Impact of organic and synthetic fertilizers on chili: A growth and nutrient utilization perspective

Chili production is highly dependent on nutrient management, and the choice between organic and synthetic fertilizers significantly influences plant growth and soil health. An investigation was accomplished at field research laboratory of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, between January and April 2022 to assess the impact of compost-based fertilizers and chemical fertilizers on chili growth, yield, and nutrient absorption. The study followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and six treatments: T1 (100% Poultry Manure), T2 (100% Cow dung), T3 (100% NPKS - Recommended dose), T4 (50% Poultry Manure + 50% NPKS), T5 (50% Cow dung + 50% NPKS), and T6 (Control). Growth and yield parameters, along with plant and soil nutrient analysis, were statistically analyzed and the means were compared via DMRT at a 5% significance level. The collective application of poultry manure and chemical fertilizers (T4) significantly improved plant height, branch count, fruit diameter, fruit length, total fruit weight, individual fruit weight, and overall yield (31.77 t ha-¹). This treatment also enhanced nutrient content (N: 1.24%, P: 0.047%, K: 0.147%, S: 0.051%) and uptake (N: 39.55 kg ha-¹, P: 1.49 kg ha-¹, K: 4.66 kg ha-¹, S: 1.62 kg ha-¹). Additionally, the combined treatments slightly improved soil organic matter, soil pH, and nutrient levels (N, P, K, S). NPKS findings highlight that integrating compost-based and chemical fertilizers, particularly poultry manure with NPKS, is a promising approach to maximizing chili productivity while sustaining soil fertility. The study bridges the existing research gap by providing empirical evidence on the optimal fertilization approach, offering valuable insights for sustainable chili cultivation in Bangladesh and similar agroecological regions.