Author(s)

Jian Zhang, Feifei Yu, Hongmei Tian, Gang Xu, Zhen Tao and Pengcheng Wang

Corresponding Author

Pengcheng Wang

ABSTRACT

This work evaluated the effects of pH value in substrates on the uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the early growth stages of pepper to grow healthy and robust seedlings. Results showed that the highest root dry weight and seedling index (SI) of pepper were obtained at pH 6.5, and the lowest values were obtained at pH 8.0. The highest N content in the roots and stems was observed at pH 5.5. The highest P content in the roots and stems was obtained at pH 5.5 and 6.0, respectively. The highest K content in the roots and stems was observed at pH 6.5 and 7.0, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the pH value was negatively correlated with N and P contents in the roots and shoots. SI was positively correlated with stem diameter, root dry weight, and shoot dry weight and also strongly linked to N in the shoots and K in the roots and shoots. Our findings suggest that regulating the pH value in substrates is a good method to improve nutrient uptake in the early growth of peppers.

KEYWORDS

Substrate, capsicum L, nutrient absorption, PH setting, pepper growth