Organic inputs with reduced chemical fertilizers improve yield, antioxidant components, and defense mechanisms in Tomato (var. Pusa Sheetal)

Abstract

Chemical fertilizers are widely used to meet the nutritional needs of crops and increase yields; but, due to their high cost and abuse, certain adverse effects are causing the soil to deteriorate. A decline in soil organic carbon is being addressed through the use of vermicompost and farmyard manure as organic amendments, potentially reducing chemical fertilizer usage and ensuring sustainable crop nutrient supply. A study utilizing cattle farmyard manure and vermicompost, along with reduced chemical fertilizers, demonstrated that organic inputs significantly enhance tomato growth, physiology, yield, nutritional, and defense attributes. The study found that using farmyard manure and vermicompost in combination with reduced chemical fertilizers significantly increased plant height (14.2%), number of branches (26.7%), number of leaves (18.1%), fruit weight (30.7%), yield (89.4%), ascorbate peroxidase (15.4%), carotenoids (11.6%), vitamin C (15.4%), lycopene (17.2%), superoxide dismutase (18.5%), total antioxidant activity (55.4%), total soluble solids (9.9%), and vitamin C 7.9% in tomatoes, potentially reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. In addition, soil pH was slightly neutralized and soil organic carbon and available N, P, and K status of soils significantly improved. Tomatoes with higher levels of ascorbate peroxidase, carotenoids, lycopene, superoxide dismutase activity, total antioxidant activity, total soluble solids, and vitamin C, showed higher yields.