With the objective of evaluating the effects of the organic fertilization in the production of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivar Nacional AG 506, two experiments were carried out: one experiment in the greenhouse and other at the Agricultural Center of the Federal University of Espirito Santo (CAUFES) Experimental Station, in the city of Alegre, Brazil, from March to October, 1994. In the greenhouse six levels of earthworm compost were tested (0, 220, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 g/pot) associated with the absence or presence of chemical fertilization. The experiments were set up in a complete randomized blocks design, with five replications. Only one plant was used per pot. After 45 days the dry matter production of plant tops and roots was evaluated. In the field 12 t/ha of earthworm compost (600 g per pot) were compared with 20 t/ha (1000 g per pot) of cattle manure, in the absence and presence of chemical fertilization. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design, with four replications of ten plants per plot. In greenhouse the maximum top dry weight was obtained with 561.9 g/pot of earthworm compost and with 323.1 g/pot for maximum root dry weight. Decrease in dry weight production was observed when higher amounts of earthworm compost were used. In a field experiment, sweet pepper production with organic fertilization was 7.0 t/ha higher when compared to chemical fertilization. There was no significant difference among sources of organic fertilization (earthworm compost and cattle manure),
Capsicum annuum L.; cattle manure; organic fertilizer; earthworm compost
