Plant-based fertilizer Ekofert, produced from red clover, and red clover mulch were compared with non-fertilized control and mineral N-fertilization (100 kg N ha-1) in sweet pepper cultivation (2017–2019). The organic fertilizer was applied in doses of 4, 6 and 8 t ha-1. Red clover mulch was applied at an amount of 70 t ha-1 f.m. in split doses immediately after planting transplants and four weeks after its first application. The applications of the plant-based fertilizer Ekofert and red clover mulch increased the amounts of organic matter and organic carbon in the topsoil horizon, compared to the control treatment. Mineral nitrogen fertilization had a negative effect and reduced the amounts of organic matter and organic carbon in the soil, compared to the control and to the applied doses of the organic fertilizer and mulch. The organic and mineral fertilizers as well as red clover mulch increased the nitrogen content in the soil and sweet pepper leaves, compared to the non-fertilized control treatment. Ekofert and red clover mulch had a beneficial effect on the yield of sweet pepper. The highest yield of sweet pepper was obtained by mulching and at the highest dose of Ekofert (8 t ha-1), while the dose of 6 t ha-1 provided a yield similar to that obtained by the application of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 100 kg ha-1. The results confirm potential use of the organic fertilizer Ekofert and soil mulching with red clover in organic and the so-called vegan organic horticultural production.

26.3.2021