Productivity of capsicum as influenced by fertigation with chemical fertilizers and humic acid

ABSTRACT

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertigation through drip on nutrient distribution and productivity of capsicum. The experiment was set up in Randomized Block Design with three levels of fertigation (100, 80 and 60% of recommended NPK) without humic acid (sole fertigation) and with humic acid (combined fertigation). Combined fertigation registered lower available N and K and higher available P in deeper soil layers. Fruit yield was 17–27 percent higher under combined fertigation over sole fertigation. Fertilizer use efficiency was higher in combined fertigation. Significantly higher N, P and K uptake was also observed under combined fertigation. Further, growth and yield of capsicum were statistically at par between 100 percent (sole fertigation) and 80 percent recommended NPK dose (combined fertigation). The results, therefore, ensures the partial replacement of chemical fertilizers with more economic and environmentally safe organic materials when applied through drip.

KEYWORDS:

• fertigation
• humic acid
• NPK
• water requirement
• Fertilizer use efficiency

Acknowledgment

Our sincere thanks are due to staff members, Department of Soil Science & Water Management for their help and co-operation during the study.

Funding

Financial support from 'Precision Faring Development Centre, university of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (India) is duly acknowledged.