Effect of Varying Levels of Fortified Bio-organic Fertilizer (Rabbit Manure + <em>Trichoderma</em> spp.) on the Growth and Yield of Taiwan Chili Pepper (<em>Capsicum capsici</em>)

Purpose: Agricultural wastes such as animal manure and dried leaves, when completely decomposed, is a great source of organic fertilizer for crops. This study demonstrated the potential of agricultural wastes as compost activated by the fungus Trichoderma spp, applied as bio-organic fertilizer in the growth and yield of Taiwan chili pepper.Research Method: The experimental treatments were designed as fertilizer increments (negative, recommended inorganic fertilizer, 600g, 900g, 1200g) in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The fortified bio-organic fertilizer (FBOF) was a 180-day-old rabbit manure + Trichoderma spp. mixed with lactic acid bacteria solution, banana peels, and madre de cacao leaves (Gliricidia sepium). Growth and yield parameters were recorded. Preliminary changes in the physicochemical condition of the soil were also recorded.Findings: The application of varying levels of FBOF resulted in a significant plant height increase from the day of transplanting until 80 days after transplanting (DAT). Overall, treatments with varying levels of FBOF obtained more branches than the recommended inorganic fertilizer treatment. Early flowering, early fruit development, and early fruit ripening were also exhibited by the Taiwan chili pepper applied with 600g of FBOF. The yields of the FBOF increments further provided significantly higher yields than the recommended inorganic fertilizer.Research Limitations: The present study focused on the growth and yield of the Taiwan chili pepper. A preliminary test on the soil profile post-application was done and further analysis is needed to investigate the impact of the FBOF on soil characteristics.Originality/Value: This is the first report on the synergistic influence of rabbit manure decomposed by Trichoderma spp. as a bio-organic fertilizer applied to the Taiwan chili pepper, considered a high-value crop in the Philippines.