Evaluation of a newly formulated organic fertilizer on growth and yield of curry chilli (Capsicum Frutescens L.)

Abstract

A study was conducted to formulate a low-cost organic fertilizer using different nutrient sources and to assess the potential use of the formulated organic fertilizer (FOF) on the growth and yield of Curry Chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.). The organic fertilizer was formulated based on the nutrient content of dry powders of Spirulina (Sp), Azolla (Az) Palmyrah leaf (Pl), Coconut leaf (Cl) and Banana pseudostem (Bp). A pot experiment was conducted to find the response of different fertilizer combinations: 100% inorganic (T2-NPK-0.9,1.01,0.58 g/pot), 50% inorganic (T3), 100% organic (cattle manure-T4-135g/pot), 50% organic (cattle manure - T5), 50% inorganic + 67.5 g FOF (T6) and 50% organic + 67.5 g FOF (T7) and a control (no fertilizer - T1) on growth and yield of Curry Chilli. Plant height, biomass yield, fruit yield at first picking and plant nutrient uptake were recorded. The nutrient contents of organic sources namely, potassium (19.56 ppm), phosphorous (6.17 ppm), nitrogen (115.03 ppm) and carbon (832.50 ppm), were significantly higher in Bp, Bp, Sp and Pl, respectively, than other sources. Treatment T7 (50% organic + FOF) recorded the highest values in height (51.63 cm), nitrogen (2.0 g/plant), phosphorous (1.77 g/plant), and potassium (44.5 g/plant) uptake, dry biomass yield (42.30 g/plant) and fruit yield at first picking (40 g/plant). However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed only in dry biomass yield and NPK uptake between T7 and T2. Considering height, biomass yield, fruit yield and nutrient uptake substituting 50% organic or inorganic fertilizer with FOF, the performance of Curry Chilli was either equal to or higher than 100% organic or inorganic treatments. Results, therefore, indicate that FOF has potential as an organic fertilizer.