The effect of potassium and planting media on production and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) on hydroponic drip system

Abstract

Tomato is a crop known as nutritious due to its protein, mineral, and vitamins contains. So the application of production inputs should be directed to improve of those crop quality. The aim of the research was to know the effect of potassium concentration and type of planting media on production and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) on hydroponic drip system. The research was conducted from June to August 2019 at Cileunyi Kulon village, Cilenyi district, Bandung regency, using split-plot design with 2 factors and 3 replications. Main plot was potassium concentration (350 ppm, 400 ppm, and 450 ppm) and sub-plot type of planting media (100 % husk charcoal, 100 % cocopeat, 50 % husk charcoal + 50 % cocopeat). The result showed that there was no. interaction effect of potassium concentration and type of planting media on fruit fresh weight and fruit hardness. The potassium application up to 450 ppm as well as the rice husk charcoal and cocopeat media produced the same effect on the fresh weight and the hardness of the fruit of tomatoes and its value were slightly below its potential in plant description. There are also the vitamin C levels obtained is in the low range of the vitamin C level.