Response of table beet Bet avulgaris to organic fertilizer and nano-calcium spraying in growth indicators and root yield

Introduction

An important winter crop. It is cultivated for its roots, which are rich in carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Its leaves are also edible due to their beneficial nutrients. Thus, all parts of the plant are useful and have high nutritional value [10]. Cultivated beetroot, including sugar beet, is an economically important edible crop [19] . Medically, several studies have demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of table beetroot through its highly active compounds that enhance blood properties and components in humans. This suggests that the general public, and pregnant women in particular, can use beetroot as a comprehensive, non-pharmaceutical treatment for anemia prevention [17] . Ceclu and Nistor reported that beetroot is an important source of healthpromoting phytochemicals, including polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins. It also possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and hepatoprotective properties. Beetroot has benefits against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and promotes wound healing. It is also used to treat anemia, cancer, constipation, dandruff, and stomach ulcers. Beetroot fiber helps lower cholesterol [8] . and may mitigate the effects of dementia and memory loss by increasing blood flow to the brain. It also strengthens bones, and beetroot juice is used as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction [16] . Organic fertilizers: Organic farming is one of the most important modern practices in vegetable production, and it is difficult to deny that organic fertilization is one of the important methods for supplying plants with their required nutrients without any negative impact or side effects on the environment. Furthermore, excessive organic fertilization does not lead to the plant damage that occurs when fertilizing with large quantities of mineral fertilizers. Those working in the agricultural sector are also well aware of the role of organic matter in plant growth and yield, whether added to the soil or sprayed on the foliage [13] . Organic fertilizers improve the physical properties of the soil by increasing its stability and the formation of soil aggregates, and its chemical properties by increasing the soil's cation exchange capacit [12] reported results when adding 5, 10, 15, and 20 tons. In one hectare of poultry waste, the leaf area of potato plants increased linearly with the addition of organic fertilizer, which positively impacted the availability of most nutrients. This led to an increase in chlorophyll content and the rate of photosynthesis, resulting in an increase in the number of leaves and, consequently, an increase in leaf area. Table beet plants are affected by several factors, the most important of which is foliar fertilization. Most plants readily absorb nutrients when sprayed on their foliage using Symeplast and Apoplast. Therefore, foliar feeding has become a good method for supplying plants with nutrients, as well as being an effective way to transport nutrients more efficiently and quickly within the plant [1] . Consequently, attention has turned in recent years to the use of modern technologies in plant nutrition, one of the latest being nanotechnology. Studies indicate that the use of nano-fertilizers leads to increased nutrient utilization efficiency and reduces the potential negative effects of traditional application [11] .

Materials and Methods

The experiment was carried out at the agricultural research station of the College of Agriculture -University of Kufa during the agricultural season, this was done to study the response of table beet plants to organic fertilizer and spraying with nanocalcium in terms of growth indicators and root yield random soil samples were taken before planting in a field at a depth of (0-30) cm. The samples were mixed and air-dried for (72) hours, then ground and sieved through a sieve with [6] mm openings. Chemical analysis was then performed on them, as shown in the table. Table (1 The field soil was prepared by plowing it thoroughly and divided into three replicates. Each replicate was further divided into nine (9) raised beds, each representing an experimental unit measuring 3 m² by 1 m² (length x width), thus making the area of an experimental unit 3 m². The raised beds were then divided into eight (8) rows, each row containing five (5) plants. The distance between plants was 20 cm, and between rows, 30 cm, resulting in each experimental unit containing 40 plants. A 50 cm distance was left between experimental units for maintenance and isolation purposes. The distance between replicates was 1 m², where maintenance, irrigation, weeding and pest control operations were carried out.

Indicators under study

Vegetative growth indicators 1. Plant height (cm) was measured with a measuring tape from the soil surface of the pot up to the highest end of the vegetative part. 2. Number of leaves (leaf.plant -1 ) by calculating the total number of leaves for each experimental unit and then taking the average for each treatment.

Indicators of radical growth 1. Root circumference per root circumference

The root circumference was measured by wrapping a string around the widest point of the root, then measuring the length of the string with a ruler for each experimental unit, and finally calculating the average for five roots.

Root diameter

Root diameter was measured using a vernia instrument for each experimental unit, and then the average was calculated for five roots.

Chemical Indicators

Estimation of the leaves' content of total soluble carbohydrates (mg.g-1 ).

The carbohydrate content of the leaves was estimated according to the method [6] .

Results

The results shown in Table (3) addition with organic fertilizer at a concentration of 3600 g.40kg.ha -1 led to a significant increase in, root length, root diameter, number ofv leaves, and total soluble carbohydrates, reaching. 11.433 cm, 53.02cm, 43.29 leaf.planT 1 -and 14.24 mg.g-1 compared with the control treatment, which amounted to. 10.200 cm, 52.84mm, 25.43 leaf.planT 1 -and 12.88 mg.g-1 , respectively. We conclude from the results of Table (3).

The results shown in Table (3)) show that spraying with calcium at a concentration of 60 mg.L-

Discussion

Organic fertilizers are a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural systems, playing a vital role in improving soil fertility and increasing crop productivity, including that of sugar beets [15] . Their main sources include manure, poultry waste, and compost, which are characterized by their balanced nutrient content and organic matter, contributing to improved soil properties. Adding organic fertilizers enhances the physical characteristics of the soil by increasing particle cohesion and granular structure, thus improving aeration and increasing water retention capacity. This is crucial for root growth and development This results in an increase in root circumference, height, and diameter, especially in root crops like sugar beets. Organic fertilizers also reduce soil bulk density and improve water permeability, enhancing nutrient absorption. From a biological perspective, organic fertilizers activate soil microorganisms, which play a significant role in decomposing organic matter and releasing nutrients. They also secrete growth-promoting substances such as auxins and gibberellins, promoting both root and shoot growth This has a positive effect on plant height and the number of leaves. [9] . Calcium, a key nutrient, is involved in the formation and strengthening of cell walls. It is incorporated into the calcium pectates required by plant cells and contributes to regulating cell permeability and reducing water loss, thus enhancing plant tolerance to minor stresses [18] . Studies have shown that foliar calcium application improves plant quality by reducing physiological issues such as fruit cracking and blossom rot [3] . Chemically, chemical fertilizers fertilizers increase cation exchange capacity (CEC), helping retain nutrients and preventing leaching [7] . They also regulate soil pH, thereby improving nutrient availability to plants. Furthermore, they provide a slow-release source of nutrients, ensuring continuous and balanced plant nutrition throughout the growing season. This leads to improved root and plant leaves characteristics, resulting in good productivity [4] .

Conclusion

Results showed that addition with Organic fertilizer at a concentration of 3600.ha -1 led to a significant increase in root circumference, root length, root diameter, plant height, number of leaves, and total soluble carbohydrates follows that was spraying with Organic fertilizer at a concentration of 3600 g.ha -1 with nano-calcium at a concentration of 60mg.l -1 had a significant effect on the mentioned qualities.

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