Organic and in-organic fertilizers effects on the performance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) grown on soilless medium

Abstract

The effects of organic fertilizers, based on Tithonia diversifolia, and in-organic fertilizers, based on hydroponics fertilizer, were evaluated on the performance, leaves, and fruit mineral concentrations of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants grown under soilless medium in a screen house. The treatments comprised six levels of liquid organic fertilizer (5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 mL), in-organic fertilizer, and a control. Both organic and in-organic fertilizers increased the growth, yield, leaf nutrient concentration, and the mineral contents of tomato and cucumber fruits in comparison with the control. In-organic fertilizer enhanced the performance and mineral concentrations of tomato and cucumber fruits in comparison with organic fertilizer. However, leaf analyses showed that all the essential elements for both tomato and cucumber crops were within the adequate ranges in the organic fertilizer treatments suggesting that this organic fertilizer can be used as an alternative to the expensive and scarce in-organic fertilizer. For organic fertilizer, the highest yield and mineral contents in fruits were attained at doses of 35 mL and 25 mL for tomato and cucumber plants, respectively. At these doses, the fruit weights of tomato and cucumber were increased by 137 and 198%, respectively, in comparison with the control. For a good yield of tomato and cucumber crop with a high fruit mineral content under the soilless medium of coco peat and rice husk, 35 mL and 25 mL of our tested organic fertilizer are recommended.

The Potential of Hydroponic Kit-Based Growing on a Self-Fertigation System for Pagoda Mustard (Brassica narinosa L) Production

“…Pakpahan, HB, and Mahmudah [44] argue that the recommended concentration of nutrients for good growth of Pagoda mustard is 1400 ppm. Recently, several researchers have directed their studies in an environmentally friendly direction by using liquid organic fertilizers as alternative nutrients for hydroponics [45][46][47].…”

Combination of bio-organo-mineral fertilizers on optimizing the growth and production of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in dryland environment

“…Stem diameter from the beginning of observation (14 DAP) to the end of observation (49 DAP) with mean value 5.30 mm to 12.10 mm. The previous study from Adekiya et al (2022) reported that inorganic fertilizer was better than organic and that stem diameter had a higher value. The availability of several elements caused N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe more in inorganic fertilizer.…”

Evaluación del desempeño del cultivo de pepino (Cucumis sativus) frente a tres fertilizantes foliares en la parroquia Nuevo Paraíso, Orellana, Ecuador

“…Sin embargo, es importante tener en cuenta que cada región puede requerir prácticas de cultivo y manejo específicas para maximizar su rendimiento. Según la FAO el 46,21% y 46,27% de los participantes de un estudio indicaron que la fertilización adecuada y periódica en pepino, en tiempos oportunos, solamente es necesario, siempre y cuando se cuente con una asesoría profesional para determinar la composición adecuada del fertilizante 12 .…”