Agronomical Performance of Upright Hybrid F1 Chili ( Capsicum annuum L.) Fertilized with Sugarcane Pressmud Compost

The effects of sugarcane pressmud (a byproduct of sugar mills) compost were investigated on the agronomical properties of upright hybrid F1 chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in summer (Zaid) and rainy (Kharif) seasons. Six agricultural plots were fertilized with six treatments of sugarcane pressmud compost (SPMC) viz. 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% used for cultivation of C. annuum. SPMC treatments and growing seasons significantly (p < .05/P < .01) improved the soil attributes viz. EC, OC, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, TKN, PO43-, SO42-, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in both seasons. Accumulation of different nutrients was observed to be positively correlated with different SPMC treatments in both seasons. Enrichment factor of heavy metals in soil was in order of Mn > Zn > Cd > Cu > Fe > Cr after SPMC treatments. Crop yield, plant height, root length, LAI/plant, chlorophyll content of C. annuum and biochemical parameters viz. crude proteins, total dietary fiber, fat, ash, moisture and Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were recorded maximum at 60% SPMC treatment. All the agronomical parameters of C. annuum were observed to be positively correlated with different SPMC treatments in both seasons. Enrichment factor of heavy metals in C. annuum was in order of Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cd > Cr after SPMC treatments. All SPMC treatments fertilization significantly enriched the soil fertility and consequently C. annuum performance, but 60% SPMC treatment can be applied for the maximum growth and yield of C. annuum for sustainable agronomic productivity in both seasons.