EFFECT OF Gliricidia sepium LEAFY BIOMASS AND NPK (15:15:15) FERTILISER ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO, Solanum lycopersicum (L.)

Abstract

The use of organic amendments and appropriate nutrient management practices is essential for sustainable agricultural production. The present study investigated the effect of Gliricidia sepium leafy biomass and NPK (15:15:15) on the growth and yield of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). A randomised complete block design with five treatments and four replicates was employed in this experiment. The treatments included T1 (Control), T2 (100% G. sepium leafy biomass), T3 (25% G. sepium leafy biomass + 75% NPK fertiliser), T4 (50% G. sepium leafy biomass + 50% NPK), T5 (100% NPK), and T6 (75% G. sepium leafy biomass + 25% NPK). The application of G. sepium leafy biomass and NPK had significant effects on tomato growth and yield (p˂0.05). The combined application of G. sepium leafy biomass and NPK (T4) and the sole application of G. sepium leafy biomass (T2) resulted in the highest plant height, stem girth, and fruit yield compared to the other treatments. Additionally, treatment with 75% Gliricidia leafy biomass and 25% NPK fertiliser (T6) resulted in a superior fruit weight compared to the other treatments. The application of G. sepium leafy biomass (T2) alone and NPK alone (T5) showed a significant improvement in plant growth parameters and fruit yield compared to the control (T1), although the effects were not as pronounced when combined with NPK (T4). The application of NPK fertiliser (T3) also positively influenced plant growth and yield, but the effects were lower compared to T2, T4, and T6. Further studies are warranted to optimise the application rates of G. sepium leafy biomass and NPK for different tomato cultivars and growing conditions.