Zeitschrift für Gartenbau
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Comparison of Growth Indices, Biomass, Anatomy, Phytochemical and Elemental Activity of Hydroponically Grown and Soil Grown Amaranthus

Gulshan Jha, Nikhil Kawatra, Akhilesh Dubey

Hydroponics has emerged as one of the most popular agricultural production methods today. However, whether hydroponically produce plants of comparable quality to soil grown plants is still unclear. Thus, in this study, morphology, biomass, growth indices, anatomy, phytochemical compounds, macro and microelements were determined and compared in hydroponically and soil grown Amaranthus. Amaranthus hybridus is naturally gluten-free and a good source of calcium, zinc, copper, vitamin B6, folate, and an excellent source of fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. It not only provides healthy nutrition but also boosts our immune system. They have exceptional medicinal properties, making them in high demand in the society and various industries. Growth data revealed that it appears morphologically far better than soil. The roots were evident and long, leaves having large petioles with broad lamina and intense green color. So many branches were appeared as compared to soiled ones. In a hydroponic setup, dry weight was increased by seven times. It can be related to the presence of a more significant number of corticular vascular bundles in the cortex of hydroponically grown roots which help them to absorption of more nutrients and water. Phenolic compounds are found to be 15 times less than soiled plants because they are considered anti-nutrients and are only produced when plants are stressed, whereas flavonoid is found to be three times more abundant in hydroponic systems. Mineral elements are also found to be more abundant in hydroponic systems. To maximize profitability, plants should be grown in hydroponic systems in order to obtain healthy nutrition or therapeutic potential.