Soilless Media and Containers for Bell Pepper Production

Abstract

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum Mill.) production in protected culture improves fruit quality and yield. Under this system, bell pepper is typically grown in soilless culture to reduce problems associated with poor physical soil properties and soilborne diseases. However, cost, variability, and growing conditions are often criteria for choosing a specific substrate. It is important to understand the physical and chemical properties of media that influence crop yield and fruit quality. The goal of this project was to determine responses of bell pepper plants grown in box, bag, and pot containers and coconut coir, pine bark, and potting mix soilless media in a 50-mesh nethouse. Media chemical and physical analysis, plant height, total marketable yield, and root dry biomass were determined. The combination of potting mix with bags, pots, or boxes increased bell pepper total marketable fruit weight, number, and plant height compared to pine bark and coconut coir.