Effects of a Coal-derived Soil Amendment on Plant Growth of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and Rhizosphere Microbial Communities

Key Points

• Sweet pepper growth improved significantly with coal-derived soil amendments, supporting better yields.
• Plant height increased by 30% and fruit weight by 25% in amended soil compared to controls.
• Analysis included microbial community assessments in the rhizosphere, showing increased diversity in treatment groups.
• Findings suggest that coal-derived amendments may enhance soil health and plant productivity, needing further exploration.