Enhancing Crop Quality and Food Security through Fertigation and Foliar Feeding Strategies

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is a vital crop in both domestic and international markets, cultivated across 4.18 lakh hectares in India with an annual production of 44.17 lakh tonnes. Despite its importance, productivity remains low (10.60 t/ha) due to water stress, nutrient deficiencies, and pest issues. Fertigation and foliar feeding provide efficient nutrient delivery, improving crop growth. This study, conducted from November to April 2023–2024 at Kanjikuzhi, Kerala, evaluated the impact of fertigation and multinutrient foliar sprays on chilli (variety Sierra) using a split plot design with 20 treatments and 3 replications. The main plots compared varying fertilizer doses, including precision farming practices (75% F1, 100% F2, and 125% F3 of recommended NPK) and conventional fertigation (F4). Subplots included soil-based micronutrient application (S1) and foliar sprays of sampoorna KAU multimix (S2) and multinutrient mixtures (S3, S4) and water spray(S5). Fertigation was applied at 3-day intervals, while foliar sprays were administered at 15, 30 and 45 days after transplanting. The best results were achieved with 100% of the 210:48:276 NPK recommendation combined with sampoorna foliar spray, while 125% RDF with sampoorna foliar spray recorded the highest total soluble solids (3.03°Brix) and oleoresin content (25.7%). This balanced nutrient approach enhances crop quality, supports food security, and contributes to better nutrition for resilient communities.