Summary
This glasshouse trial evaluated three fertigation levels on two capsicum cultivars, measuring physiological, nutritional and economic outcomes. Higher nutrient supply (EC 3.5) did not enhance fruit quality or yield but decreased calcium and magnesium content, and reduced economic returns compared to moderate fertigation (EC 2.5). Economic modelling for Australian and Indian commercial scenarios demonstrated that moderate fertigation achieves superior benefit-cost ratios and net present value, with sensitivity analysis highlighting vulnerability to yield fluctuations.
Regional applicability
Whilst this study was conducted in Australia, the findings on moderate fertigation efficiency are likely transferable to United Kingdom greenhouse horticulture, where intensive protected cropping is common. However, UK climate conditions, energy costs (heating in cooler months), and market prices may alter economic break-even timelines and payback periods; growers should adapt the EC 2.5 recommendation to local cost structures and yield benchmarks.
Key measures
Electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solutions (1.0, 2.5, 3.5); leaf gas exchange; postharvest quality traits; fruit and leaf Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ content; net present value (USD·m⁻²); benefit-cost ratio; payback period (years); yield sensitivity to economic loss
Outcomes reported
The study measured leaf gas exchange, postharvest quality, nutritional composition (calcium, magnesium), and economic returns (net present value, benefit-cost ratio, payback period) across three fertiliser levels in greenhouse capsicum. Higher electrical conductivity did not improve morphological or quality parameters but reduced nutritional quality and economic returns.
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