Study on the Effect of Fecal Sludge and Sewage Sludge Application on the Growth and Production of Capsicum

The improper disposal of fecal sludge (FS) and sewage sludge (SS) poses significant environmental and public health challenges in developing countries like Nepal. This study explores the potential of FS and SS as sustainable fertilizers for agricultural applications, addressing the dual challenges of waste management and reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers. Using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), Capsicum annuum was cultivated under four treatments: FS, SS, compost, and control, with growth and yield parameters such as plant height, root and stem diameter, biomass, and fruit characteristics analyzed. FS treatment demonstrated superior performance in plant height (325.8 ± 36.52 mm), root diameter (338.35 ± 218.54 mm), and fruit wet biomass (182.10 ± 155.83 g), though differences among treatments were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Control plots showed earlier flowering (40.01 ± 1.34 days) and larger fruit dimensions, while SS treatments underperformed, likely due to heavy metal contaminants. Compost treatment showed moderate results, enhancing soil structure and microbial activity. This research underscores the viability of FS as an effective alternative to chemical fertilizers, contributing to sustainable agriculture and circular economies.