Response of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, and soil nutrient status in chili (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), a widely cultivated spice crop has been yielding reduced quantities because of the inappropriate and haphazard handling of chemical fertilizers. An experiment was conducted to assess the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on chili's growth, yield, and soil nutrient status. It was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 7 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments used in the study were T1 (Control), T2 (Recommended dose of PK, and N through FYM), T3 (RDF + FYM), T4 (FYM), T5 (Doubling RDF + FYM), T6 (RDF + FYM + 25% of N), T7 (RDF + Poultry Manure). Among the 7 treatments performed, treatment T5 resulted in the tallest crop height while the shortest height was observed in T1. T3 produced the thickest stem whereas T1 had the thinnest stem. Maximum leaf count was observed in T6 and the lowest in T1. T3 and T6 produced the highest and lowest number of pods per plant respectively. T3 also accounted for the highest yield per plot whereas the decline in yield potential was observed in T1. Post-harvest nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content were highest in T6, T3, and T7 but nitrogen content was found lowest in T4 along with phosphorus, and potassium content in T1. Significantly higher organic matter and pH were acquired in treatments T6 and T4 while the lower organic matter and pH were recorded in treatments T4 and T1.