OICC PRESS Soybean cultivars under the foliar application of a compounded biofertilizer in different plant phenological stages and doses Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 Soybean cultivars under the foliar application of a compounded biofertilizer in different plant phenological stages and doses 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1946944.1385 EN Fernando Simoni Bacilieri Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Campus Glória, Uberlândia, Brazil 0000-0003-4945-6300 Roberta Camargos De Oliveira Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Campus Glória, Uberlândia, Brazil 0000-0002-2432-0442 Ludyellen Cristina Medeiros Santos Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Campus Glória, Uberlândia, Brazil 0000-0002-5942-7610 Mara Lúcia Martins Magela Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Campus Glória, Uberlândia, Brazil 0000-0002-7422-2322 Regina Maria Quintão Lana Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Campus Glória, Uberlândia, Brazil 0000-0002-7034-674X Ernane Miranda Lemes Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Campus Glória, Uberlândia, Brazil 0000-0001-6807-0644 Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose Soybean is critical in the global food scenario, and increased grain productivity and sustainability are always sought. This study evaluates the agronomic performance of soybeans with biofertilizer (BF) applications in different soybean phenological stages. Method Experiments were performed in two regions and designed in randomized blocks using a 2×4 factorial scheme (two cultivars and four BF managements). Representative plants from each parcel were used. Plant biometric variables were assessed on plants at the full bloom stage. At the beginning of grain filling, the leaf and seed biochemical components were measured. Quantitative yield components were measured at harvest. Results In both areas, the BF did not affect the soybean leaf area index, leaf dry biomass, and branch dry biomass. The BF application improved the total sugars, starch, and reducing sugars in area 1. In area 2, the chlorophyll was similar among the BF managements. Soybean cultivars and BF did not affect seed protein content in area 1. In area 2, the BF application presented a similar or greater soybean yield compared to control (no BF). The divergences observed between areas may be related to interactions between the soil-climatic conditions and the soybean cultivars. Conclusion Choosing a more appropriate soybean cultivar is fundamental to obtaining higher yields. Nutritional management with leaf-applied BF is an alternative to increase soybean field performance. However, it is still necessary to consider the interactions of the BF with the crop genetics chosen for the region of cultivation and the best dose and time of application. Highlights Natural biofertilizer leaf-applied can be used in soybeans crop nutrition managed. Total sugars, reducing sugars, starch, and chlorophyll were affected by the biofertilizer. The biofertilizer presented similar or superior soybean yield compared to control. Significant interactions were found among the biofertilizer × soybean cultivars × soil-climate.

OICC PRESS Nutrient content of super liquid fertilizer (SLF) from dairy sludge waste and the potential as a biopesticide Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 Nutrient content of super liquid fertilizer (SLF) from dairy sludge waste and the potential as a biopesticide 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1941081.1344 EN Yendri Junaidi Departement of Animal Science, Politeknik Pembangunan Pertanian Malang, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Indonesia Wahyu Windari Departement of Animal Science, Politeknik Pembangunan Pertanian Malang, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Indonesia Fitria Nur Aini Departement of Animal Science, Politeknik Pembangunan Pertanian Malang, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Indonesia Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose The current use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers harms the environment, alternative substitutions using organic materials are needed. One of them is utilizing the dairy industry sludge waste to become a Super Liquid Fertilizer (SLF). This study aimed to analyze the nutrient quality of SLF (a dairy industry sludge waste that was added to some the microbial activators). Method The types of microbes and the number of nutrients in pure sludge were identified, followed by composed SLF and applied to the larvae of Spodoptera litura to see the pathogenicity. Data were analyzed using SPSS.26 software. Results The types of microbes that exist in the pure sludge waste of the dairy industry are dominated by Pseudomonas bacteria, as much as 50%. The nutrient content of SLF is appropriate to Indonesia’s national standard for liquid organic fertilizer. Analysis of varian (ANOVA) analysis shows that the addition of activator microbe at P3 is the best. The number of microbes in SLF is significantly different (P < 0.05) at each treatment, where P3 is the best treatment. The pathogenicity of SLF is also good, as evidenced by the motility of the Spodoptera litura reaching 98% in the P5 treatment for 96 hours. Conclusion This research has succeeded in producing SLF with the nutritional value of nutrients that are close to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture. The number of bacterial colonies in SLF is more than 106 CFU/mL, especially in the P3 treatment. SLF can kill Spodoptera litura caterpillars in a time period of 46 hours. Highlights Dairy sludge waste is the potential to use as organic fertilizer. The quality of organic fertilizer from dairy sludge waste can be improved by adding activator bacteria which are Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The nutrient content of organic fertilizer from dairy sludge waste containing bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) is close to the standard of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia and has the ability to kill caterpillar (Spodoptera litura).

