Effects of Intra-Row Spacing and N Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Tomato ( Lycopersicon Esculentum L.) at Harawe, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Improper plant spacing and nitrogen fertilizer are among the main factors which constrained productivity of the tomato. Due to this gap the experiment was proposed and conducted in Sofi district, Harari People Regional State, Ethiopia in 2016 and 2017 cropping season to investigate the effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and yield components of tomato. Experimental treatments were nitrogen rates (0, 39, 69 and 99 kg ha-1) and intra-row spacing (25, 30, 35 and 40cm). A total of 16 treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replication. Melkashola Variety was used for the experiment. The results revealed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences for plant height, number of branches, fruit clusters per plant, number of fruits per plant due to nitrogen application. Increasing nitrogen rate from nil to 69 kg ha-1 increased all these parameters. Average fruit weight and fruit yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected due to the interaction effect of nitrogen and intra-row spacing. The highest fruit weight was recorded at 39 kg N ha-1 and 40cm intra-row spacing while the lowest were at 0 N and 40cm intra-row spacing. The highest fruit yield was recorded at 69 kg ha-1 N and 30cm intra-row spacing while the lowest was at 0 N and 40cm intra-row spacing. In conclusion, the application of 69 kg N ha-1and 30cm intra-row spacing recorded highest fruit yield with highest economic returns (270,330 birr ha-1). Based on fruit yield and economic return, combination of 69 kg N ha-1 and 30cm intra-row spacing was recommended for the study area and similar agro-ecology.