Chilli Performance under Integrated Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Management

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) is a nutritionally and economically important crop that requires balanced nutrient management for optimal growth and yield. A two-year field study (2022–23 and 2023–24) was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, yield and quality of chilli cultivar Kashi Anmol. Thirteen treatments combining inorganic fertilizers, organic manures (vermicompost, poultry manure, farmyard manure) and biofertilizers (Azospirillum and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) were tested in a randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that treatments T₅ (50% RDF + 50% vermicompost + biofertilizers) and T₇ (50% RDF + 50% poultry manure + biofertilizers) significantly enhanced plant height, branching, leaf area index, fruit weight, shelf life, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content, while maintaining soil health and reducing chemical fertilizer dependency. The study demonstrates that integrated application of organic and inorganic nutrients, along with biofertilizers, is an effective and sustainable strategy to improve chilli productivity and quality.