Effect Bioameliorants and Interval of Ready-to-Absorb Nutrient Solution on Soil Health, Crop Productivity, and Quality of Chili Pepper Yields

Abstract

Red chili peppers have high economic value due to increasing consumer demand, particularly in large cities, which require about 800,000 tons per year. Despite an increase in production from 1,360,571 tons in 2021 to 1,475,821 tons in 2022, productivity is hindered by reduced harvested area and soil degradation due to the excessive use of chemicals and inorganic fertilizers. This study aims to examine the interaction between bioameliorant application and intervals of ready-to-use nutrient solution on soil health, productivity, and the quality of chili yields, as well as to determine the optimal dosage. The study utilized a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two factors: bioameliorant dosage (0, 3, and 6 tons/ha) and ready-to-absorb nutrient solution application intervals (every 1, 3, and 5 days), with three replications. Observed responses included populations of PSB, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, total bacterial populations, organic carbon (C-Organic), pH, fruit number per plant, fruit weight per plant, and yield quality. The results indicated that the interaction between bioameliorant and ready-to-absorb nutrient solution intervals significantly affected C-Organic levels. Total bacterial populations were independently influenced by bioameliorant dosage and ready-to-absorb nutrient solution intervals, while fruit weight per plant and grade B yield quality were independently influenced by ready-to-absorb nutrient solution intervals. The highest C-Organic level was achieved with 6 tons/ha of bioameliorant and ready-to-absorb nutrient solution applied every day. The highest total bacterial population was obtained with 6 tons/ha of bioameliorant. The highest total bacterial population and fruit weight per plant were achieved with ready-to-absorb nutrient solution applied daily.