Effect of Levels of Compaction and Potassium on Yield and Quality of Tomato and Chilli Crops Grown on Highly Permeable Soils

A field experiment was conducted during 1994 and 1995 to study the effect of compaction and potassium on changes in soil physical properties, yield, quality and potassium utilization efficiency by tomato and chilli crops. The results indicated that subsurface compaction increased the bulk density and moisture content whereas the saturated hydraulic conductivity was decreased during both cropping periods. Subsurface compaction and levels of potassium significantly increased the yield of tomato and chilli crops. The total soluble solid, ascorbic acid and potassiun content in tomato; potassium and capsaicin content in chilli fruits; K-utilization efficiency in both the crops were also significantly influenced by the levels of compaction and potassium.