Nutritional quality of tomato in response to different fertilization doses and conduction systems

Abstract

The tomato, a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, plays a crucial role in human nutrition, promoting health and preventing diseases. In Brazil, its production is vital, involving significant resources and labor. The correct nutritional management of the crop can improve the nutritional attributes of tomato fruits, therefore the correct use of fertilizers is of great importance due to the high need for phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, throughout the crop cycle. Nutritional management is of great importance in tomato fields due to its high fertilizer requirements throughout the entire crop cycle. This study aimed to assess the effect of different fertilizer doses and management systems on the physicochemical characteristics of tomatoes. The experiment followed a factorial design with five fertilizer doses (A0: 0%; A1: 50%; A2: 100%; A3: 150%; A4: 200% of the recommended dose) and four conduction systems, with three replications. Productivity, lycopene content, total soluble solids (TSS), nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium fruit contents were evaluated. The results showed that higher fertilizer doses increased lycopene levels, reaching 80 μg g-1 with 200% fertilization, while 0% provided 30 μg g-1. Total soluble solids above 4°Bx were observed at doses above 150%, regardless of planting density. Nitrogen content reached 26 mg·100 g-1f.m., favored by lower densities. Calcium was influenced by fertilizer doses, with higher concentrations at 150%. In conclusion, the application of 150% fertilizer dose improved the nutritional quality of tomatoes, and the 200% dose provided suitable levels of TSS and lycopene for processing.