Impact of different biofertilizers on growth and yield of chilli crop in northern plains of Jammu India

Abstract Low productivity in chilli ( Capsicum annuum ) cultivation is often attributed to nutrient-depleted soils and excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers, which pose environmental and sustainability concerns. To explore sustainable alternatives, a field experiment was conducted in Rahya, Samba, Jammu & Kashmir, to evaluate the effect of selected biofertilizer combinations on the growth and yield of chilli plants.The experimental design comprised four treatment groups, each consisting of 10 chilli plants. The control group was treated solely with vermicompost, while the three experimental groups received distinct combinations of biofertilizers: (i) vermicompost + Duckweed (Lemna minor), (ii) vermicompost + Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), and (iii) vermicompost + Duckweed + Coontail. Morphological parameters including plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, number of leaves, and fruit size were systematically recorded and analyzed. Among the treatments, the combination of vermicompost, Duckweed, and Coontail yielded the most significant improvements in plant growth and productivity. This group exhibited a mean plant height of 33.20 ± 3.35 cm, leaf length of 13.32 ± 0.67 cm, leaf breadth of 6.73 ± 0.50 cm, and a leaf count of 46.00 ± 3.04, along with marked enhancement in fruit size and quality. In contrast, the control group displayed the lowest values across all observed parameters. This study clearly demonstrates the potential of biofertilizers—especially the synergistic combination of vermicompost, Duckweed, and Coontail—in significantly enhancing chilli plant growth and fruit production. These findings support the adoption of such organic treatments as viable, sustainable alternatives to conventional fertilizers, offering valuable benefits for both farmers and the environment.