Influence of NO3-:NH4+ Ratios in Fertilizer Solution on Growth and Yield of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Pot Cultivation

This research was conducted to evaluate the influence of NO3-:NH4+ ratios in fertilizer solution on the vegetative growth and fruit yield of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) through pot cultivation. The Hoaglad's solution was modified to contain various NO3-:NH4+ ratios such as 100:0 (A), 73:37 (B), 50:50 (C), 27:73 (D), 0:100 (E), and no nitrogen (F). Plants were transplanted into root substrates and the modified solutions were applied as plant needed in plastic house. There were no statistical significances among the treatments from A through D in the fresh and dry weights, and number of leaves 31 days after transplanting, but elevation of NH4+ ratios in the solution decreased the fresh fruit weight 62 days after transplanting with statistical differences. In the results of inorganic element analysis based on the dry weight of fully expanded mature leaves, N and P contents as well as micro cations such as Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu increased as NH4+ ratios were elevated 62 days after transplanting. However, those of macro cations such as K, Ca, and Mg resulted in decreasing tendency. The elevation of NH4+ ratios in fertilizer solution resulted in the increase of EC and total N concentrations (NO3- + NH4+), but this decreased the pH as well as Ca and Mg concentrations in soil solution 62 days after transplanting. The K concentration in soil solution was the highest in the treatments of C and followed by D, B, E, and A. The above results indicate that the proper NO3-:NH4+ ratio in the nutrient solution is 73:27 (B) or 100:0 (A) and the B solution is proper for the vegetative growth and that of A is proper for reproductive growth stage.