Effects of Different Soil Conditioners on Water Use Efficiency and Tomato Plant Growth in Loam and Clay Loam Soils

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted applying 8% olive pomace compost, 4% perlite and 0.12% hydrophilic polymers on loam and clay loam soils with three replications. Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum L.) seedlings were transferred to each pot and plants were grown under controlled atmosphere conditions. Effects of different soil conditioners on plant water use efficiency and tomato plant growth was determined. As a result, olive pomace compost applications to loam soil saved irrigation water 45.12%, 42.99% and 38.88% compared to control, perlite and hydrophilic polymers treatments respectively. On the other hand, hydrophilic polymers treatments saved irrigation water 17.82%, 46.76% and 27.29% compared to control, perlite and olive pomace compost treatments respectively for clay loam soil. Soil pH decreased and electrical conductivity (EC) increased for both soils after the experiment. The highest soil EC value was dedected with the application of olive pomace compost. Perlite application increased plant fresh weight and length while olive pomace compost increased branch numbers of tomato for clay loam soil. Root length and surface areas were maximum under olive pomace compost applications for both soils.