OICC PRESS Parasitic contamination of soil and vegetable crops irrigated with raw wastewater: A case study from Al-Far’a, Palestine Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 Parasitic contamination of soil and vegetable crops irrigated with raw wastewater: A case study from Al-Far’a, Palestine 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1942737.1360 EN Sameer M. AL-Qorom Universal Institute of Applied and Health Research, Nablus, Palestine Taleb. M Abu-Sharar Department of Land, Water and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan Randa N Albdaiwi Department of Land, Water and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose Because of the steep shortage in freshwater supply in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, raw wastewater (RWW) has been widely used to irrigate vegetable crops. This study aims to detect the effects of irrigation with raw wastewater on crops cultivated in Wadi Al-Far’a, Palestine. Method A total of 300 soil, crop, and RWW samples were randomly collected from Wadi al-Far'a, an area with a long history of irrigating crops with raw wastewater. A survey questionnaire was also used to collect data on the parasites-infected farmer. Results Results showed that percentages of contaminated vegetables, soil, and RWW samples were 10.2%, 27.0%, and 47.5%, respectively. Crops leave indicate contamination with parasite eggs depending on their contact with surface soil, e.g., contamination of zucchini (leaves rest on surface soil) and mallow (upright plant stand) was 19.0% and 2.0%, respectively. The highest and lowest soil contamination with parasites eggs pertained to A. lumbricoides (30.0%) and T. trichiurid (19.2%). Conclusion Certain mitigation measures should be used to limit the danger of farmers becoming infected with common parasites, particularly Ascaris lumbricoides. Farmers' awareness of the manner of parasite transmission and adherence to safety regulations should be among them. Highlights Reason forcing Palestinian farmers using raw wastewater in irrigation. The most common parasites eggs survival in raw wastewater irrigated soils. The major factor of crop contamination with parasites. The most infected age group of farmers applying raw wastewater in irrigation. Effect of climate and length of raw wastewater running course on crop and soil contamination with parasites.

OICC PRESS The Effects of Chemical Fertilizers on Composting process of Pistachio Waste Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 The Effects of Chemical Fertilizers on Composting process of Pistachio Waste 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1941505.1350 EN Marieh Nadi Pistachio Research Center, Horticulture Sciences Research Institute, Agriculture Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rafsanjan, Iran 0000-0001-7419-7203 Mohamad Moradi Pistachio Research Center, Horticulture Sciences Research Institute, Agriculture Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rafsanjan, Iran 0000-0002-3922-6985 Najmeh Pakdaman Pistachio Research Center, Horticulture Sciences Research Institute, Agriculture Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rafsanjan, Iran Ebrahim Sedaghati Pistachio Safety Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Vali-e- Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran Amanollah Javanshah Pistachio Research Center, Horticulture Sciences Research Institute, Agriculture Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rafsanjan, Iran Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose A study was carried out on composting pistachio hull aided with chemical fertilizer. Recycling of pistachio wastes is one of the major agricultural way in pistachio producing country. Method The collected pistachio hull was allowed to decompose either naturally through composting or with the addition of chemical fertilizers. Biological and chemical properties with organic matter were monthly measured in both composting methods. The data was analyzed in a completely randomized design. Mean values were compared using Duncan's multiple range test in SPSS software (p < 0.05). Results Increasing chemical fertilizers reduced the microbial density and diversity during the composting, the concentration of the elements in both composting methods increased over time. The EC in both methods decreased over time from 6.95 to 6.17 dSm-1 in natural composting and 6.95 to 4.85 dSm-1 in adding of chemical fertilizers. The C: N ratios of the produced compost was found to be lowered in adding of chemical fertilizers during composting compared with those naturally composting treatment. Conclusion Addition of chemical compounds to the primary wastes could accelerate and improve the decomposition process and lead to faster composting as well as nutritional enrichment and lower C: N ratios, but it reduced microbial density and changed their diversities. Highlights Microbial diversity and density were changed by adding chemical fertilizers. Microbial density was studied during composting process. Final compost was enriched nutritionally by adding chemical fertilizers. Composting period was shortened by adding chemical fertilizers at the beginning.

