Stimulation of growth, physiology and yield of Capsicum annuum L. cv. Pusa Jawala by integration of nitrogenous fertilizer and wastewater

Use of wastewater in agriculture for irrigation needs specific studies to evaluate its effect on crops under local agro-climatic conditions. This study was therefore conducted to observe the suitability of wastewater for irrigation and how minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture by supplementing through wastewater. Capsicum annuum L.cv. Pusa Jawala was used as a test crop grown in Kharif season together with the basal application of nitrogen (N₀, N₃₀, N₆₀, kg/ha) and uniform dose of phosphorus (60 k/ha) and potassium (50 kg/ha). The data was recorded at 60 and 90 days after sowing. Wastewater irrigation enhanced shoot and root length, shoot fresh weight and dry weight, leaf number and leaf area, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency and chlorophyll content, fruit length, fruit number, seed number and yield significantly. Wastewater met the irrigational water quality, being within the permissible limits. Among the nitrogen doses 30kg/ha N along with wastewater proved best for the growth and yield. Data also revealed that all growth parameters increased from 60 to 90 days after sowing but physiological parameters were slightly decreased. Thus it may be concluded that wastewater reduced the dose of inorganic fertilizer and may be used profitably for the cultivation of chilli.