Yield, Physiological Responses and Irrigation Water Productivity of Capia Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) at Deficit Irrigation and Different Biochar Levels

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of three irrigation water levels on the yield, soluble solid content and some physiological traits of pepper plants in soils mixed with biochar at four different doses. The study was conducted as a pot experiment in three replications for each treatment setup in a completely randomized design under greenhouse conditions. The experiment comprised controlled/full irrigation (I0), 25% deficit irrigation (I1), 50% deficit irrigation (I2), and four biochar treatments: non-biochar at 0% (B0), biochar at 0.75% (B1), biochar at 1.5% (B2), and biochar at 3% (B3). Biochar application significantly increased pepper growth and yield. Significant improvements in the physiological properties of the plant with the increase in biochar dose (B1, B2, and B3) in deficit irrigation applications were determined. Under the 50% water deficit conditions (I2), the biochar amendments (B3I2, B2I2, and B1I2) increased the irrigation water productivity compared to the control (non-biochar, B0I2), as well as water savings of 18.4, 12.8 and 8.3%, respectively. Biochar amendments increased the moisture retention in the soil and saved irrigation water. In this study, the highest efficiency was obtained from the B3 (3% w:w) treatment. In addition, biochar increased irrigation water productivity by improving soil properties under water deficit conditions.