Production of pout pepper (Capsicum chinense) under irrigation depths and nitrogen doses in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Correct management of water and fertilizers can enable the profitable and ecologically correct cultivation of pout pepper (Capsicum chinense). In this context, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of drip irrigation depths and nitrogen doses on the cultivation of pout pepper in a Latossolo Vermelho (Oxisol) of the Cerrado region. The experiment was conducted in the field in a randomized block design, at the Federal University of Mato Grosso –Campus of Rondonópolis. The treatments were five irrigation depths (40, 60, 80, 100 and 120% of ETc) and five nitrogen doses (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg ha-1), with 4 replicates. Fresh and dry weights of fruits, number of fruits, plant yield and water productivity were analyzed. Nitrogen fertilization caused significant differences in fresh and dry weights of fruits (873.95 and 133.03 g plant-1), respectively, as well as in the number of fruits (319.05 fruits plant-1) and plant yield (14.9 t ha-1). Water productivity showed a response surface with a stationary point of minimum (7.13 kg L-1). Adequate doses of nitrogen and irrigation depths promote good development of pout pepper cultivated in Latossolo Vermelho (Oxisol) of the Cerrado region