Abstract:
This study investigates the synergisuc' efle,cts of combining Effective Microorganisms (F)lvl)
and conventional inorganic fertiliz"rrs otr the growth and yield of Capsicum chinense L",
commonly known as chili pepper. "i'he primary objective was to determine whether the
integration of EM, a sustainable agrie nhural practice, with inorganic fertilizers could enharice
plant growth, improve soil fertility, anri increase crop yield compared to using each treatmenl
independently.
The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with
eight treatments: a control Tl: 75ok Chernical Fertilizer + EM-l , T2 :75o/o Chemic"al
Fertilizer + EM-l + Foliar Appiication,'f'.\: 50oh Chemical Fertilizer + EM-l, T4: 5A%a
Chemical Fertilizer + EM-1r Foliar Application, T5 25o/o Chemical Fertilizer + EM-1, 'T'6:
25ohChemical Fertilizer+EM-lrFoliarApplication,T6:25o/o Chemical Fertilizer f EM-1r-
Foliar Application, control: 100% chemical fertilizer. Capsicum chinense plants wel'e
monitored for key growth paranreters. including plant height, leaf number, and stem diameter.
Results indicated that the conrbine<j airplication of EM and inorganic fertilizers significantly
improved both groMh and yield pai'arneters compared to the control and individtral
treatments. The combination trealrnerli led to an increase in plant height, leaf area, anC
overall biomass. Furthernore. rirere was a notable improvement in fruit yield, with the
combined treatment producing a iiigirc'r' number ;rf fruits with greater average weight. Soil
analysis revealed enhanr:ed nuli'ierrt availability and microbial activity in the plots trealerj
with EM, suggesting that EM conirihuics to improved soilhealth and nutrient cycling.
In conclusion, the study demonstrateri ihat the synergistic use of EM and inorganic f'ertilizel..:,
can be an effective strategv for irnprr.rving the growth and yield of Capsicum chinensa
approach holds promise lor sustainable agriculture, offering a viable solution to increas;:
productivity while maintaining soii health. Future research should explore the lorrg,-terr:r
effects of this combirralion on tiif i'eren. crops and under various environmental conditions.
