Effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on growth, yield and quality of biomass of quinoa and amaranth

In this study the effect of different fertilization treatments on growth was examined, yield and quality of two pseudocereals: quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). The agronomic performance and nutritional value of quinoa and amaranth was analyzed in order to establish them as alternatives to local forages for dry-season feeding of ruminants in the Mediterranean region. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two replicates, two main plots [quinoa and amaranth] and four sub-plots (fertilization treatments: control, inorganic fertilization, compost and cow manure). The results indicated a clear superiority of quinoa over the amaranth in height and dry matter, while there were no differences in the nutritional value of biomass between the two species. In general, fertilization had a positive impact on growth and yield of both pseudocereals. Fertilization with compost showed higher values in most quality traits of biomass in the quinoa crop, while inorganic fertilization had better results in amaranth. The results of this study suggest that the quinoa and amaranth crops could be used as an alternative feed over spring legumes in dry-warm Mediterranean areas.