Active root distribution zone of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under drip irrigation with and without mulches

Active root distribution zone of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under drip irrigation with and without mulches

2001

A:PS

A field experiment was conducted to study the active root zone distribution of bell pepper (C. annuum) cv. California Wonder in a gravelly sandy loam soil in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India, during 1997-98. Root activity was studied in drip 0.8 and drip 0.6 irrigation treatments with and without mulches (black polyethylene and rice husk) and in the control, i.e. surface irrigation without mulches. In drip 0.8 and drip 0.6 treatments, irrigations were given at the IW/CPE ratio of 0.8 and 0.6, respectively, on alternate days. In surface irrigation treatment, the crop was irrigated when the CPE reached 40 mm. Black polyethylene mulch and organic mulch (rice husk husk) were spread on the surface after the establishment of the crop. In general, there was a decreased in per cent active roots with distance away from the plant. Thus, it is suggested to apply phosphorus fertilizers close to the plant, i.e. within 15 cm when drip irrigation is practiced. It is also suggested to place the fertilizer in 0-10 cm layer where drip 0.8 is practiced and in 10-20 cm layer when drip 0.6 or surface flooding are practiced and no mulch is applied. Phosphorus fertilizer can be applied at 10 cm depth, which is the middle of the active root distribution zone, for its efficient utilization, and drip is practiced in combination with mulching.

v.28(1):82-83, VEGETABLE SCIENCE

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