Application of a Protein Hydrolysate-Based Biostimulant Obtained from Slaughterhouse Sludge on Pepper Crops

Abstract

Currently, biostimulants obtained from protein hydrolysates are considered essential agronomic tools to promote sustainable agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a biostimulant obtained from slaughterhouse sludge via enzymatic hydrolysis processes on green pepper crops in a greenhouse. The biostimulant was administered through both root and foliar applications at two different doses (0.7 and 1.4 g L−1), with a total of four applications made over the 140-day experimental period. Throughout the crop growth period, various parameters were assessed, including plant height, the number of flowers and fruits, macro- and micronutrient content, and photosynthetic pigments in the leaves. Additionally, the nutritional content and vitamin C levels in the harvested fruits were determined. The results obtained indicated higher values of these parameters in the pepper plants when the biostimulant was applied at a higher dose and through root application. These higher values are likely a consequence of the increased plant absorption of the low-molecular-weight amino acids and nutrients derived from the biostimulant.