Growth and yield of chili on post-mine sandpits treated by Arbuscular Micorhizal fungi and organic matter

Post mining soil with its low fertility can be used for crop cultivation through application of Arbuscular Micorhizal Fungi (AMF) and organic matter. The aim of the research was to know the effect of AMF and organic matter on the growth and yield of Chilli pepper (Capsicum annum L.) on post-mine sandpits soil. A field-polybag trial had been carried out using a randomized block design two factors with factorial pattern and three replications. The first factor was the type of AMF i.e. Glomus sp and Gigaspora sp each of 15 g polybag−1. The second factor was the type of organic matter (chicken manure, Tithonia diversivolia compost, and guano each of 30 t ha−1). The results showed there was interaction effect of AMF and organic material on root infection degree percentage and short root ratio. Application of T. diversivolia compost 30 t ha−1 gave significant effect on plant height and fresh fruit weight. The experiment indicated that combination of Gigaspora and T. diversivolia compost equal to 30 t ha−1 produced low root infection degree that can not be used to stimulate growth and yield of chilli crop. Only addition of T. diversivolia compost equal to 30 t ha−1 can be used in crop cultivation on post-mine sandpits soil and need further for the success of AMF inoculation need to consider population size beside AMF species.