Effect of different rates and combinations of Farm Yard Manure and inorganic fertilizers on chilli (Capsicum annum) yield

AUTHOR: Karma Dema Dorji, Yeshey Dema and Tashi Uden

ABSTRACT

Chilli is an important crop in Bhutan and it is grown widely throughout the country. However, the quantity produced is not adequate to meet the demands of the people and therefore a substantial amount is imported from India. Chilli yield of about 6 to 8 t ac-1 in Bhutan is lower than the yield of 7 to 10 t ac-1 reported from elsewhere outside the country. Beside the limited land area available for growing chillies, inadequate plant nutrients supply is also a crucial yield limiting factor. Farm Yard Manure (FYM) is the main external source of plant nutrients but the amount of nutrients supplied through FYM is not adequate to meet the demand of the crop. Since chilli is an important crop in Bhutan it is important to study how best the crop yield could be improved both in quantity and quality. This study conducted over four (2001-2004) consecutive years had the objectives to examine the effect of different rates of FYM and inorganic fertilizers on the quality and quantity of chilli, to examine the effect of the integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers on chilli yield and to formulate an optimum nutrient requirement for chilli under the Bhutanese condition. The study conducted on station at the National Soil Services Centre had four treatments with three replicates. The study showed higher yields of 5.7 to 6.3 t ac-1 with higher rates of FYM and NPK combinations. The weight and the number of fruits per plant also were higher with higher rates of NPK and FYM. However, the number of rejected fruits was higher with higher rates of NPK and FYM. The economic analysis indicated higher marginal rate of return with integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.

KEY WORDS:

Chilli, Organic, Inorganic, Yield, Integrated, Plant nutrient.

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