Effect of Organic Manures and Chemical Fertilizers on the Yield of Chilli (Capsicum Annuum . L) and Soil Properties.

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the botanical garden of T.K.M College of Arts &
Science, Kollam to study the effect of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the yield of
chilli. The effect of fertilizers on the soil properties was also evaluated. Among the six
treatments (Cow dung, Coir dust ,Glyricidia leaves, Ground nut oil cakes, chemical fertilizers
and combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers) the combined treatment (80%
organic+20% inorganic) as well as Glyricidia leaves treatment showed the best performances
followed by coir dust application .The number of fruits, diameter, weight of the fruits and plant
height were found to be higher in the plants treated with a combination of organic and
inorganic fertilizers while compared to the single treatment. While the maximum numbers of
branches were seen in plants applied with coir dust. The results indicated that combined
application of organic and inorganic fertilizers promoted the growth of chilli followed by the
organic manure application. It is also observed that organic manure alone gave better results
when compared to chemical fertilizers alone.