Applications in sustainable production

Abstract

Capsicum plants were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions and different combinations of NK dosage were applied to the crop resulting in 12 treatments. Leaf levels of pigments and nonstructural carbohydrates were analysed and fruit yield was determined. The best yield results were obtained with a fertirrigation of N₁₈₀K₄₀. The effect of joint NK fertilization was most acutely observed on the leaf levels of chlorophyll a and carotenoids. In general, carbohydrates also showed the effects of NK interaction. The chlorophyll a is a good indicator or at least the best indicator found in the present experiment of the effect of NK fertilization. Applying doses of N and K together favoured the processes of chlorophyll and carbohydrate synthesis. The use of the optimum fertilization formulae would reduce the economic and ecological impact caused by the application of high levels of N and K.