Eco-friendly plant nutrient management for chili growth, yield, and resistance in acidic soils

Background and Objectives: The global demand for chili pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) continues to grow due to increasing population pressures, changing dietary preferences, and the expansion of the food processing industry. This need is especially evident in regions that are dealing with limited land availability and challenges related to soil fertility. In order to sustain productivity, a significant number of farmers have come to depend heavily on chemical fertilizers. However, the prolonged and excessive use of synthetic inputs has led to adverse environmental consequences, including soil nutrient imbalance, degradation of soil microbial communities, water contamination, and the accumulation of chemical residues in crops, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health. In light of these concerns, this research sought to evaluate the efficacy of Integrated Plant Nutrient Management, a comprehensive strategy that merges inorganic fertilizers in improving the growth, yield, and resilience of the chili pepper cultivar ‘Kencana’.Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute in Lembang, West Java. A split-plot design in a randomized complete block arrangement with three replications was employed. The main plots were designated for six organic fertilizer treatments, comprising chicken manure and bamboo rhizosphere soil. Four combinations of inorganic fertilizers comprising nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and Starter Solution Technology were applied in the subplots.Findings: The results indicated that the integrated application of chicken manure, bamboo rhizosphere soil, Starter Solution Technology, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, increased biomass by 15–20 percent compared to inorganic fertilizer alone, and improved overall plant vigor. The main plots were designated for six organic fertilizer treatments, comprising chicken manure and bamboo rhizosphere soil. Furthermore, the Integrated Plant Nutrient Management approach reduced the incidence of pest and disease attacks, suggesting improved plant resistance and healthier agroecosystem dynamics.Conclusion: The study highlights that Integrated Plant Nutrient Management serves as a practical and eco-friendly method for boosting chili pepper production and lowering ecological risks. By combining locally available organic inputs with targeted inorganic fertilizers, Integrated Plant Nutrient Management promotes a more balanced nutrient supply, enhances soil health, and builds crop resilience, supporting the transition toward environmentally responsible and economically viable chili production systems.