Short-Term Fertilization with Hairy Vetch, Compost and Chemical Fertilizer Affect Red Pepper Yield and Quality and Soil Properties

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of green manure and compost as organic fertilizer may increase crop yield and soil fertility due to improved soil nutrient availability and soil organic matter content (SOM). This study aimed to investigate the effects of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.) and compost application on red pepper growth, yield, fruit quality and soil health. METHODS AND RESULTS: The treatments were no fertilizer (CON), chemical fertilizer (CF), hairy vetch (HV), and livestock compost+HV (LC+HV). Red pepper seedlings (70 days old) were transplanted and maintained in experimental plots for 140 days. Plant dry weight, microand macronutrient contents of plants and soil chemical properties were determined. All fertilizer treatments significantly increased plant dry weight. Fruit yield was significantly highest with HV treatment. As for nutrient content, plants in HV and LC+HV treatments have significantly higher K and Ca contents than the other treatments. Regarding soil properties, HV and LC+HV application significantly altered the soil chemical properties. Significantly higher SOM was observed in HV and LC+HV treated soils. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that short-term application of hairy vetch and compost is an effective alternative to the conventional chemical fertilizer to increase fruit yield red pepper and improve soil health.