The morphophysiological and yield characteristics of biquinho amarelo pepper in response to bovine rumen residue and chicken litter in soil are dose dependent

Abstract

In response to the growing demand for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices that enhance production efficiency, this study aimed to determine the optimal application rates of bovine rumen content (CBR) and chicken litter (CCL) as organic composts. Conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment, the research assessed the effects of various doses of these composts on soil chemical and microbiological properties and on the growth and productivity of yellow biquinho pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). The results of this study confirm that organic composts improve soil health and increase the growth and productivity of yellow biquinho pepper. However, while CBR consistently enhances plant growth across a range of doses, CCL shows a dose-dependent response, with the highest fruit production achieved at an application rate of 73.92 Mg ha−1. Although this dose of CCL is beneficial for increasing yield, it also marks a threshold beyond which further increases may lead to negative effects such as nutrient saturation or salt accumulation, potentially resulting in soil toxicity. The study supports the use of CBR and CCL as effective soil conditioners and emphasizes the need to identify the optimal compost dose to efficiently harness the benefits of organic composts in sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords:

• Composting
• dose optimization
• greenhouse
• soil quality
• sustainable agriculture

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Interuniversity Network for the Development of the Sugarcane Sector (RIDESA) of the Federal University of Piauí, the Active Capsicum Germplasm Bank (BAGC) of the Federal University of Piauí, and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa-MN) for the support they received during the experiment.

Author contributions

RSS and LAPLN designed the experiments. LMPB, TPSS, LMSO and TOSS conducted the experiments. RSS and LMPB conducted the data analysis and wrote the manuscript with FAN, ASFA, HAS, LAPLN, and ACR. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research study was conducted with the financial support provided by the Programa de Infraestrutura para Jovens Pesquisadores/Programa Primeiros Projetos of the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Piauí (FAPEPI) through Edital FAPEPI/MCT/CNPq N. 007/2018 – PPP and also supported by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES).