Effect of Organic Fertilizer Solutions on the Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Abstract

Tomato, a popular Sri Lankan vegetable, faces challenges in yields due to inadequate chemical fertilizer access, impacting growers' livelihoods. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the use of organic fertilizer solutions compared to the prevailing fertilizing practices. For that, recommended N, P, and K fertilizers (Chemical fertilizers), organic fertilizer solutions, organic fertilizer solutions + Albert’s solution and Albert’s solution only were tested. Two organic fertilizer solutions were prepared and applied aiming at two growth stages of the plant. The first solution included cow dung, Glyricidia leaves, and dried banana leaves. It was applied throughout the vegetative phase of the plant. The second solution included cow dung, Glyricidia leaves, egg shells, and banana peels and it was applied aiming at the reproductive stage of the plant. Results indicated that compared to the chemical fertilizers, the use of organic fertilizer solutions had a higher number of leaves per plant 12 weeks after planting (10.27 ± 0.45) and a higher root length (35.53 ± 3.22 cm) at the end of the life span. Also compared to the other treatments, they showed a higher fruit fresh weight (g) and a fruit diameter (cm). There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments for the Total Soluble Solid content (Brix %) and pH. Additionally, though the total weight of fruits per plant and the total number of fruits per plant were lower, better results were given with the plants treated with the organic fertilizer solutions.