Effect of Phosphogypsum, Flyash and Vermicompost on Yield and Nutrient Status of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Lateritic Soil

Sub soil acidity due to high level of exchangeable Al is a major root growth inhibiting chemical barrier in lateritic soils. Black pepper is extensively grown under such soil. Phosphogypsum(PG) and Flyash (FA) were effective in reducing the exchangeable acidity and Al content. An investigation was carried out at Pepper Research Station, Panniyur, Kerala with ten treatments to study the effect of Phosphogypsum, Flyash and Vermicompost on yield and nutrient status of black pepper. Phosphogypsum and Vermicompost (VC) alone, PG-FA blends of 10:1, 20:1 and 30:1 ratios and these PG-FA blends combined with Vermicompost are imposed on existing pepper vines. Yield attributes were recorded at the time of harvest and berries were analysed for their nutrient status. PG-FA combination blended at 20:1 ratio showed increase in yield and number of spikes as well as number of berries. P, K and Ca contents of berries increased in ameliorant treated plants. Iron and Mn toxicity was reduced by PG-FA treatment. Zinc uptake was also enhanced by application of 1:1 PG-VC. From the results it could be concluded that the PG-FA blends are better ameliorants with respect to increase yield and mixing the blends with Vermicompost further enhances their superiority.