Multiple eco-efficiency solutions in tomatoes simulating biostimulant effects

Abstract

Global agricultural systems are increasingly moving towards organic farming to satisfy consumers’ increased environmental awareness. Yet, shortage of fertilizers and more frequent water stresses are challenging agricultural systems to minimize their environmental impact without compromising productivity and economic sustainability. This study discusses how greenhouse organic tomato production behaves when multiple eco-sustainable solutions are applied. In particular, organic tomato cultivation was supported by a specific biostimulant treatment that included a microbial solution, based on Rhizobium, which was distributed onto faba bean seeds; once a suitable fava bean biomass had been obtained, the plants were chopped and incorporated into the soil in order to release nitrogen. In the trials considered, microbial solutions reduced organic tomato production costs by 5 %. Considering that fertilization accounted for up to 7 % of total production costs, a large-scale preparation of the microbial solution could trigger significant economic savings. The Life-Cycle Assessment shows that organic tomatoes, with a lower yield, have a lower environmental impact than conventional production only for 7 of the 15 evaluated impact categories. Combined agro-technical growing solutions are economically viable in the presence of yields in organic compared to conventional, and their environmental impact is attractive in both scenarios.