Partially treated domestic wastewater as a nutrient source for tomatoes (Lycopersicum solanum) grown in a hydroponic system: effect on nutrient absorption and yield

Abstract

Using effluent from the anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) of the decentralised wastewater treatment system (DEWATS) as a sole nutrient source is not sufficient for tomato plants grown in hydroponic system. The study investigated the effects of commercial hydroponic fertilizer mix (CHFM) combined with ABR effluent on tomato growth and yield. A media-based hydroponic technique consisting of three treatments, namely, ABR effluent, CHFM, and ABR effluent combined with CHFM (ABR + CHFM (50:50 v/v) was used. The results showed that plant growth parameters, biomass, fruit yield and shoot nutrient content were significantly higher in tomato plants fed with CHFM and ABR + CHFM than those grown in ABR effluent. Addition of 50 % dose of CHFM in ABR wastewater (ABR + CHFM) increased shoot N, K, Ca and Zn. These results indicated that adding 50% CHFM can alleviate nutrient deficiencies when partially treated wastewater from anaerobic digester is used as a nutrient source for hydroponic tomato cultivation.