Journal of Environmental Biology

Optimized use of organic and inorganic fertilizer for higher vegetative growth of chilli

A. Singh¹, S. Yadav¹*, S.N. Mishra², Y. Kumar³, G.S. Vishen³, K. Singh¹ and E. Singh¹     

¹Department of Agriculture, Integral Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Integral University, Lucknow-226 026, India

²Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Prayagraj-211 007, India

³Department of Horticulture, NAI, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211 007, India

Received: 05 October 2024                   Revised: 27 December 2024                   Accepted: 28 June 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : satishy@iul.ac.in                     *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2386-9336

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the optimal combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers for improving the growth of chilli (Capsicum annum L.). Treatments integrating organic amendments delayed flowering slightly, suggesting their influence on developmental stages. These findings underscore the potential of integrated nutrient management for sustainable agriculture and yield improvement.

Methodology: A randomized block design with three replications was employed over two consecutive years (2022-23 and 2023-24), involving nine treatments that combined urea, diammonium phosphate, and muriate of potash with organic amendments like farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost. The treatments were applied as basal, with half nitrogen applied as basal and rest nitrogen applied after a month. Inspections were made on vegetative parameters, reproductive parameters and days to first flower appearance and 50% flowering.

Results: Combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers significantly boosted the vegetative growth of chili plants. The maximum plant height, number of branches and earliest flowering was recorded in treatment, followed by treatment T4. However, treatments involving organic amendments, particularly vermicompost and FYM, delayed flowering, suggesting that the combined use of these fertilizers enhances growth and influences developmental stages.

Interpretation: The study suggests that a balanced combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers can enhance plant growth and potentially improve yield.

Key words: Chilli, Inorganic fertilizer, Integrated nutrient management, Organic amendments, Sustainable agriculture

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