The paper presents a study on fulvic acid (FA) application to enhance the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of organic bell peppers, but several methodological and interpretative issues weaken its validity. The study’s design, with only three replications, lacks robustness for a high-variability crop, and critical environmental variables, such as soil composition and climatic conditions, are insufficiently detailed. Statistical analyses rely on LSD tests, which can inflate error rates, and there is inconsistent reporting of effect sizes and confidence intervals, making practical significance unclear. While the authors cite references to substantiate their claims, some interpretations selectively align with their results, creating potential misrepresentation. Data presentation, including figures with missing error bars and under-documented calibration methods, further limits reproducibility. Additionally, potential conflicts of interest arise from the FA material provider, which warrants more transparency. Although the findings suggest potential benefits of FA, broad claims about sustainability and agrochemical replacement are overgeneralized given the study’s narrow scope.
