The Effect of Cow Manure on Land Productivity and Growth of Chili Plants

Abstract

Excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers has gradually degraded soil fertility and threatens the sustainability of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) production, creating a need for environmentally friendly alternatives such as cow manure. This study aimed to analyze the effect of cow manure dosage on the vegetative growth of red chili plants, specifically plant height, leaf color, and number of leaves. An observational experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (RAL) with four dosage treatments—P0 (control), P1 (10 tons/ha or 0.5 kg/plant), P2 (20 tons/ha or 1 kg/plant), and P3 (30 tons/ha or 1.5 kg/plant)—each replicated twice for a total of eight experimental units, carried out over three weeks in Tamansari Village, Boyolali, beginning May 11, 2026, using cow manure that had reached full maturity (blackish-brown, loose, and odorless). The results showed that plant height and leaf number increased consistently with higher manure doses: P3 produced the tallest plants (26 cm) with the most leaves (40), followed by P2 (25 cm, 34 leaves), P1 (23 cm, 27 leaves), and P0 (19 cm, 21 leaves). The narrowing gap between P3 and P2 (only 1 cm) indicated the onset of luxury consumption, or growth-response saturation, at higher doses. These findings confirm that cow manure effectively supports chili growth by supplying N, P, and K nutrients and improving soil structure. P2 (20 tons/ha) is recommended as the most cost-effective dose for farmers, offering a practical and environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers that also helps reduce livestock waste emissions. Future research with a wider dose range, a longer observation period, and generative-phase parameters is recommended to refine these recommendations for large-scale application.