Effect of Different Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Production and Associated Traits of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

A field trial was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, from July to October 2024 to assess how various organic manures and biofertilizer influence the growth, yield, and quality of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). The experiment followed a randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments: T0: 100% recommended NPK (100:50:50 kg ha⁻¹), T1: Farm yard manure (20 t ha⁻¹) + Azotobacter (2 g plant⁻¹), T2: Poultry manure (15 t ha⁻¹) + Azotobacter (2 g plant⁻¹), T3: Vermicompost (5 t ha⁻¹) + Azotobacter (2 g plant⁻¹), T4: Azotobacter (2 g plant⁻¹) alone, T5: 50% FYM (10 t ha⁻¹) + 50% poultry manure (7.5 t ha⁻¹) + Azotobacter, T6: 50% FYM (10 t ha⁻¹) + 50% vermicompost (2.5 t ha⁻¹) + Azotobacter, T7: 50% poultry manure (7.5 t ha⁻¹) + 50% vermicompost (2.5 t ha⁻¹) + Azotobacter, T8: FYM : poultry manure : vermicompost (1 : 1 : 1 at 5 + 3.75 + 1.25 t ha⁻¹) + Azotobacter. Across all treatments, T8, the combined application of FYM, poultry manure and vermicompost in equal proportions in addition to Azotobacter, produced significant improvements in vegetative growth, the highest fruit yield, and superior quality attributes. This treatment also delivered the highest benefit–cost ratio of 3.97, underscoring its economic as well as agronomic superiority.