Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Yield and Quality of Jalapeño Pepper Fruit (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Organic fertilizers were evaluated on jalapeno pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and on their effect on the soil content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), electrical conductivity (EC), pH and organic matter (OM), at the Experimental Station of the Agriculture and Zootechnics Faculty (FAZ-UJED), Ejido Venecia, Durango, México. The assayed experimental fertilizers were vermicompost (VC) with 0 and 3 Mg ha−1, in factorial combination with solarized manure (SM), with 0, 40, 80, and 120 Mg ha−1, and an inorganic fertilization nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) at 150–100–00 Mg ha−1. Microbiological analyses were performed to evaluate the presence of Salmonella spp. The highest yield was 56.2 Mg ha−1 with 120 Mg ha−1 SM, which was statistically similar to 40 and 80 Mg ha−1; the highest P content (70.7 mg kg−1) and OM (3.7%) occurred with 120 Mg ha−1 SM. The inorganic fertilizer reflected the lowest OM (1.1%). Nutrients provided by SM were sufficient to satisfy the crop needs. Values of pH, EC and N were not affected by SM. The fruit quality was not affected by the organic fertilizers. Most fruits were classified as Second-Class Quality (60%), followed by First-Class Quality (25%). Microbiological analyses were negative for Salmonella spp., suggesting that the SM is effective in its elimination.

Effects of Chemical Fertilizer Combined with Organic Fertilizer Application on Soil Properties, Citrus Growth Physiology, and Yield

“…These results indicate that CFOF raised soil fertility and physicochemical properties and that organic fertilizer could contain several active substances, such as humic acid, amino acid, and microbes, among others, which could promote the formation of soil aggregates, making soil more relaxed and breathable, and strengthening the ability to conserve fertilizer and water to a certain degree. These results are similar to those of previous studies [41][42][43]. Soil microbe content, which is often used as an indicator to evaluate soil quality, plays an important role in the soil ecosystem, not only by assuming the responsibility of decomposer but also by promoting nutrient absorption by roots.…”

Fertilization Management Improves the Yield and Capsaicinoid Content of Chili Peppers

“…Significant differences compared to the unfertilized Traian 2 variant were registered for the Chorbadjiiski and Turkish cultivars fertilized with O + Ch and for Chorbadjiiski × Ch. Recent studies pointed out that under 120 kg•ha −1 NPK from manure, for Grande cultivar hot peppers, the yield was increased by 38.8% [51].…”

Organic Amendments: Direct Application and Residual Effects on Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of Hot Pepper

“…Generally, organic amendments particularly the vermicompost played a vital role in increasing hot pepper fruit yield per hectare both in the first season of direct application and grown using the residual effects of the previously applied organic amendments, probably due to higher soil nutritional value in vermicompost than traditional composts, high porosity, aeration, drainage, and water-holding capacity, presence of microbiota particularly fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes, availability of nutrients, such as nitrates, phosphates, and exchangeable calcium and soluble potassium, and the presence of plant growth regulators [93][94][95][96][97].…”