| Sumario: | Beetroot was grown in an open soilless cultivation system with nutrition supplied
by organic and inorganic sources. This low emission system was tested for microgardening
high quality red beets with high water use efficiency and less pollutant emission
in the environs. For this purpose, a pot experiment was planned according to completely
randomized design. For inorganically grown red beets, peat moss was combined with
150, 200 and 250 ppm NH4NO3, whereas for organic red beets, peat moss was amended
with compost having nitrogen equivalent to the mentioned NH4NO3 concentrations.
Rosette and roots were analysed for fresh and dry biomass. Nitrate content, total soluble
solids, titratable acidity, ripening index, ascorbic acid, betacyanins, flavonols and antioxidant
capacity were assessed as beetroot quality attributes. Combination of peat moss
with NH4NO3 showed comparatively lower fresh plant biomass, fresh and dry biomasses
of rosette and root, and root to rosette ratio. However, enhanced antioxidant activity and
bioaccumulation of ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, betacyanins, flavonols and reduced
titratable acids, resulting in higher ripening index and good quality were observed in
peat moss combined NH4NO3 treated beetroots. Overall, combination of peat moss with
NH4NO3 led to higher nutritional and antioxidant quality of red beet plants.
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