Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and nutrient content of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field in Sivapuri village, Chidhambaram taluk, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu with chilli variety K2 as the test crop. The experimental soil was sandy clay loam. The treatments consisted of application of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers in different combinations. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated three times. The growth attributes and nutrient content were recorded at 60, 90 and 120 DAT. The results of the experiment revealed that the application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizers + poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1 + biofertilizers + 2% MgSO4 (T11) registered the maximum growth attributes (plant height, leaf area index, number of branches plant-1, chlorophyll content) and nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) of chilli.