OICC PRESS Integrated use of compost and lime enhances soil properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum l.) yield in acidic soils of Northwestern Ethiopia Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 Integrated use of compost and lime enhances soil properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum l.) yield in acidic soils of Northwestern Ethiopia 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1941048.1343 EN Workineh Ejigu College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia 0000-0002-1484-0903 Yihenew G. Selassie Centre for Environmental Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Eyasu Elias Centre for Environmental Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose Soil acidity and nutrients deficiency are the major constraints causing low crop yield and food insecurity in the highlands of Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted in northwestern Ethiopia during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to study effects of compost and lime application on soil properties and wheat yield. Method The treatments consisted of three compost levels (0, 3 and 6 t ha-1) and three lime rates (0, 1 and 2 t ha-1) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Before planting and after harvest, soil samples were collected from each experimental plot to analyze soil properties. Results Combination of lime and compost significantly (p<0.05) increased soil pH, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable base cations. In contrast, exchangeable acidity and aluminum levels decreased substantially compared to individual application of amendments. Compared to the control, application of 2 t ha-1 lime, 6 t ha-1 compost alone and their combination increased wheat grain yield by 24.6%, 42% and 97.5%, respectively. Besides, the combined application of compost and lime provided the highest net benefit (1915.90 US$ ha-1), which was noticeably greater than the control (1034.44 US$ ha-1). Conclusion The application of lime and compost in combination is an effective option to curb soil acidity while enhancing soil nutrients availability and crop yields at lower input costs.  However, to determine the application frequency, long-term effects of compost and lime in combination on acidic soil properties and crop yield need to be investigated through further research. Highlights Effects of compost and lime application on acidic soil properties and crop yield were evaluated Compost performed well in improving soil nutrients and crop yield, while liming was better in reducing soil acidity Combined use of compost and lime is an effective measure to curb soil acidity and improve soil nutrients Compost and lime in combination significantly increased wheat yields than their sole additions

OICC PRESS Agricultural valorization of composts produced by recycling organic waste Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 Agricultural valorization of composts produced by recycling organic waste 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1949750.1398 EN Slimani Rachid Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria 0000-0003-4231-5943 Fatiha Metna Ali-Ahmed Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria Melissa Kanane Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria Arezki Hammoum Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose This paper investigates the composting recovery of different bio-wastes and the use of the composts produced as soil fertilizer and organic amendment. Method A composting process was carried out for 111 days using different organic wastes (fruits, vegetables, olive pomace, poultry, and cattle manure). The physicochemical properties of the generated compost were determined. The quality of the compost produced was evaluated by measuring pH, carbon/nitrogen (C/N), dry matter, and organic matter. A phytotoxicity test (germination test) was conducted to complete the analysis. Results The results of the physicochemical properties complied with AFNOR standards. The pH ranged between 7.3 and 8.7. The C/N ratio was between 10.05 and 18.46, and organic matter content varied between 33.6 and 72.7%. The phytotoxicity test showed that the safety of compost as a soil amendment is related to the applied dose and the type of crop. Conclusion The physicochemical parameters and phytotoxicity test showed that the compost obtained can be used as organic fertilizer due to its organic matter content and mineral elements. Highlights The volume of the pile had an influence on the temperature values: in large piles, the large masses of decomposing waste hindered the removal of the heat resulting from the microbial activity, due to the higher temperatures compared to the smaller piles. The germination rate was also related to the dose of compost applied and to the type of crop, and not only to the physico-chemical characteristics of the compost. The agronomic value of the composts obtained (content of fertilizer elements and organic matter) was dependent strongly on the nature of the composted waste.

