Growth of Butterfly Pea under Different Types and Rates of Organic Fertilizers in Ultisols

This study comprehensively evaluates the effects of various organic fertilizers on the growth of butterfly peas cultivated in ultisols, known for their nutrient deficiency and acidity, which present significant challenges to crop productivity. Butterfly peas are increasingly recognized for their natural pigments, which offer potential food, health, and biotechnology applications. The results indicate neither fertilizer type nor dosage significantly influenced early growth metrics. However, it was observed that chicken manure notably enhanced the growth rates of leaf tillers and compound leaves in comparison to water hyacinth bokashi. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate organic fertilizers to facilitate sustainable cultivation, particularly in challenging soil types such as ultisols. Chicken manure has emerged as a viable organic option, enhancing growth while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers, thus supporting environmentally conscious farming practices. Future research should investigate the impact of organic fertilizers on the secondary metabolite content of butterfly peas to optimize their utility within the food and pharmaceutical industries, thereby expanding their economic and ecological benefits.