Effects of Different Organic Mulching Materials on Growth parameter of Pepper (capsicum annum L.) At Wolkite University Horticulture Department Demonstration Site

Abstract

Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) is a vital spice crop in Ethiopia, holding significant economic and culinary importance. This study investigated the influence of various organic mulching materials on the growth and yield components of pepper plants. The experiment was conducted during the 2016 E.C. off-season under irrigated conditions at the Wolkite University Department of Horticulture field site. Four treatments were employed: dry grass leaf (T1), dry banana leaf (T2), dry sugarcane leaf (T3), and a control (T4). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was used. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.2 software. The findings indicated that dry sugarcane leaf mulch significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced pepper growth, as evidenced by increased plant height, number of leaves per plant, and number of branches per plant. Conversely, the control group exhibited the lowest values for these growth parameters. These results suggest that dry sugarcane leaf mulch can be a beneficial strategy for promoting pepper growth. However, further research across multiple years is warranted to validate the significance of all investigated characteristics and to identify the most suitable mulching material for optimal pepper production.