Effect of NPSB fertilizer on Growth of Hot pepper (capsicum annuum L.) at Wolkite university horticultural demonstration site.

Abstract

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop that is an essential ingredient in many cuisines around the world. It stands as a vital crop, yet its productivity often encounters constraints due to soil nutrient deficiencies. While extensive research has examined the impact of inorganic fertilizers like DAP and urea, information regarding blended fertilizers such as NPSB remains limited. To address this gap, a field experiment was conducted in 2024 at the Wolkite horticultural research site to evaluate the effects of varying NPSB rates (0, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250 kg/ha) on hot pepper growth. Preliminary findings, assessed at 30 days after transplanting, revealed compelling insights into the growth parameters. The application of 250 kg NPSB/ha rate demonstrated significant advantages, yielding the tallest plants (11.6 cm), the highest leaf count per plant (21.5), the longest leaves (8.2 cm), and the largest leaf area (12.96 cm²) compared to other NPSB rates and the control treatment. However, the ongoing field experiment on hot pepper at the Wolkite site is still in the early growth stage, as the recently transplanted plants are not yet fully utilizing the different NPSB fertilizer treatments. Consequently, the full effects on growty, yield, and other parameters have not yet been determined. The preliminary observations suggest the NPSB fertilizer is having a positive impact on early growth indicators like leaf number, leaf area, and plant height. To develop comprehensive fertilizer recommendations, the experiment will continue to be monitored through the full growing season and the complete findings reported.