Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Fruit Quality, Soil Nutrient Status and Economics of Capsicum under Low Cost Polyhouse Condition

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted during 2010-11 at the Experimental Farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema, Nagaland to study the effect of different sources of manuring on growth, yield and quality of capsicum cv. California Wonder under low cost polyhouse condition. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Application of different levels of fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in combination significantly increased the quality of capsicum as compared to control. The maximum TSS (9.55 oBrix) and vitamin C (126.31 mg 100-1g) were recorded with the combined application of 50% NPK + 50% FYM + biofertilizers. There was a significant build up of organic carbon in the soil after harvest of the crop with 50% NPK + 50% FYM + biofertilizers. It also recorded highest net return of Rs. 7,93,858.00 /ha and the cost: benefit ratio 1:8. These results indicated that the optimum production and quality of capsicum with higher monetary returns can be obtained with integrated application of 50% NPK + 50% FYM + biofertilizers. This integrated nutrient management saved about 50% of chemical fertilizers without any reduction in yield and quality parameters of capsicum.