Enhancing Soil Health through Organic Inputs to Sustain Tomato Production under Saline Conditions

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of organic amendments on tomato plant growth, yield, biochemical composition, and defense mechanisms. Results show that integrated application of various organic amendments (mustard cake, goat manure, poultry manure, farmyard manure, vermicompost, neem cake, Azotobacter, phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria), and reduced levels of fertilizers (14.3% of the recommended dose) significantly impacts plant growth and yield, balance C/N ration and N-metabolism, and maintains antioxidant levels and defense mechanisms in plants; however, saline water negatively affects nitrogen and phosphorus availability, affecting tomato production. The authors suggest that organic amendments from locally available sources improve tomato productivity, reduce salt stress, and sustain production.