COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC MANURES USING TWO SPECIES OF PEPPER (Capsicum spp), PIQUANTE AND EFFIA PEPPER IN UMUDIKE

Abstract

The study compared the effects of organic and inorganic manures using two species of pepper (Capsicum spp), Piquante and Effia Pepper in Umudike, Nigeria. The study was guided by three specific objectives and three research questions. The study adopted a true experimental research design. The population consisted of forty-five (45) pepper plants established at the experimental site in Umudike. A sample of forty (40) plants was used for the study through purposive sampling technique. The major instruments used for data collection in this study were field measurement tools and recording sheets specifically designed to capture vegetative growth, phenological traits, and yield performance of Piquante and Effia peppers under organic and inorganic manure treatments. The instruments used in this study were subjected to both content and face validation. Reliability of the instruments was established through test–retest method which yielded 0.83. Data for this study were collected through field observations and direct measurements and analysed using descriptive statistics such as means, ranges, and standard deviations to provide a clear overview of growth trends and yield patterns. The findings of the study showed that both manure types significantly enhanced plant performance compared with control experiment. Inorganic manure produced the highest vegetative growth and yield in Piquente peppers resulting to taller plants, thicker stems, more leaves and earlier flowering and fruiting. Organure manure also improved growth and yield, particularly in Effia peppers, where it enhanced fruit weight and quality. In contrast, the control plants which received no manure showed poor performance such as stunted, fewer leaves, delayed flowering, and the lowest fruit number and yield. In view of the findings, it was recommended that: farmers adopt variety specific manure management practices: inorganic manure for maximizing early growth and yield in Piquante peppers and organic manure for improving profitability, fruit quality and soil health in Effia peppers.