Influence of integrated nutrient management on productivity of pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

The production of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) can be largely affected by the quality of soil among other biotic and abiotic constraints. Furthermore, organic fertilizers serve as alternatives to chemical fertilizers and can be combined to reduce the adverse effect of mineral fertilizers on the soil. This experiment was therefore carried out to explore the potential effect of combined application of NPK and organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of hot pepper. Treatment combinations were 100 % Recommended Dose (RD) NPK, 75 % RD NPK + 25 % RD Organic Fertilizer, SO % RD NPK + 50 % RD Organic Fertilizer, 25 % RD NPK + 75 % RD Organic Fertilizer, 100 % RD Organic Fertilizer and the Control replicated four times. The result revealed that pepper plants that received 75 % RD NPK + 25 % RD Organic Fertilizer exhibited early flowering, shorter days to fruiting, highest number of fruits per plant and heavier fruits per plant. This study suggests that for improved pepper production, the combined application of 75 % RD NPK + 25 % RD Organic Fertilizer is therefore recommended in this agro-ecology of Nigeria.