Influence of nitrogen on bell pepper yield in open field conditions during autumn-winter

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) deserves special attention in the fertilization recommendation for bell peppers, as it is the nutrient absorbed in greater quantity, standing out for the amount required and the functions it performs in the plant. The objective was to evaluate the influence of nitrogen applied as top dressing on bell pepper production in open field during the autumn/winter period. The experiment was conducted in Red-Yellow Argisol. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Treatments consisted of nitrogen rates applied as top dressing (0, 75; 150; 300; and 450 kg/ha). Nitrogen increased the number and fresh mass of fruits per plant. The SPAD Reading increased with the increment of nitrogen rates in the three evaluation periods and with the evaluation period. Bell peppers grown during the autumn/winter period showed high productive potential associated with nitrogen rates higher than currently recommended. The yield of marketable fruits increases until 214 kg/ha of N. The critical level for the SPAD reading varied with the age of the plants, with estimated critical values of 53.2, 66.5, and 61.9 at 35, 56, and 154 days after transplanting (DAT).