Assessment of capsicum nutrient levels affected by lime and phosphorus application in Fijian soil

Abstract

The application of lime and phosphorus is a common practice for improving crop production in acidic soils of tropical countries and temperate regions. An experiment in factorial combination was laid out at the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to investigate the effects of lime and phosphorus on the quality and nutrient content of Capsicum annum. Treatment includes 4 levels of lime (0, 250, 500 and 750 kg ha-1 represented as L0, L250, L500, L750) and 4 phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40 & 60 kg ha-1 and represented as P0, P20, P40 and P60 respectively). Total ash content, moisture content, protein and other nutrients were analysed. Total ash, moisture, protein and other plant nutrients increased significantly with an increase in lime dose up to 500 kg ha-1, while total ash, moisture content, protein and other nutrients increased significantly up to P40 (40 kg ha-1). Copper and magnesium showed no significant difference with the application of lime and phosphorus.