Sustainable production of chili seedlings (Capsicum annuum) in La Ceiba, Honduras: impact of different bocashi formulas, 2018

Abstract

During the months of May to July 2018, the use of three Bocashi-type organic fertilizer formulas was evaluated in the production of chili seedlings (Capsicum annuum L.) in northern Honduras, under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 3x3 factorial arrangement, with three treatments: Bocashi vacaza, Bocashi chicken manure and Bocashi sow, and a control without fertilizer. The variables evaluated included nutrient concentration, root length, stem length and number of leaves, 20 days after germination. The results showed that the Bocashi chicken manure presented the highest concentrations of nitrogen (6.9 g kg-¹), phosphorus (4.35 g kg-¹), organic matter (14.8%) and carbon (8.57%). Furthermore, seedlings treated with Bocashi gallinaza showed similar growth to Bocashi vacaza in terms of root length, number of leaves and stem length. It was concluded that Bocashi chicken manure was the most effective treatment in terms of nutrition and growth of the seedlings, standing out for its better nutrient retention, improved humidity and its C/N ratio, favoring balanced soil decomposition.