Influence of soil physico-chemical properties on productivity of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Soil surveys were conducted to study the physico-chemical characteristics of major black pepper (Piper nigrum) growing soils in Kerala and their relationship with black pepper productivity. Soil samples were collected from four major black pepper growing districts, namely, ldukki, Wayanad (high elevation), Kozhikode and Kannur (low elevation) and were classified based on yield as high, moderate and low yieJdinggardens. The relationships between elevations, physico-chemical properties and black pepper productivity were studied. The investigation revealed that soils of high yielding gardens were high in sand and low in clay fractions. These soils had high pH, base saturation, canon exchange capacity, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc status compared to low yielding gardens. These factors favoured good growth of black pepper vines with higher productivity. &nbsp

Evaluation of composted coir p ith with chemical and biofertilizers on nutrient availability, yield and quality of b lack pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Composted coir pith was evaluated at Madikeri (Karnataka) under integrated plant nutrient management system to substitute chemical input of fertilizers for improving the yield and quality of black pepper (Piper nigrum). Application of composted coir pith (CC) @ 2.5 t ha" with full recommended dose of NPK (100:40:140 kg ha" of N, P,O, and K, O) yielded the highest (4.18 kg vine" ) which was on par with 1.25 t ha·1 CC + full NPK, 2.5 t ha·1 CC + y, NPK + Azospirillum sp., 1.25 t ha" CC + y, NPK + Azospirillum sp. and 2.5 t ha" CC alone. The levels of composted coir pith application were on par with regard to quality (piperine and oleoresin contents). of black pepper. The highest benefit-cost ratio of 1.94 was recorded in the ,treatment with composted coir pith @ 1.25 t ha" + Azospirillum sp. &nbsp