Irrigation and fertigation management for chilli (Capsicum annuum) under drip irrigation system

Water and nutrient are two key factors in improving production and quality of agricultural produce. Application of these two inputs through drip irrigation requires standardization of crop-specific water and fertilizer application levels in various agro-ecological regions. In order to develop better water and fertilizer management strategies in drip irrigated chilli, an experiment was conducted in split-plot design with 3 drip irrigation levels (I1= 60%, I2= 80%, I3= 100%) of full irrigation water requirement (IWR) in combination with 3 fertilizer levels (F1= 80%, F2= 100%, F3= 120%) of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). The treatment having water application at 80% of IWR and 100% of RDF (I2F2) showed significantly higher chilli yield (24.80 t.ha−1), water productivity (41.8 kg.ha−1. mm-1) and fertilizer use efficiency (55.1 kg.kg-1 of N). Results confirmed that excess use of water and fertilizer beyond threshold levels was not beneficial to plant growth and yield. The treatment I2F2 showed highest net income (3,97,276 . ha−1) and benefit-cost ratio (4.02), and is recommended for commercial cultivation of chilli in hot and humid regions as of Raipur, Chhattisgarh.