OICC PRESS Smart vermicomposting bin for rapid transformation of Dal lake aquatic weed into fortified vermicompost Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 Smart vermicomposting bin for rapid transformation of Dal lake aquatic weed into fortified vermicompost 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1955835.1445 EN Amit Kumar Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K, India Mohd. Muzamil Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K, India 0000-0002-1440-2604 Jagvir Dixit Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K, India Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose The study was conducted to develop and assess the feasibility of the low-cost mechanical interface as an alternative to the conventional land-based bin type vermicomposting process. The idea was to reduce the drudgery, enrich the nutrient status and reduce the cost of preparation of vermicompost. Method A smart vermicomposting bin comprising of Arduino, feeding hopper, shredding rollers, spiral mixing unit, degradation bin and harvesting gate was fabricated for the preparation of vermicompost from Dal Lake aquatic weed in Kashmir valley. Eisenia fetida earthworm facilitated the degradation process. Results  The Dal lake aquatic weed was degraded in the smart vermicomposting bin. The turning frequency was set as 10 days and 20 days. The performance parameters at 10 days turning interval were pH 7.05, electrical conductivity 0.837 dSm-1, available nitrogen 1.15%, available phosphorus 0.06%, available potassium 1.91%, organic carbon 26.2% and C:N ratio 16.3:1 after 60 days degradation period. The comparative evaluation revealed that increase in available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at 10 days turning interval was higher by 4.01%, 6.06%, 4.94% than 20 days turning interval. The benefit – cost ratio was 0.45 in first year and 1.78 in second year with a pay-back period of 19 months. The unit cost of vermicompost production was Rs. 13 per kilogram. Conclusion The involvement of mechanical intervention in vermicomposting can help in reducing the dependence on scarce land and addressing the issue of peak labour shortage. Moreover, the automation of the system can reduce the human errors. Highlights A smart vermicomposting bin comprising of feeding unit, shredding rollers, degradation chamber, spiral mixing unit and harvesting gate was conceptualized, developed and evaluated for the degradation of Dal lake aquatic weed in Kashmir valley. The evaluation was carried out at a turning frequency of 10 days and 20 days and degradation period of 20, 40 and 60 days. The responses were measured in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, organic carbon and C:N ratio. The performance parameters at 10 days turning interval were pH 7.05, electrical conductivity 0.837 dSm-1, available nitrogen 1.15%, available phosphorus 0.06%, available potassium 1.91%, organic carbon 26.2% and C:N ratio 16.3:1 after 60 days degradation period. Comparatively, there was an increase in available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by 4.01%, 6.06%, 4.94% with 10 days turning frequency in 60 days degradation period. The cost analysis revealed that the benefit – cost ratio was 0.45 in first year and 1.78 in second year with a pay-back period of 19 months. The unit cost of vermicompost production was obtained as Rs. 13 per kilogram.

OICC PRESS Biochemical characterization of solid state fermented maize cob (Zea mays) using Rhizopus oligosporusand its application in poultry feed production Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 Biochemical characterization of solid state fermented maize cob (Zea mays) using Rhizopus oligosporusand its application in poultry feed production 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1939020.1323 EN Amaka Ndego Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Theresa Ezedom Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Nigeria 0000-0002-3942-923X Egoamaka Oliseneku Egbune Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria 0000-0002-5526-6397 Nyerhovwo Tonukari Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical characterization of solid state fermented maize (Zea mays) cob and its use in poultry feed production. Method Solid state fermentation was carried out at room temperature for 72 hours using Rhizopus oligosporus inoculum with a well prepared phosphate buffer (50 mM , pH 6). Results Results showed a significant (p< 0.05) increase in glucose and decrease in sugars and soluble proteins concentration in the R. oligosporus fermented maize cob. At 10% inoculum, the highest concentrations of glucose, reduced sugars and soluble proteins were 1.15±0.21, 45.7±0.6 and 12.9±0.3 mg g-1, respectively. Similarly, the total phenol, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and amylase activity of maize cob increased significantly (p < 0.05) with fermentation. Broiler chickens fed with fermented maize cob of 10% inoculum had the same weight gain as the control (1.4±0.1kg). Fermentation did not induce a significant difference (p<0.05) in the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Conclusion The observed increase in proteins and sugars in the fermented products suggests their suitability as excellent components for animal feed production. Thus, the livestock feed formulation industries might benefit from the usage of fermented maize cob as a raw material in animal feeds as well as a protein fortifier. Highlights SSF of maize cob using R. oligosporus improved the glucose, reducing sugars and soluble proteins concentration. SSF of maize cob using R. oligosporus increased the antioxidant capacities of maize cob. R. oligosporus optimized the secretion of α-amylase during the SSF of maize cob at 15% inoculum. Fermented maize cob with a 10% inoculum of R. oligosporus is an excellent component for poultry feed production. Fermented maize cob diet poses no threat to the liver or physiological damages in the birds.

