642 Three-year Effects of Nitrogen Sources on Plant Component and Yields of Tomato

Abstract

This study was conducted over 3 years for the purpose of determining how tomato yield, fruit number, and vegetative dry matter are affected by winter cover crop and recommended fertilizer N rates. The following winter-spring fertility treatments were applied using randomized complete-block design with four replications: 1) 0 N winter–0 N spring, 2) 0 N winter–90 kg N/ha spring, 3) 0 N winter–180 kg N/ha spring, 4) 0 N winter+abruzi rye–0 N spring, 5) 0 N winter+hairy vetch–0 N spring, and 6) 0 N winter+crimson clover–0 N spring. In Spring of 1996, 1997, and 1999 `Mountain Pride' tomatoes were transplanted in all plots. Total yield was compiled over 6 weeks, while seasonal fruit number and plant dry matter were measured at final harvest. In 1999, highest plant dry matter (350.5 g/plant) was produced by vetch and highest fruit number (36/plant) by 180 kg N/ha. Total yield were highest (85.8 Mg/ha) at 90 kg N/ha in 1996 and lowest (35.3 Mg/ha) for control during 1997. Organic nitrogen from hairy vetch and crimson clover affected plant dry weight, tomato number and yield comparable to those receiving synthetic N. Results over three years for this study indicate that legume cover crops can be an effective N fertilizer in supporting plant dry matter, fruit number and fruit yield of tomato.