can improve the growth and nutritious status of M. oleifera plants on a sustainable basis. The study evaluated the effects of organic and inorganic amendments on M. oleifera genotypes’ physico-chemical and nutritious values. Results revealed that organic and inorganic amendments showed a significant effect on plant growth, water relations, gas exchange, and nutritious attributes in M. oleifera genotypes, while the maximum effect was observed when these amendments were applied in combination with BCRF₅₀ (50% RF + Bacillus + Compost). The applications of organic and inorganic fertilizers improved the plant growth parameters as plant height was improved by 36% under different soil amendments as compared to CTRL and maximum plant height was observed when RF, Bacillus, and compost were applied in a combination at BCRF₅₀ (50% RF + Bacillus + Compost). Photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water potential, and relative water content increased by 13, 29, 19, and 18%, respectively, under different organic and inorganic amendments compared to CTRL. Biochemical attributes chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total soluble proteins, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase increased by 49, 50, 48, 48, 44, and 50%, respectively, under different organic and inorganic amendments as compared to CTRL and maximum improvement was observed when RF, Bacillus, and compost were applied in a combination at BCRF₅₀ (50% RF + Bacillus + Compost). Nutrient contents of nitrogen, phosphorous, and zinc increased by 80, 30, and 92%, respectively in M. oleifera leaves under different amendments. Among different genotypes, M. oleifera genotype GNK outclassed other genotypes due to its better genetic potential and better utilization of resources under different organic and inorganic amendments. The combination of RF, Bacillus, and compost at BCRF50 significantly enhances the nutritional value of M. oleifera by enhancing chlorophyll content, water relations, gas exchange parameters, osmolyte production, and antioxidant activities.