Assessing the Effect of Adequate and Inadequate Inorganic Fertilizer Rates on the Yield Levels of Paprika in Mutasa Resettlement Area, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe

A survey was carried out to evaluate the effect of adequate and inadequate inorganic fertilizer rates on the yield of Paprika (Capsicum annuum var. angulosum mill) in Mutasa resettlement area, Mutasa district. Questionnaires and interviews were used to produce primary data from 42 respondents in 2009. Secondary data was obtained mainly from Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX) and Paprika Company of Zimbabwe. Mean yields of paprika obtained from adequate and inadequate basal and top dressing fertilisers were compared and analysed using ‘Z’ statistical test at 0.05 level of significance. Mean yield from inadequate fertilizer rates of 30 farmers was 0.8 t/ha. The mean yield from adequate fertilizer rates of 12 farmers was 1.0t/ha. Results showed that the two means were significantly different. Adequate fertiliser rates produced significantly higher mean yield than the mean yield from inadequate fertiliser rates. The higher mean yield was enhanced by the highest number of (5) top dressing split applications. The study therefore recommends the use of adequate rates of 700 – 1 000 kg/ha basal fertilizer, 250 – 350 kg/ha ammonium nitrate (AN) and 350 – 400 kg/ha of potassium chloride. The top dressing has to involve 5 split applications. This exploits its high fruit yielding potential. Additional research is required to determine response of the crop, as a high value crop, to foliar and fertigation fertiliser application.