Explore important principles and best practices for nutrient management in chilli cultivation. Sharpen your horticulture expertise with science-backed questions on fertilizers, deficiencies, and soil considerations for healthy chilli plants.
Which nutrient is most critical for early vegetative growth in chilli plants, often applied as a basal dose before transplanting?
Explanation: Nitrogen is essential for vegetative growth and is commonly supplied at the basal stage for chillies. Calcium is important for cell wall structure but is not the main focus during early stages. Potash (potassium) supports flowering and fruiting phases more. Magnesium, while vital for chlorophyll, is generally less limiting at the seedling phase.
A farmer notices new leaves of chilli plants turning pale yellow along the leaf margins, which often indicates a deficiency in which nutrient?
Explanation: Potassium deficiency frequently causes yellowing along the leaf margins, especially in new leaves. Iron deficiency typically shows as interveinal chlorosis on young leaves but not along margins. Phosphorus deficiency results in purpling or stunted growth. Zinc shortages generally cause distorted leaves and smaller leaf size rather than margin yellowing.
For optimizing fruit yield in chilli, when is it best to apply split doses of nitrogenous fertilizers?
Explanation: Splitting nitrogen applications at transplanting and after the first harvest aligns with peak plant needs for robust vegetative growth and fruiting. Applying only before sowing risks nutrient loss before plants can utilize it. Applying just after fruit set is too late for maximum benefit. Seedling tray stage applications are not relevant for field-grown chillies.
What is the ideal soil pH range for chilli cultivation to ensure efficient uptake of essential nutrients?
Explanation: A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 optimizes nutrient availability for chilli plants. Levels below 5.0 can lead to toxicity or deficiency issues, while pH above 7.5 reduces the availability of crucial micronutrients. Extremely alkaline soils (8.5–9.0) can seriously hinder growth and nutrient uptake.
Excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizer in chilli can lead to which common problem affecting fruit production?
Explanation: Overuse of nitrogen fuels leaf and shoot growth at the expense of flower and fruit formation. It does not enhance disease resistance, often delays flowering instead of advancing it, and improved fruit color is more influenced by potassium and ripening conditions than by nitrogen alone.