Integrated nutrient management studies in chilli type Keshori local

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the growth and yield of the Keshori local variety of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. Chilli is an essential crop valued for its pungency and color, widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers has led to ecological imbalance and declining productivity in the Keshori variety. The study aims to assess the effect of combining organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on chilli growth and yield. The experiment, conducted at the College of Agriculture, Nagpur, utilized a randomized block design with 10 treatment combinations involving different ratios of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), vermicompost, farmyard manure (FYM), and neem cake. Results demonstrated that the treatment of 50% RDF combined with 50% vermicompost (T3) yielded the highest growth and yield parameters, including plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, fruit weight, and yield per hectare. Thus, INM with vermicompost and chemical fertilizers proved effective in enhancing chilli production and maintaining soil health.