Carbono orgánico como sustituto parcial de fertilizantes químicos en el cultivo de pimiento (Capsicum annuum L.), variedad martha

This study evaluated the impact of organic carbon and NPK fertilizer on pepper cultivation, with the aim of analyzing the effects of their combined application on growth, fruit development, and the economic profitability of the crop. The study was conducted in the fields of the Agrarian University of Ecuador, using a completely randomized block design with an A x B factorial arrangement, in which different doses of organic carbon (Factor A) and NPK fertilizer (Factor B) were applied. The results showed that the incorporation of organic carbon favored plant growth and increased fruit production, with the combination of 2.5 L/ha of organic carbon with 100% NPK mineral NPK fertilization showing the best yield, reaching a benefit/cost ratio of 0.8. These findings suggest that the use of organic carbon together with 100% NPK fertilizers is an economically viable option for pepper production, especially in sustainable agricultural contexts.