Impact of starter solution technology on the use of fertilizers in production of chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.)

This paper examines application of starter solution technology-an efficient method of fertilizer application— in chilli production. Chilli production is one of the important sub-sectors of agricultural in Indonesia. However, the use of inorganic fertilizers is inefficient and to large extents of fertilizers were not absorbed by the production system resulted in contaminates the environment. It is not too late to conserve our earth from being contaminated by agrochemicals by using a starter solution technology. Two field trials of starter solution technology were conducted to see the impacts on production and fertilizer use. A randomized complete block design with four treatments and five replications was used to test the technology. The treatments were based on current farmers' practices and soil condition in Kediri areas. A hybrid chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.) called Bhaskara was used in these trials. The results show that using this technology was able to reduce the use of fertilizers by 50% of the current level without a significant reduction in yield. This means that application of the technology increased efficiency of fertilizer use. This leads to an increase in net income gained by farmers. Further challenges are to improve and disseminate such technology to other crops.