The response of irrigation, fertigation, and mulching on water and fertilizer use efficiency of capsicum grown under polyhouse

Efficient water and fertilizer management are vital for sustainable capsicum cultivation inside polyhouse. The study was conducted at RPCAU, Pusa, in Samastipur and aimed to evaluate the impact of irrigation, fertigation, and mulching on water and fertilizer use efficiency for capsicum cultivation inside polyhouse environment. The experiment was carried out from October 2017 to April 2018 using a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) involving three levels of irrigation (100%, 80%, and 60% of WR), fertigation (120%, 100%, and 80% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)), and mulch. The results revealed that there was significant improvement in yield water and fertilizer use efficiencies of capsicum under drip irrigation and fertigation. The treatment combination of 100% WR through drip and 120% recommended NPK through fertigation with mulch registered maximum fruit yield (93.74 kg/ha). The highest water and fertilizer use efficiency (62.49 kg/ha-cm) and (101.67 kg/ha-kg), respectively, was observed with the treatment combination of 100% ET through drip + 120% recommended NPK through fertigation. The study highlights the valuable insights for optimizing agricultural practices, and enhancing the sustainability of capsicum cultivation inside polyhouse. In conclusion, optimal irrigation, fertigation, and mulching practices significantly increase yield and enhance water and fertilizer use efficiencies in capsicum cultivation inside polyhouse.