Assessment of Biofertilizers and Humic Acids on the Growth of Coffee Varieties in Nursery: Experimental Study in Chanchamayo, Peru

Silvera-Pablo C.C.; Julca Otiniano A.; Herrera Toscano L.; Rivera-Ashqui T.A.; Silva-Paz R.J. · International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences (2025) · DOI: 10.47278/journal.ijab/2024.198

Resumen

The rising cost of chemical fertilizers has increasingly threatened the economic sustainability of coffee cultivation in Peru, leading to decreased yields across plantations. This study evaluates the effects of biofertilizers on the growth and biomass of three coffee varieties. Using a full factorial design (A × B), factor A consisted of three coffee varieties; (Castillo, Catuaí, and Obata) while factor B included five fertilization treatments; soil fertilization with humic acids (FEAH), soil fertilization with Trichoderma (FET), soil fertilization with mycorrhizae (FEM), soil fertilization alone (FE), and a control without fertilization (SF), resulting in 15 unique treatments. Biometric measurements were included like plant height, leaf count, stem diameter, total fresh biomass, and total dry biomass. The Castillo variety demonstrated the most promising results, with an average plant height of 15.8cm, stem diameter of 4.30mm, 12.14 leaves, fresh biomass of 10.82g per plant, and total dry biomass of 2.26g per plant. Comparative analysis of treatments revealed that FEAH and FEM provided the most substantial improvements in growth metrics and biomass, outperforming FET, FE, and the control. This study not only addresses the sustainability challenges facing coffee cultivation in Peru but also offers critical insights into eco-friendly fertilization practices that promote economic and environmental resilience in coffee farming.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Universidad Nacional de Barranca; Universidad Peruana Unión