Effect of STCR-based fertigation on soil chemical properties of capsicum (Sweet pepper) grown in inceptisol

A field experiment for fertilizer equation validation was conducted during Rabi season of 2023-2024 at AICRP on Irrigation Water Management, farm and Post Graduate Institute farm to evaluate the effect of STCR-based fertilizer application through drip fertigation on the soil chemical properties of capsicum. The experiment was laid out out with eight treatments replicated three times in Randomized Block Design. The treatments comprised of, T₁ - absolute control, T₂ - GRDF (200:100:100 N:P₂O₅: K₂O kg ha^-1 + FYM 10 t ha^-1), T₃ - As per soil test, T₄ - STCR target I- 250 q ha^-1 without FYM, T₅ - STCR target II- 300 q ha^-1 without FYM, T₆ - STCR target I- 250 q ha^-1 with FYM @ 10 t ha^-1, T₇ - STCR target II- 300 q ha^-1 with FYM @ 10 t ha^-1 and T₈ - Only FYM @ 10 t ha^-1. The research findings revealed that treatment T₇ significantly increased electrical conductivity (0.24 dS m⁻¹) and soil organic carbon content (0.60%). Similarly, treatment T₇ reported the highest residual soil available nitrogen phosphorus and potassium levels, measuring 199.62 kg ha⁻¹, 21.22 kg ha⁻¹ and 473.50 kg ha⁻¹ respectively, while treatment T₅ was found statistically at par with treatment T₇ for residual soil available nutrient status. Integrated use of FYM with inorganic fertilizers through drip fertigation enhances nutrient retention in the soil, leading to improved residual nutrient status. This approach supports better nutrient recycling and long-term soil fertility by minimizing losses and promoting gradual nutrient release.