Assessment of morphophysiological and growth characteristics of Capsicum annuum L.: A Vermiponic cultivation approach

An alternative prospective strategy for sustainable crop production through soilless culture is to utilise resource efficiency and overcome constraints posed by soil. Vermiponics, wherein vermiwash (VW) is used in hydroponic farming, offers an organic way to enhance plant growth and yield. The present study evaluated the effect of growth characteristics of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under a non-circulating vermiponics system in out-door conditions. Thirteen treatments under 5% and 10% vermiwash (VW) concentrations were evaluated in combination with different organic substrates vermicompost (VC), farmyard manure (FYM), rice husk ash, and cocopeat in comparison to the control fed with water, under a completely randomized design. At 40 and 60 days after transplanting, remarkable enhancements in growth parameters were recorded. Significant differences in growth were noted 60 days after transplanting, with T8 (VC+ FYM+ Rice husk ash (2:1:1) + 10% VW) displaying the tallest plants, T1 (VC + 5% VW) the highest number of leaves, and T6 (VC+ FYM+ Cocopeat (2:1:1) + 10% VW) the longest roots. Plants flowered early in T8 at 40 days, whereas control plants did not flower at all. These findings indicate that vermiwash functions both as a nutrient-rich fertilizer and a biostimulant, thereby positioning vermiponics as a sustainable alternative for the cultivation of chili within urban environments and small-scale residential agricultural systems.