Effect of cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer on the initial growth of paprika pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of cattle manure and an inorganic fertilizer on the initial growth of paprika pepper. Methodology: A completely randomized design with a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement was implemented, with three -1 levels of cattle manure as the factor (0, 280 and 560 g plant ) and two levels of inorganic fertilizer as the factor -1 (without and with). Ammonium sulfate (21% N) was used as the inorganic fertilizer source and 13 g plant was applied. The combination of both treatments resulted in six treatments, which had three repetitions. 10 L bags, sandy soil and paprika pepper seedlings were used. The data obtained were subjected to variance analysis using the F test, after evaluating normality and homogeneity of variances. The Tukey test at 5% was used to compare means. The statistical software SISVAR 5.6 was used. Results: For the set of variables evaluated, interaction was found between the factors under study. The addition of inorganic fertilizer to different levels of cattle manure favored the achievement of greater plant height, dry matter production (roots, stems and total) and total chlorophyll content. Conclusion: The addition of inorganic fertilizer to cattle manure positively influences the improvement of the initial growth characteristics of paprika pepper. These results support the implementation of integrated fertilization practices that combine organic and inorganic sources to optimize crop growth and yield in a sustainable manner.