Cultivation of pink pepper in succession to cover crops and bokashi application

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cover crops have the potential to improve economic viability while simultaneously mitigating the environmental impacts of agriculture. Pink pepper, known for its ecoplasticity and rapid growth, can be cultivated under various management systems. This study aims to assess the influence of biostimulant application on the mass production, nutrient release, and productivity of pink pepper following cover crops, focusing on carbon sequestration, soil health, and production optimization. The experimental design employed a randomized block in a 4 × 2 × 5 factorial arrangement. Three cover crops (crotalaria, stylosanthes, and millet) were compared with a control-group (spontaneous vegetation), with or without FertBokashi® application. Evaluation occurred at five periods (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 days post-cutting). Mass production and N, P, and K release were measured for over crops. Pink pepper plants were harvested at 270 days post-transplanting to assess leaf, stem, and fruit mass productivity. The residual mass of pearl millet and spontaneous vegetation showed the highest P and K levels at cutting and 180 days later, indicating significant potential for nutrient cycling by millet and certain spontaneous vegetation species. Pink pepper plants exhibited higher fresh leaf mass (386.46 g per plant) and fruit mass (80.82 g per plant) when cultivated after spontaneous vegetation and with FertBokashi® application. Soil application of FertBokashi® positively influenced pink pepper leaf and fruit production.