Comparative study of the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth and productivity of the Chili pepper crop (Capsicum Annuum)

Authors

Anais Fabiola Fagúndez Benaventa, Universidad de Carabobo. Valencia. Venezuela; Minerva Márquez, Universidad de Carabobo. Valencia. Venezuela; Henry Baloy Porras, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Estado Mérida Kleber Ramírez, UPTMKR. Mérida, Venezuela; Carlos Humberto Aguas Changoluisa, Universidad Estatal de Bolívar, Campus Académico “Alpachaca” Av. Ernesto Che Guevara s/n y Av. Gabriel Secaira, Guaranda, Ecuador; Arnaldo José Armado Matute, Universidad de Carabobo. Valencia. Venezuela

Synopsis

Fertilizers are made from organic or inorganic materials added to cropping systems to supply one or more essential nutrients. Inorganic fertilizers promote optimal plant development by providing nutrients in readily available forms, while organo-mineral fertilizers offer a sustainable alternative to enhance agricultural productivity by preserving soil quality and being accessible to smallholders. This study aimed to compare the effects of organic, inorganic, and mixed fertilization on the growth and productivity of the chili pepper crop (Capsicum annuum) in soils from Carabobo State, Venezuela. A completely randomized block design was used with four treatments: control (T0, Bocashi), organic (T1, humic acids), inorganic (T2, NPK formulations), and a 1:1 mixture of organic and inorganic fertilizers (T3). The evaluated variables included physical, chemical, and biological soil properties, biometric parameters of the crop, and productivity. Results showed that all treatments significantly improved soil conditions compared to the initial state. Treatment T3 was the most effective in increasing organic matter content, moisture retention capacity, and cation exchange capacity, also promoting greater plant height and stem diameter, as well as a higher number of fruits per plant. T0 and T1 stood out in increasing soil basal respiration, indicating higher microbial activity. In terms of productivity, T0 showed the highest value (1.53 kg/ha), followed by T3 (1.46 kg/ha), while T1 had the lowest productivity (1.09 kg/ha). It is concluded that the combination of organic and inorganic fertilization optimizes nutrient availability and improves both soil and crop growth conditions, contributing to more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Author Biographies

Anais Fabiola Fagúndez Benaventa, Universidad de Carabobo. Valencia. Venezuela

Anaís Fagúndez is a graduate of the Chemistry program at the Experimental Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Carabobo, Venezuela. She completed her professional training by carrying out her special degree project at the Laboratory of Biochemical, Soil and Environmental Research (LIBSA), a unit attached to the Research and Extension Center for Environment, Biology, and Chemistry (AMBIOQUIM). Her research project focused on a comparative study of the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth and productivity of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) crops, with the aim of evaluating sustainable alternatives to improve agricultural soil quality and optimize horticultural production.

Minerva Márquez, Universidad de Carabobo. Valencia. Venezuela

Minerva Márquez holds a degree in Chemistry from the Faculty of Experimental Science and Technology, FACYT, at the University of Carabobo, Venezuela. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Technological Chemistry at FACYT-UC, conducting research at the Biochemical Research Laboratory, Soil, and Environment, LIBSA. Her research focuses on microbiological parameters of agricultural substrates made from organic wastes to improve soil quality. Her work promotes sustainable agricultural practices, reducing chemical input reliance and enhancing soil health through optimized use of organic waste.

Henry Baloy Porras, Universidad Politécnica Territorial del Estado Mérida Kleber Ramírez, UPTMKR. Mérida, Venezuela

Henry Baloy Porras is a Venezuelan scientist and academic specializing in soil science and agroecology. He graduated from the University of Los Andes (ULA) in Venezuela with a degree in education. In addition to his work as a professor at the Ministry of Popular Power for Education, he has shared his knowledge of animal nutrition and feeding at academic events such as the 5th Ruminant Conference. He has also worked with organizations such as the Santiago Mariño Polytechnic Institute in Mérida, Venezuela, contributing to the advancement of scientific and academic efforts. His participation in scientific discussions, such as the one organized by Fundacite Yaracuy, where he spoke about the use of action research in the agroecological field, highlights his commitment to agroecological research and education. He is currently continuing his research, focusing on soil health and sustainable farming methods.

Carlos Humberto Aguas Changoluisa, Universidad Estatal de Bolívar, Campus Académico “Alpachaca” Av. Ernesto Che Guevara s/n y Av. Gabriel Secaira, Guaranda, Ecuador

Carlos Humberto Aguas Changoluisa is a distinguished academic with a career in education and research. He holds a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Teacher Training, specializing in Physics and Chemistry, from the National University of Distance Education (UNED), as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Management and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Management and Planning from the State University of Bolívar. He also earned a Doctorate in Educational Sciences, specializing in Educational Administration and Supervision, from the Cooperative University of Colombia in Ecuador. In addition, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Sciences, specializing in Mathematics and Physics, from the Central University of Ecuador.

Arnaldo José Armado Matute, Universidad de Carabobo. Valencia. Venezuela

Arnaldo José Armado Matute is a professor and researcher at the University of Carabobo, Venezuela. He has served as Director of Ambioquim, Coordinator of the Biochemical, Soil and Environmental Research Laboratory (LIBSA), and Executive Director of the Council for Scientific and Humanistic Development (CDCHUC). His research focuses on ecotoxicology, with an emphasis on assessing the impact of heavy metals on soil and water quality, as well as on soil bacterial diversity. Additionally, he conducts studies on the formulation of organic fertilizers, biofertilizer substrates, and natural extracts with insecticidal and repellent properties. He has collaborated in research projects addressing metal contamination and its influence on soil biochemical and biological parameters, contributing sustainable solutions for environmental management and agriculture.

Published

June 19, 2025

Series

Online ISSN

3103-1234

How to Cite

Comparative study of the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth and productivity of the Chili pepper crop (Capsicum Annuum). (2025). In Practical applications in soil management and crop fertilization: Vol. V1(1). Editorial Unión Científica. https://doi.org/10.63804/gb.1.1.2