Nutrient Uptake and Solute Movement in Drip Irrigated Summer Peppers

Abstract

A study on nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) by peppers (var. Cubanelle) and fertilizer solute movement in relation to dripper location was conducted in the semiarid southern coast of Puerto Rico at the Fortuna Agricultural Research and Development Center. Soil samples were taken 9, 64, and 118 days after transplanting from each location, with three 15-cm depth increments and three 15-cm horizontal increments away from the dripper. These samples were analyzed for pH, EC, P, K, Ca, and Mg. All fertilizer was applied via drip irrigation. Factorial analysis indicated that solute movements at different positions were not statistically different. The relationships between nutrient uptake versus days after transplanting were of Mitscherlich's curve type. Greatest amount of nutrient uptake occurred during the last third part of the growing season, and followed an order of K > N > Ca > P > Mg.