A LOW-TECH HYDROPONIC SYSTEM FOR BELL PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) PRODUCTION

A low-tech system suitable for long-term cultivation of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) using wood fibre as substrate was further simplified. In a two years study, four different types of slow release fertilizers (SRF) in mixed or sole application in different container and closed irrigation systems (10 L plastic pots fitted with drips, troughs with continuous flow, troughs with drips and grow bags with drips) were investigated for 40 weeks in organic substrate. The low-tech systems with SRF were compared with re-circulating liquid feed (LF), PAR regulated irrigation, and EC dependent nutrient replenishment. Plant growth, fruit yield and quality parameters were better in the pot system fitted with drippers than in other container systems. High marketable yield of 12.80 kg m^-2 was obtained in Mat-4 (mixture of 3 and 6 month types SRF) formulated fertilizer. The trend for other horticultural characters was also positive in Mat-4 combination. Losses in the form of non-marketable fruit and higher blossom end rot (BER) incidence were related to high fertilizer diffusion and formulation effects. The solution acidity increased BER. An antagonistic effect of available calcium with high ammonium was recorded. High nutrient solution EC was associated with high ammonium content in these studies.