Radhika Pathania, S.K. Bhardwaj, Ranjna Sharma Anchal Rana, Aakriti Chauhan and Ankush Gautam
Abstract
Conjoint application of compost obtained by composting waste with cow dung and earthworms at varied levels of NPK chemical fertilizers increased yield of âcapsicumâ over corresponding single application. The 75% NPK + USW compost registered the highest yield 335.28 q ha-1 in both the years and the increase in yield was 32.02% over the 100% NPK alone. However, the combined application of 50% NPK + USW compost produced yields equal to 100% NPK. The 75% NPK and USW compost in bell pepper was found superior for enhancing growth, quality and yield attributes viz; plant height (70.2 cm), fruit length (5.21cm), pericarp thickness (4.85 mm), number of fruits per plant (22.54), fruit weight (50.76 g), ascorbic acid (175.79 mg100g-1), total soluble solids (5.560B), chlorophyll content (1.84 mg100g-1) and consequently the highest pepper fruit yield. The agronomic effectiveness of the conjoint application of 75% NPK + compost was 25% higher than alone application of 100% NPK. Further, the combined application of 50% NPK + USW compost resulted yield equivalent to 100% NPK alone indicated saving of 50% of chemical fertilizers. Bio-recycling transform USW to enriched composts which can be utilized to supplement chemical fertilizer requirement in the agriculture.