Tomato Growth and Yield Response to Cover Crop and Fertilizer Nitrogen

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate how tomato yield, vegetative dry matter, leaf area index (LAI), and photosynthesis (Pn) responded to winter cover crop and recommended fertilizer N rates. The following winter/spring fertility treatments were applied using randomized complete block design with four replications: 1) 0 N winter /0 N spring, 2) 0 N winter/90 kg·ha–1 N spring, 3) 0 N winter/180 kg·ha–1 N spring, 4) 0 N winter + abruzi rye/0 N spring, 5) 0 N winter + hairy vetch/0 N spring, and 6) 0 N winter + crimson clover/0 N spring. In Spring 1997, `Mountain Pride' tomatoes were transplanted in all plots. Whole plant dry matter, LAI and Pn were measured at flowering, fruiting and prior to senescence, while seasonal yield was compiled over 6 weeks. Tomatoes preceded by Vetch produced highest plant dry matter (243.0 g/plant) prior to senescence, highest LAI (3.07) at fruiting and highest P (8.98 μmol CO2/m2 per s) during flowering. Total yield were highest (60.9 Mg·ha–1) at 180 kg·ha–1 N and lowest (35.3 Mg·ha–1) in control. Supplemental N from legume and grain cover crops affected plant dry weight, LAI, Pn, and yield comparable to those receiving synthetic N. Results of this study indicate that cover crop treatments were as effective as N fertilizer in supporting tomato yield, vegetative growth, LAI, and photosynthesis.