Effects of blended fertilizer types and rates on fruit yield and nutrient use efficiencies of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at Asossa, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different blended fertilizer types (NPSB and NPSBZn) and their rates on fruit yield, nutrient concentration, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency of hot pepper at Assosa, Western Ethiopia. The experiment was set with eight treatments (recommended NP, three different blended rates for each NPSB and NPSBZn and unfertilized plot) laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications using a hot pepper variety Mereko Fana. In the blends since N content was low, supplementary N was applied from Urea to optimize N needs of the crop. The results of the study revealed that the crop phonological parameters (days to flowering and maturity, fruit dry yield and average dry fruit weight) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by blended fertilizer type and rates. The days to flowering and maturity were significantly (p<0.05) improved by application of 100 kg NPSBZn + 29 N kg ha-1. The maximum total dry fruit yields (2.44 t ha-1), the highest fruit uptake of nitrogen (50.1), phosphorus (9.9) and sulfur (4.1 kg ha-1), and the highest apparent nutrient recovery for N (47.91%) were recorded with the application of 150 kg + 44 N kg ha-1 NPSBZn; while higher agronomic efficiency of N (9.59 kg pod kg-1) and P (12.80%) were recorded with the application of 100 kg + 29 N kg ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. In general, the nutrient use efficiency of the blended fertilizers tested was acceptable and high. The uptake of N, P, K and S were significantly and highly correlated (p< 0.01) with total dry fruit yield. Therefore, the study recommends 150 kg NPSBZn + 44 N kg ha-1 blended fertilizer for sustainable hot pepper production in Assosa area of Western Ethiopia.

Response of Hot Pepper (&lt;i&gt;Capsicum annuum&lt;/i&gt; L.) as Affected by NP Fertilizer and Planting Method on Yield and Yield Related Traits in West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

“…It conforms with that pod length, width and total dry pod weight per plant were positively correlated with marketable green pod yield in pepper [37,34]. It is supported by highest marketable yield was obtained at 100 kg N ha -1 which was 267% higher than the control [38].…”

Yield response and nutrient use efficiencies of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to inorganic fertilizers in Ethiopia: A review article

“…In crop production to attain higher yields, the plants need nutrient fertilization in adequate quantity (Fageria et al, 2011) [29] . The relationship of the uptake of N, P and S were very strongly correlated with total dry pod yield, this indicates the improvement of total dry pod yield was through nutrient uptake (Nimona and Girma, 2019) [56] . Balanced and adequate supply of plant nutrients is important in order to achieve a high degree of nutrient utilization by crops, which also results in lower losses (FAO, 2006).…”