OICC PRESS Effects of compost from food waste on growth of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa Var. Crispa L.) Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 Effects of compost from food waste on growth of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa Var. Crispa L.) 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1960507.1481 EN Aunkamol Kumngen Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand 0000-0002-8302-2760 Jutarut Iewkittayakorn Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand 0000-0002-8302-2760 Usmana Meehae Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand Sudarat Suwannarat Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand Sujunya Anuchan Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand Wilaiwan Chotigeat Agricultural Innovation and Management Division, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand Pattamavadee Kunwanlee Division of Computation Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand Noodchanath Kongchouy BIOAXEL Co., Ltd., Koh Sa-mui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand Siwapong Leunram Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand Seppo Karrila Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose Thailand generates approximately 18 million tons of urban food waste per year, which is disposed of with municipal waste and largely goes to landfills. However, this approach not only takes up a large area but also causes environmental problems. The easiest way to manage food waste is by separating it at the source and composting it. Bioaxel Co., Ltd. has developed an innovative approach for composting food waste, with the output commercially marketed as “BA compost”. However, the use of BA compost has not been independently studied. Methods BA compost was mixed with soil in various proportions (0% - 70% v/v) for planting lettuce to find the proper BA proportion. Growth characteristics and nutrient contents were investigated. Results The BA compost improved the soil nutrients. 10% BA compost in soil gave the highest growth parameters among the proportions tested, with the highest root length (21.83 ± 0.83 cm), plant length (30.00 ± 1.00 cm), number of leaves (23.33 ± 1.15 leaves), thickness (12.47 ± 0.57 mm), width of bush (26.33 ± 0.58 mm), fresh plant weight (113.03 ± 1.28 g), dry plant weight (4.58 ± 0.14 g), chlorophyll a and b (0.38 and 0.38 mg/mL), carotenoid (155.28 mg/mL), protein (443.38 μg/mL), carbohydrate (4,321.31 μg/mL) and reducing sugar (683.33 μg/mL). Conclusion BA compost from food waste demonstrated its potential in sustainable food waste management and could be used as a fertilizer. It supports an environmentally closed-loop approach to return the food waste back to the source as plant food. Highlights The easiest way to manage food waste is by separating it at the source and composting it. Bioaxel Co., Ltd. has developed an innovative approach for composting food waste. The food waste compost obtained from Bioaxel machine is commercially marketed as “BA compost”. 10% BA compost in soil gave the highest growth parameters among the proportions tested. BA compost from food waste demonstrated its potential in sustainable food waste management and could be used as a fertilizer

OICC PRESS A solution at the doorsteps: Improved biofertilizer enhances soil fertility and yield of Chili ( Capsicum an-nuumL.) in Bhutan Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 08 15 A solution at the doorsteps: Improved biofertilizer enhances soil fertility and yield of Chili ( Capsicum an-nuumL.) in Bhutan 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1952686.1416 EN Sonam Tashi College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Punakha, Bhutan Kesang Wangchuk International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal 0000-0002-5991-3969 Erica Udas International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal Sonam Gaki College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Punakha, Bhutan Kamal Aryal International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal Journal Article 2023 08 15 Purpose Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of locally prepared biofertilizers (Jholmal 1 and Jholmal 2) on soil properties and chili yield (Capsicum annuum L.). Method The experimental site was in west-central Bhutan. The experiments were Randomized Complete Block Designs (RCBD) consisting of three treatments (cattle dung/ urine: Jholmal 1, cattle urine: Jholmal 2, and Control), and each treatment was replicated four times. The individual plot size of each treatment was 1 m × 3 m in total the experiment occupied a total area of 36 m2. The effects of biofertilizers on soil properties and chili yield were compared before and after application. Results Overall soil pH was within the suitable range (pH 6-7) for chili cultivation, although soil pH declined significantly in Jhomal 2 and control treatments. The soil C:N ratio increased significantly in all plots after application. Plots receiving Jholmal 2 showed the highest increase in the C:N ratio (2.30%; p<0.01) after the application.  Available soil P increased after the application and was recorded highest (21.02 mg/kg; p<0.05) in plots amended with Jholmal 1. Exchangeable K declined significantly in all treatments after the application and the decline was highest (56.00 mg/kg; p<0.05) in the plots amended with Jholmal 1. The plots amended with Jholmal 1 also gave the highest chili yield in both experiments (≈13 t/ha in experiment I and ≈15 t/ha in experiment II). Conclusion Jholmal 1 has better effects on soil fertility and chili yield and could be a prospective organic biofertilizer to use in organic farms in Bhutan. Highlights The effects of two different locally prepared biofertilizers (Jholmal 1 and Jholmal 2) were compared. Soil pH declined significantly in Jhomal 2 treatment and the control. Plots treated with Jholmal 2 increased C:N ratio. Available soil P increased and it was higher in the plots treated with Jholmal 1. The plots treated with Jholmal 1 gave the highest chili yield.