Effect of Different Compost Weights on Soil Microorganisms, Properties and Growth Parameters of Capsicum chinense (Habanero Pepper)

Compost plays major role in the quality of soil parameters and the microbiological diversity. The effect of compost rates on microorganisms and growth parameters of Capsicum chinense was investigated. Organic compost with concentrations: 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000g was transferred into separate polyethene bags containing 15kg soil and kept at the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt. The bacterial and fungal parameters were determined using standard plate count on Nutrient and Sbouraud Dextrose agar plates while the physicochemical and growth parameters were measured using standard method. Results of the total heterotrophic bacteria ranged from 2.96x106– 6.42x106 CFU/g, total heterotrophic fungi ranged from 1.41x103– 4.56x103 SFU/g, respectively. A total of 11 Bacteria and 10 fungi species were isolated and identified. Bacillus spp and Pseudomonas spp was the most predominant bacterium; Penicillium spp was the most predominant fungus in the samples. Highest microbial diversity was observed under the 1000 g. Conversely, lowest microbial diversity was found under 0 g compost rates. All six compost rates had effect on the microbial community structure and plant height.