Abstract
Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of organic fertilization as an alternative to the chemical on the yield and quality of cherry tomato grown under different irrigation depths in protected environment, in 2013 and 2014. The experimental design was in randomized blocks (5 x 3 factor), with five irrigation depths as the factors (70%, 85%, 100%, 115% and 130% of ETc) and three types of fertilization: no fertilized soil (control), NPK fertilized soil (Chemical) and earthworm humus fertilized soil (organic). The following were evaluated in this study: water use efficiency, number of aborted flowers, total soluble solid content, transverse and longitudinal diameter of the fruits, number of fruits and fruit yield per plant. Organic fertilization is an alternative to the chemical with no losses in yield and fruit quality. The increase in water depth enhanced yield and fruit diameters and reduced water use efficiency. Water use efficiency was more sensitive to the increments in water depth than to different types of fertilization. The values of °Brix obtained in the experiment were classified as acceptable for the domestic and international market when submitted to organic fertilization.
Highlights
The cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) is highly accepted in its fresh form by the consumer market and is considered a gourmet product, with increasing demand by the producers due to the compensating values and for presenting a high market profit which is attributable to its good rusticity, pest and disease tolerance and high yields (Medeiros et al 2011; Preczenhak et al 2014)
The values of °Brix obtained in the experiment were classified as acceptable for the domestic and international market when submitted to organic fertilization
The continuous addition of chemical fertilizers is one of the major obstacles in tomato cultivation, due to the high cost despite the overall increase in production, it has damaged the ecological system of farming lands, Organic fertilization as an alternative to the chemical in cherry tomato growing under irrigation depths the quality and taste of the products are inferior as well as it has contributed to the increase in risks for the environment and the health of the final consumer (Silva et al 2011)
Summary
The cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) is highly accepted in its fresh form by the consumer market and is considered a gourmet product, with increasing demand by the producers due to the compensating values and for presenting a high market profit which is attributable to its good rusticity, pest and disease tolerance and high yields (Medeiros et al 2011; Preczenhak et al 2014). Silva et al (2013) state that to obtain valid yields and, superior economic returns with tomato, it is essential to adopt new technologies, such as the proper management of mineral nutrition, whether through organic or chemical fertilization, water supply and cultivation in a protected environment. The continuous addition of chemical fertilizers is one of the major obstacles in tomato cultivation, due to the high cost despite the overall increase in production, it has damaged the ecological system of farming lands, Organic fertilization as an alternative to the chemical in cherry tomato growing under irrigation depths the quality and taste of the products are inferior as well as it has contributed to the increase in risks for the environment and the health of the final consumer (Silva et al 2011). Mueller et al (2013) report that organic fertilization constitutes an excellent soil conditioner, improves soil fertility and its physical, chemical, biological and water characteristics, and has potentiated crop productivity
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