Abstract

DAVID-SANTOYA, Jesse Joel Edson; GOMEZ-ALVAREZ, Regino; JARQUIN-SANCHEZ, Aarón  and  VILLANUEVA-LOPEZ, Gilberto. Characterization of vermicomposts and their effect on the germination and growth of Capsicum chinense Jacquin. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2018, vol.5, n.14, pp.181-190. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a5n14.1465.

The use of different substrates for producing vermicomposts has an impact on crop development. The aim was to evaluate the productivity of the Eisenia andrei earthworm in different substrates and their effect on the germination and growth of Capsicum chínense Jacquin. They were prepared with plant residues (PR) and cocoa husk (CH), and their combinations with Gliricidia sepium (G). The contents of humic acids (HA) and carbon of humic acids (CAH) had the highest values in the vermicomposts with PR, sheep manure (SM) and their combinations with G. The SM increased the biomass and length of the earthworm, whereas combining it with G increased the mortality of cocoons and juvenile worms. With bocashi (B) and PR there were positive effects on the biomass, length, number of cocoons and juvenile worms. The vermicomposts of B, B+G+PR and PR had the highest germination percentages. To increase earthworm biomass, population, length, number of cocoons and the number of juvenile worms, substrates made with PR, B and their combinations can be used. The highest nutrient contents in Capsicum chinence Jacquin seedlings were found in the SM+G combination.

Keywords : Organic fertilizers; habanero pepper; organic waste; Eisenia andrei; substrates.