Effects of Different Levels of Potassium and Their Split Applications on Growth and Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the effects of split applications of potassium (K) fertilizer on the growth and yield characteristics of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), as previous studies have primarily focused on single basal applications of K, leaving the effectiveness of split applications uncertain. The field experiment was conducted on Loamy sand soil with medium K status, evaluating six levels of K (0, 40, 80, 100, 120, and 150 kg ha-1) applied as full K basal dose, 2 splits, and 3 splits. The experiment followed a two-factorial randomized complete block design with three replications and eighteen treatments. Results showed that the three split applications, with 50% at basal dose, 25% at 25 days after transplanting (DAT), and 25% at 45 DAT, resulted in superior plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield, root length, root fresh weight, and root dry weight. Consequently, it is recommended to employ split applications of K in two or three splits, depending on the initial soil K status and soil type, to enhance growth and maximize yield per unit of nutrient applied.