The results obtained from a field trial on peppers (Capsicum spp.) outdoors in Castejón (Navarra) show that the biofertilizer Bulhnova significantly increases both productivity and several key fruit quality parameters. The application of this biofertilizer, formulated with selected active microorganisms, has improved yield per plant and per hectare, as well as size, firmness, and wall thickness, without compromising other critical physiological aspects. These improvements further demonstrate Bulhnova’s potential as a high-value tool in efficient and sustainable nutrition programs for vegetables.
Pepper Trial Under Real Cultivation Conditions
The trial, conducted between May and September 2024, was carried out in a pepper crop using drip irrigation and conventional outdoor management. Two strategies were compared: a control with conventional chemical fertilization (ammonium sulfate + organic fertilizer 4-4-2) and a key treatment in which Bulhnova (2.5 L/ha per application, 8 total applications) was used along with organic fertilizer 4-2-2. Applications were made every 15 days via fertigation.
The collected data show a 15.54% increase in yield per hectare, and a 16.44% improvement in production per plant. In plots treated with Bulhnova, a 44.3% increase in total fruit weight per 10 plants and an 18.37% increase in the total number of fruits harvested in the same area were recorded. These results are complemented by an 8.33% increase in average fruit weight, a 6.47% increase in size, and a 6.37% increase in wall thickness. Notably, there was a significant improvement in fruit firmness (+17.62%), a key parameter for commercial and post-harvest quality. There were no significant differences in sugar content (measured in °Brix) between treatments, ensuring the organoleptic stability of the fruit.
Bulhnova: Applied Biology for Agronomic Efficiency
Bulhnova is a liquid root biofertilizer developed by Probelte to improve nutrient utilization in the soil and increase biological activity in the rhizosphere. Its formulation is based on two specifically selected strains: Azospirillum brasilense (strain M3) and Pantoea dispersa (strain C3). Both act synergistically: while Azospirillum fixes atmospheric nitrogen and promotes root growth, Pantoea enhances phosphorus solubilization and activates mechanisms for the absorption of blocked nutrients. This combined action allows the plant to access mineral resources more efficiently, even under high nutritional demand conditions such as those in intensive vegetable crops.
Its application via fertigation allows for easy integration into conventional nutritional programs, delivering active microorganisms directly to the root zone. This improvement in root system functionality translates into better soil exploration, enhanced water and nutrient absorption, and a more vigorous, productive plant.
The continued use of Bulhnova not only improves production and quality parameters immediately but also contributes to the medium-term sustainability of the agricultural system, thanks to its effect on microbiota and soil structure. In a context of increasing regulation on the use of mineral fertilizers and the need to optimize inputs, solutions like Bulhnova offer an agronomically effective and environmentally responsible way to develop pepper and other vegetable crops.
