Growth and Yield of Red Chili (Capsicum Annuum L.) as Responses to Various Interval and Frequency of Fertigation Application

Abstract

Appropriate drip fertigation systems could increase the crop yield, as it provides timely water and fertilizer at the same time. The aim of this research was to examine the growth and yield of red chili as a results of different fertigation interval and frequency. The field experiment was carried out in Wedomartani Experimental Garden, Yogyakarta. The experiment was set in a split plot with Randomized Completely Block Design. Fertigation interval, namely, 3 days, 6 days, and 9 days were the main plots, whereas. the fertigation frequency, namely, once/day, twice/day, 3 times/day were the sub plots. A commercial AB-mix fertilizer mixed with rabbit urine was used for nutrient solution. The variance of data was analysed with post-hoc analysis using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits, weight of fruit, and chili shelf life. The result showed that the growth and yield (plant height, number of leaves and number of fruits) of red chili were significantly affected by combinations of fertigation interval and frequency. Three days interval applied in three times a day fertigation of nutrients supply resulted in higher plant height and leaves number, but have no significantly different from three days interval in once and twice a day frequency of fertigation. Three days interval in once and twice a day frequency resulted in higher of fruit number of chili. The interval and frequency of fertigation didn’t significantly affect to the weight and storability of chilies.