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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2005 and 2006 at Almora (Indian Himalayas) to evaluate the comparative performance of five varieties of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and changes in soil properties under organic and integrated nutrient management (INM) systems. The number of fruits plant71 and fruit yield was significantly higher under INM compared with organic nutrient supply. The yield reduction in the latter was 22.1% in 2005 and 21.7% in 2006 compared with INM. Among the bell pepper varieties, ‘US Agri 181’ produced significantly higher fruit yield (25.42 mg ha71 in 2005 and 28.82 mg ha71 in 2006) compared with other varieties. The soil pH, organic carbon, and microbial activities in terms of urease, dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase were higher in the plots treated with organic manures alone compared to INM. The latter, however, recorded higher N, P, and K contents in soil. The gross margin and benefit:cost (B:C) ratio were higher under INM compared with organic nutrient supply. ‘US Agri 181’ gave the highest net returns followed by ‘Aishwarya’ and ‘California Wonder’. However, the latter recorded the highest B:C ratio (9.2) compared with other varieties. We conclude that at least 25–50% price premium for organic bell pepper may be required to offset the higher cost of cultivation and low yields under organic production system. Among the bell pepper varieties, ‘US Agri 181’ was the best variety as it yielded highest followed by ‘Aishwarya’.