Studies on the Fertilizer Requirements of Spinach Plants Growing in Soilless Cultivation

This research was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt to determine the effect of different nutrient solution formulations on the growth of spinach grown in two different cultures from the blended substrates. Three different nutrient solutions were used with or without compost tea+ spirolina extract (six treatments). Spinach plants were planted in pots filled with a mixture of substrates (sand + peat moss + perlite) or (vermiculite + peat moss + perlite) in a volume ratio of 1: 2: 1. The results showed that the plant height and plant weight of spinach were significantly affected by different nutrient solution and growth media. The highest values for these parameters were obtained with Cooper's solution and a mixture (vermiculite + peat moss+ perlite) (1: 2: 1), and on the other hand, the lowest values for these parameters were obtained by the mixture of the media (sand - peat - perlite) (1: 2: 1). This mixture of nutrient solution + 50% compost tea + spirulina extract achieved the highest values of elements percentage for spinach. Nutrient uptake was closely related to the dry matter of spinach, where a mixture of (vermiculite + peat moss + perlite) substrates gave the highest values in terms of minerals uptake. Data are tabulated for the N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn content in spinach plants at each treatment. The obtained results showed a clear variation in the chemical and physical properties of the different media and nutrient solution after the plants were harvested.