Influence of organic amendments, PGPR and fermented folk liquid formulations on bell pepper in mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh state of India

Abstract

Bell pepper is an important cash crop of small farmers of Himachal Pradesh state of India. The present study was carried out in two consecutive years comprising seven treatments, as T1 being 100% recommended dose of nutrients alone and T2 to T7 included 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 and 40% RDN respectively; along with PGPR and fermented folk liquid formulations (panchagavya, jeevamrut and amritpani) which were replicated thrice in randomized block design. The recommended doses were given by vermicompost and poultry manure on nitrogen equivalence basis. Results of the study concluded that the application of PGPR with 90% RDN along with fermented folk liquid formulations significantly influenced bell pepper growth, quality, and yield parameters as well as soil organic carbon and available nutrient status including soil microbiological properties over the T1. The 90% RDN with PGPR and fermented folk liquid formulation also resulted in higher benefit cost ratio in comparison to T1 with 100% RDN, alone. Hence, it may be recommended to use conjoint application of PGPR, bulky manures and fermented folk liquid formulations to boost sustainable bell pepper production, higher economic returns and maintaining soil fertility status.