Effects of media mixtures from selected agricultural wastes to increase nutrient uptake efficiency, growth and yield performance of chilli under fertigation system

In contemporary agricultural practices, the efficient utilization of resources and the development of sustainable cultivation methods are imperative for ensuring food security and environmental stewardship. The ever-growing global population places substantial pressure on agriculture to enhance productivity while minimizing the ecological footprint. In this context, the integration of innovative approaches becomes crucial, especially in optimizing nutrient management for crop production. Agricultural wastes, often considered as byproducts of farming activities, present a promising avenue for sustainable resource utilization. These materials possess inherent nutrient content, and their incorporation into media mixtures has the potential to enhance soil fertility, nutrient uptake efficiency, and subsequently, the growth and yield performance of crops. Fertigation, the application of fertilizers through irrigation systems, offers a practical and efficient means of delivering nutrients directly to the root zone, further maximizing their utilization by plants. This study focuses on exploring the effects of media mixtures derived from selected agricultural wastes on the nutrient uptake efficiency, growth, and yield performance of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under a fertigation system. Furthermore, the study was conducted to identify the beneficial use of mixtures of agricultural waste materials in minimizing fertilizer consumption in Capsicum annuum production in fertigation system and evaluate the cost- benefit of different mixtures of agricultural waste materials under fertigation system. Nine different growth media mixtures (v/v) were prepared by using CCD, coconut shell ash (CSA), and palm kernel shell biochar (PKSB) and there were designated as T1 (100% CCD), T2 (100% CSA), T3 (100% PKSB), T4 (3 CCD:1 CSA), T5 (2 CCD:1 CSA), T6 (1 CCD:1 CSA), T7 (3 CCD:1 PKSB:), T8 (2 CCD:1 PKSB), T9 (1 CCD:1 PKSB).The growth media mixtures were analyzed for their physio- chemical properties using standard protocols. The experimental were arranged by completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The parameter of physio- chemical properties analysis such as particle size, bulk density, particle density and porosity, water retention, pH value, electrical conductivity, cation-exchange capacity and exchangeable, cation K, Ca, Mg, Na, nutrient content and nutrient retention. Then, a field trial under fertigation system was conducted using the growth media mixtures to investigate their effects on the growth performance and yield of Capsicum annuum L. Var. Kulai. This experiment was conducted as two-factorial split plot design and the samples were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks. Media analysis such as pH and electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, cation exchangeable capacity and exchangeable cations nutrient content, meanwhile plant growth characteristics, root size, dry matter, and nutrient content of fruit were measured in this experiment. The results showed that T2 has a potential to be a liming agent. The organic fertilizer and soil fertility enhancer due to contain high pH (7.89), electrical conductivity (2.70dS/m), cation-exchangeable capacity (12.57cmolc/kg), nutrient retention and total nutrients content of N (0.58%), P(13.90mg/l), and K(191.70mg/l). However, T2 is lack in aeration and water retention due to low in porosity (24.3%). The findings in second study were T1 in 100% fertilizer rate able to enhance the growth and production of Capsicum annuum L. Var. Kulai in 4 months by improved the plant height (57.0cm), total leave area (3668.36 cm2 ), chlorophyll content (64.0), number (58) and weight of yields (1008g) of Capsicum annuum L. Var. Kulai in standard fertilizer rate due to reached the optimum balance condition in pH (5.58)) and cation-exchangeable capacity (15.64 cmolc/kg) in growth media. In third study, T2 showed the promising outcomes as its able to promoting the growth and production of Capsicum annuum L. Var. Kulai in 4 months by gave the better result in plant height (62.0cm), total leave area (3807.88cm2 ), chlorophyll content (66.2), weight of yields (1115g) in reducing 50% of fertilizer rate. T2 also enhances the water and nutrient uptake by promoting root diameter (1.73mm), root surface area (267.60cm2 ), and root volume (10.66cm3 ) of Capsicum annuum L. Var. Kulai. Moreover, T5 and T7 also improve the plant growth and production of Capsicum annuum L. Var. Kulai in 50% fertilizer rates due to high water and nutrient retention, porosity, and cation- exchangeable capacity level. The growth media T2 and T5 are more profitable and resultant in high rate of benefit cost since its able to increase the plant production, and reduce the raw material and fertilizer cost. This finding recommends the farmer to use the formulation of growth media T2 and T5 that improve the nutrient use efficiency by promoting the plant performance of Capsicum annuum L. Var. Kulai, and minimize the fertilizer use.

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