Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in Kandhamal, Odisha, India
S. K. Mukhi
*
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kandhamal, Odisha, India.
S.S. Sardar
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganjam-1, Odisha, India.
N. Bar
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kandhamal, Odisha, India.
P.J. Mishra
Directorate of Extension Education, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751003, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2021 in Kandhamal district of Odisha to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on the growth, yield, and economics of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). The study, laid out in a Randomized Block Design with four treatments and five replications, compared farmers’ practices with soil test-based NPK application combined with FYM, vermicompost, and biofertilizers. Results revealed that the combined application of soil test-based NPK, vermicompost @ 5 t ha⁻¹, and biofertilizers (T4) significantly enhanced plant height (79.4 cm), number of fruits per plant (96.3), and green chilli yield (126.4 q ha⁻¹), along with the highest net return (₹2,95,300) and B: C ratio (1:4.0). Growth and yield parameters consistently improved across T2 to T4, compared to farmer’s practice (T1). These findings indicate that INM, particularly the inclusion of biofertilizers and vermicompost, can significantly boost chilli productivity and profitability under the agro-climatic conditions of Kandhamal.
Keywords: INM, biofertilizer, vermicompost, growth parameters, chilli yield, economics