Influence of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertigation Levels on Economics of Capsicum (Capsicum  annuum var. grossum L.) under poly house

Abstract:

Capsicum (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.) also referred to as sweet or bell pepper is a highly priced vegetable crop both in the domestic and international market. In India capsicum is grouped under non-traditional category of vegetables. Nutritionally it provides vitamin C (283 mg) and zinc, the two nutrients which are vital for a strong and healthy immune system. It also has high content of vitamin A, rutin (a bioflavonoid), ß carotene, iron [1]. And minerals like calcium (13.4 mg), magnesium (14.9 mg) phosphorus (28.3 mg), potassium (263.7 mg), energy (24 Kcal), protein (1.3g), carbohydrate (4.3g) and fat (0.3g) per 100 g fresh weight [24]. The experiment was conducted in a naturally ventilated poly house at Water Technology Centre, Horticulture Farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi 2019-20. The experiment comprised of three replications in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors {i.e. N levels (4), K levels [3] and twelve treatments Viz; N fertigation levels of 0 %, 120 % (216 kg N ha-1) , 150 % (270 kg N ha-1), 180 % (324 kg N ha-1) and K fertigation levels of 0 %, 80 % (96 kg K2O ha-1), 100% (120 kg K2O ha-1) respectively. The 100 % RDF was 180, 90 and 120 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1. The fertigation schedule was completed in a total of 37 splits. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture with low in available nitrogen (166.5 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (81.1 kg P2O5 ha-1) and low in available potassium (245.4 kg K2O ha-1). Irrigation was scheduled at 0.8 Epan based on pan evaporation data. The total water applied to the crop was 414.8 mm. Results revealed that N180 (₹ 13,07,160 and ₹ 8,21,800) recorded higher gross and net returns which were significantly superior over other levels and was on par with N150 (₹ 12,16,580 and ₹ 7,31,924), while the lowest gross and net returns were noticed with N0 (₹ 9,93,890 and ₹ 5,12,756) respectively. With regard to potassium fertigation a significant difference was noticed. However K100 (₹ 13,13,757 and ₹ 8,28,461) recorded significantly higher gross and net returns compared to K80 and K0. The significantly lower returns were recorded with K0 (₹ 10,43,503 and ₹ 5,62,007) respectively. The benefit cost ratio ranged from 1.67 to 3.27. As concerned with nitrogen applications N180 (2.69) recorded significantly higher benefit cost ratio followed by N150 (2.51). The lowest was recorded with N0 (2.07). Among potassium doses K100 (2.71) recorded maximum value, while the lowest was recorded with K0 (2.17). Based on the overall performance, application of 180 % N and 100% K2O (324:120 kg N and K2O kg ha-1) can be recommended for green capsicum hybrid grown in poly house under semi-arid tropical climatic conditions of Hyderabad during rabi season.