Prediction of Chilli Yields based on Soil Nutrient Status under Rainfed Conditions of Dharwad District, Karnataka

A study was undertaken to assess the nutrient status and yield of major rainfed chilli growing areas of Kundgol and Hubli taluks of Dharwad district, Karnataka. The analysis of soil samples from the selected chilli fields revealed that the soils were neutral to alkaline in reaction with normal electrical conductivity. Organic carbon content of soils was low to medium. Soils were low to medium in available nitrogen, medium to high in available phosphorus and high in available potassium status. Significant correlations were obtained between yield and applied nutrients, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and leaf area index (LAI) of chilli crop in both the taluks. The multiple regression equations developed between yield and applied nutrients in terms of NPK, yield, NDVI and LAI also showed significant coefficient of determination in Kundgol (R²= 0.755 and R² = 0.851) and Hubli taluks (R²= 0.874 and R²= 0.877).