Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Seedlings on Different Growth Media

Sweet pepper seedlings germinate slowly and erratic on soil even under optimal conditions. The slow growth of the seedlings was attributed to absence of nutrients in the soil. This prolongs the time the plant stays in the nursery, delays farm operations and makes planning difficult for farmers. Failure to raise seedlings on time causes poor growth and low productivity. Early seedling growth ensures uniform crop growth and high yield by increasing tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. Thus, soil + sawdust and soil + rice bran recorded high speed of germination, emergence and growth rates as compared to soil, sawdust and rice bran, though with interactive support from the nutrients levels of Agrolyzer (400 and 600 g/ha) and NPK 120 kg/ha. Therefore, better performance was recorded with combined effects of media and increase in nutrient levels. When adequate nutrients are supplied to sweet pepper grown under moderate temperature and humidity, there might be faster, hence, quicker ways of raising seedlings which may reduce wastage of resources incurred by farmers. It will also enable farmers to plant seedlings when they want and there will be be uniform crop growth.