Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Srijana Bharati, Alisha Basnet, Asma Giri, Anuska Prasai and Chetan Gyawali

Abstract:
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), a widely cultivated spice crop has been yielding reduced quantities because of the inappropriate and haphazard handling of chemical fertilizers. An experiment was conducted to assess the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on chili's growth, yield, and soil nutrient status. It was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 7 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments used in the study were T₁ (Control), T₂ (Recommended dose of PK, and N through FYM), T₃ (RDF + FYM), T₄ (FYM), T₅ (Doubling RDF + FYM), T₆ (RDF + FYM + 25% of N), T₇ (RDF + Poultry Manure). Among the 7 treatments performed, treatment T₅ resulted in the tallest crop height while the shortest height was observed in T₁. T₃ produced the thickest stem whereas T₁ had the thinnest stem. Maximum leaf count was observed in T₆ and the lowest in T₁. T₃ and T₆ produced the highest and lowest number of pods per plant respectively. T₃ also accounted for the highest yield per plot whereas the decline in yield potential was observed in T₁. Post-harvest nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content were highest in T₆, T_3, and T₇ but nitrogen content was found lowest in T₄ along with phosphorus, and potassium content in T₁. Significantly higher organic matter and pH were acquired in treatments T₆ and T₄ while the lower organic matter and pH were recorded in treatments T₄ and T₁.