Fertilizantes de eficiência melhorada na produção de pimenta biquinho

Abstract

The intensive use of agricultural inputs has raised concerns regarding the sustainability of production systems. The United Nations 2030 Agenda, through the Sustainable Development Goal “Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture,” promotes the adoption of technologies that reconcile productivity with the reduction of environmental impacts. In this context, this study evaluated how different application strategies of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) influence the growth and yield of biquinho pepper (Capsicum chinense), cultivar “Maria Bonita,” grown in a protected soilless cultivation system. The EEFs were formulated using monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃), incorporated into biodegradable matrices of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) through spray drying and internal mixing processes. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three treatments: conventional fertigation (FERT), single EEF application (PAT), and split EEF application (PAD). Biometric parameters, yield, fruit quality, and plant nutritional status were evaluated. Additionally, a biodegradation assay was carried out using coconut fiber substrate. The results demonstrated that, although the FERT treatment provided higher yield and biomass accumulation, the EEF treatments showed promising performance in terms of fruit quality. The PAD treatment promoted fruits with greater diameter and length and maintained adequate phosphorus levels, despite limitations in nitrogen and potassium availability. Biodegradation analysis revealed that the rapid decomposition of the polymeric matrix led to temporary nitrogen immobilization, explaining the lower chlorophyll indices and slower initial growth observed under EEF treatments. It was concluded that split applications of EEFs constitute a technically viable alternative for producing fruits with superior commercial characteristics while also representing an environmentally sustainable strategy due to reduced nutrient losses.