Energy Use patterns and econometric models of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) as influenced by automated sensor-based irrigation and fertigation

The energy input, output and utilization studies provide evidence that the total input energy was reduced during kharif season crop when compared to summer season and ranged between 71810 to 81501 MJ ha^-1 and 84396 MJ ha^-1 to 93952 MJ ha^-1, respectively. Among the different energy inputs plastic, chemical and fertilizers had higher energy utilization with notable reduction in kharif season., energy from indirect sources played a major role with a consumption of 75.9 to 81.7%, renewable energy resources had more share with 29.6 % in kharif season when compared to summer season (23.7 %). Econometric model evaluation showed the positive impact of Direct and Renewable Energy on yield of capsicum. Return to scale values were more than 1 for both modules, thus, there prevailed an increasing return to scale of capsicum for estimated model. Automated scheduling irrigation at 75 % available soil moisture along with 125 % recommended dose of fertilizers application through fertigation exhibited higher returns, output energy (301874 MJ ha^-1), energy use efficiency (3.32) and energy productivity (0.64) during summer season and notable increase in kharif season (327557 MJ ha^-1, 4.18 and 0.79, respectively). Hence it is economically viable, environmentally sustainable and energy efficient for cultivation of capsicum.