Effect of Bio-slurry Fertiliser on the Nutritional Quality of Shade Net Grown Swiss Chard

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the type of bio-slurry fertiliser produced from various feedstock sources that could improve the nutritional properties of shade net-grown Swiss chard. The experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications at Pwani University’s integrated biogas Unit. The factors studied were; a) Covers (shade net and open) and the second factor was bio-slurry fertiliser treatments (T1 = No fertiliser, T2 = 100% DAP+100% CAN, T3 =100% Kitchen bio-slurry fertiliser, T4 = 100% Cow dung bio-slurry fertiliser, T5 = 50% DAP -18:46:0 + 50% CAN + 50% kitchen bio-slurry fertiliser, T6 = 50% DAP- -18:46:0- + 50% CAN + 50% cow dung bio-slurry fertiliser, T7 = 50% kitchen bio-slurry fertiliser + 50% cow dung bio-slurry fertiliser). Data were analysed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level. The results indicated that bio-slurry treatments significantly influenced moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannin, oxalates, carotenoids, chlorophyll and phytates compared with the control where no fertiliser was applied. It was also noted that bio-slurry treatment significantly influenced phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and sodium compared with the control. The study concluded that a combination of 50% kitchen waste bio-slurry and 50% cow dung bio-slurry improves the nutritional quality of Swiss chard.