EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND CHEMICAL FERTILIZATION ON FRUIT YIELD OF POBLANO PEPPER

Abstract

The use of chemical fertilizers and manures is a common practice among farmers who grow Poblano pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Poblano); however, no experimental studies have determined the best supplemental combination that increases fruit yield in this crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three chemical fertilization formulas (120N-60P-120K, 80N-40P-80K, and 40N-20P-40K) combined with three types of organic fertilizer (Solep® commercial organic fertilizer, local sheep manure and cattle manure in doses of 5, 10 and 15 t ha^-1) on the fruit yield of Poblano pepper. A randomized complete blocks design with two replications was used. The combination of ovine manure at a dose of 15 t ha^-1 plus chemical fertilizer with the formula 80N-40P-80K increased yield (35.5 t ha^-1 fresh fruit), plant height (74 cm), number of fruits per plant (22 fruits), and fresh fruit weight (86.52 g). The commercial organic fertilizer Solep® at 5 t ha^-1 plus the formula 80N-40P-80K reduced yield (14 t ha^-1 fresh fruit), plant height (50 cm), number of fruits per plant (nine fruits), and fruit weight (65.13 g). A high level of sheep manure combined with medium level of chemical fertilizers increased fruit yield, with significant effects on plant height, as well as on the number and weight of fruits.