Abstract:
Efficient nutrient management is crucial for maximizing hybrid chili yield in
polytunnel conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of soil nutrient
management systems and foliar applications on the growth and yield of the hybrid
chili variety MICHHY 1 under polytunnel conditions. The experiment was arranged
as a two-factor factorial experiment with a completely randomized design. The
recommended dosage of inorganic fertilizers (RDIF), recommended by the
Department of Agriculture, and integrated nutrient management (INM) (50% RDIF
+ 50% compost) were used as levels of soil nutrient management systems. At each
soil nutrient management level, three foliar applications were tested: control (no
application), 1% Albert’s solution, and 3% panchagavya, with each treatment
replicated three times. Growth and yield-related parameters were measured and
statistically analyzed. The analyses revealed no significant difference in cumulative
yield (p>0.05) between RDIF and INM, with mean yields recorded at 242.76±44.16
g plant-1 for RDIF and 262.52±29.54 g plant-1 for INM. Among the foliar applications,
the control group achieved the highest yield (274.37±25.84 g plant-1), followed by
3% panchagavya (249.12±28.41 g plant-1) and 1% Albert’s solution (234.44±49.14 g
plant-1), suggesting that foliar applications reduce yield under the growing conditions.
No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in growth parameters such as
secondary branch number, plant height, cumulative pod number, SPAD reading, and
pod diameter. The interaction effect between the soil nutrient management system
and foliar application did not show significant changes (p>0.05) in any of the
parameters. In conclusion, INM alone will be a viable option in improving hybrid
chili yield in polytunnels but additional foliar applications will not enhance
productivity.
