Effects of NPK mineral fertilizer alone and in combination with organic sources on growth, yield and yield characteristics of capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) under polyhouse conditions in Central Fiji

This study was conducted at Fiji National University's Koronivia Campus to evaluate the effects of NPK fertilizer alone and in combination with organic sources on capsicum growth and yield. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments-T1- NPK (100%), T2- NPK (50%) + Poultry manure mesh (PMM) (50%NPK), T3- NPK (50%) + Fish Emulsion fertilizer (FEF) (50%NPK), T4- NPK (50%) + Liquid organic fertilizer (50%NPK) and T5- Control (No application of fertilizer combinations) was replicated four times. Capsicum variety Yolo Wonder B was grown under polyhouse conditions, and growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, SPAD values and yield and yield attributes were recorded. The treatment combining 50% NPK with poultry manure (T2) consistently outperformed all other treatments in terms of plant height (49.00 cm), leaf area (1864.2 cm²), number of fruits per plant (6.25), and yield (15.18 t/ha). Poultry manure improved nutrient availability, leading to higher plant growth, higher SPAD values and fruit yield. The study confirms that the integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers increases capsicum productivity and improves soil health.