Abstract
Tomatoes are a vital crop in the market gardening industry, with substantial economic value worldwide. However, the continuous use of chemical fertilizers has degraded soil fertility, limiting the yield, and quality of tomato fruits. To address this issue, a study was conducted to enhance tomato production and quality using composts derived from pineapple harvest and processing residues. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with four replications. The primary variable was the combination of compost type (C1 = 37.5% Pineapple Crown + 18.75% Pineapple Processing Residues + 18.75% Pineapple Harvest Residues + 25% Poultry Litter; C2 = 75% Pineapple Crown + 25% Poultry Litter; C3 = 75% Pineapple Harvest Residues + 25% Poultry Litter) and application rate (R1 = 10 t/ha; R2 = 20 t/ha; and R3 = 30 t/ha). Additionally, the experiment included a producer's practice (10 t/ha of poultry litter) and a control treatment (C0). Thus, the total treatments tested were C1R1, C1R2, C1R3, C2R1, C2R2, C2R3, C3R1, C3R2, C3R3, PP, and C0. Growth, yield, and quality data were collected from tomato plants and fruits and analyzed using R software. The results showed that composts based on pineapple harvest and processing residues significantly improved tomato production and quality. The application of these composts led to increased plant height, collar diameter, fruit weight, fruit diameter, total sugar content, and shelf-life, with the highest yields recorded under treatments C2R2, C3R3, and C1R2 (38.25, 30.89, and 29 t/ha, respectively). Treatment C3R2 also produced the highest percentage of preserved fruits (31.25%). Based on the findings, it is recommended to apply 20 t/ha of compost made from 75% Pineapple Crown + 25% Poultry Litter or 30 t/ha of compost made from 75% Pineapple Harvest Residues + 25% Poultry Litter for tomato production intended for processing. For tomatoes intended for preservation, 20 t/ha of compost made from 37.5% Pineapple Crown + 18.75% Pineapple Processing Residues + 18.75% Pineapple Harvest Residues + 25% Poultry Litter is ideal. These results have significant implications for sustainable tomato production, enhancing yield, quality, and soil management. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the effects of these composts on other vegetable crops and on the efficiency of nutrient use, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Key words: Fertilization, valorization, organic fertilizer, vegetable crops, soil fertility, shelf life, waste, nutrients
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call