The Optimization of Nitrogen Fertilization Regulates Crop Performance and Quality of Processing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Heinz 3402)

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the effect of various fertilization regimes on processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Heinz 3402) yield and quality by applying the following treatments: (i) control (C), (ii) conventional fertilizer (21-0-0, N-P-K) (CF), (iii) slow release nitrogen fertilizer 46-0-0 (SR), (iv) conventional fertilizer (21-0-0, N-P-K) + Zeolite (CFZ), and v) composted sheep manure (M). The results of the study showed that the SR and CFZ treatments resulted in the highest fruit yield per hectare compared to the rest of the fertilizer and the control treatments. Fruit firmness was higher for the treatments C, M and SR, while color parameters (chroma and hue angle) were higher for the C and M treatments, respectively. Moreover, the total soluble solids content (TSS; °Brix) was higher when manure (M) was applied. In terms of chemical composition, the total and individual tocopherols and sugars were the highest for the M and C treatments, respectively, whereas the oxalic, malic and total organic acid contents were the highest for the CFZ treatment. Moreover, the tested treatments showed a varied response in different antioxidant assays, although the M treatment exhibited a high antioxidant capacity in most of the assays, except for the β-carotene/linoleate assay. The carotenoid and chlorophyll contents were the highest for the control treatment. The main detected fatty acid was linoleic acid, followed by palmitic, oleic and α-linolenic acid, while the CFZ treatment had the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) due to its high content of linoleic acid. In conclusion, although the application of fertilizers increased yield, the quality parameters and chemical composition showed a varied response to the fertilization regime, especially the TSS content and juice pH and electric conductivity (EC), which are significant for the marketability of the final product.

Cover Crops and Manure Combined with Commercial Fertilizers Differently Affect Yield and Quality of Processing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Organically Grown in Puglia

“…Our results are fully in agreement with those of Bililas et al [39], because we did not observe differences of this qualitative attribute of the color among different fertilization treatments (Table 2). In a study aimed at evaluating the optimization of nitrogen fertilization on crop performance and quality of processing tomato cv Heinz 3402, Petropoulos et al found an h • value ranging from 45.6 to 50.4 [40]. Moreover, Renna et al [41] reported an h • value of 48.2 for Manduria, an Italian local variety of processing tomato.…”

The Effect of Nitrogen Fertigation and Harvesting Time on Plant Growth and Chemical Composition of Centaurea raphanina subsp. mixta (DC.) Runemark

“…Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient that has to be replenished with fertilizer application before and during the growing period based on the cropping schedule of farmers [27,28]. In contrast to conventional crops, several studies have indicated the low requirements of wild or semi-domesticated species in nitrogen and agrochemical inputs, which further emphasize the importance of integrating such novel/alternative species in modern farming systems aiming at sustainable production of horticultural products [9,[29][30][31].…”

The Effect of Nitrogen Input on Chemical Profile and Bioactive Properties of Green- and Red-Colored Basil Cultivars

“…Nevertheless, the common application of N for enhanced crop yields has multiple implications on aspects such as the economy, the quality and the environment, therefore modern agriculture requires rational N management [ 3 , 4 ]. N has some negative consequences on the environment when misused, at the same time there are also economic implications that may affect crop productivity and the quality of the final product [ 16 , 17 ]. The application of fertilizer doses exceeding the crop needs may generate a situation where nitrates accumulate in the soil causing plant luxury consumption and low N use efficiency [ 11 , 18 , 19 ], while the excess of nitrates may be leached out of the root zone and contaminate the aquifer [ 16 , 17 ].…”

“…N has some negative consequences on the environment when misused, at the same time there are also economic implications that may affect crop productivity and the quality of the final product [ 16 , 17 ]. The application of fertilizer doses exceeding the crop needs may generate a situation where nitrates accumulate in the soil causing plant luxury consumption and low N use efficiency [ 11 , 18 , 19 ], while the excess of nitrates may be leached out of the root zone and contaminate the aquifer [ 16 , 17 ]. The common application worldwide of soluble N fertilizer via the irrigation water (fertigation) with frequent delivery of small N doses directly in the root zone has the potential to improve the matching between fertilizer application and crop N demand, thereby minimizing both risks of economic loss and environmental pollution [ 20 ].…”

“…Basil cultivation is conducted in open fields as well as under protected environments in both soil and soilless cultivation systems. Aiming to improve crop yield and to increase availability of basil leaves throughout the year, controlled cultivation in protective structures such as greenhouses is more appropriate than cultivation in an open field [ 16 , 17 , 21 , 22 ]. Previous studies where the N fertilization rate on basil plants was tested showed a positive effect on plant growth through a yield increase, although the higher crop production was not always accompanied with high quality for the final product [ 3 , 4 ].…”