VERMICOMPOST AS ORGANIC ALTERNATIVE IN TOMATO GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION

Abstract

The use of vermicompost from organic waste has been increasing in different parts of the world as source of high quality organic fertilizer. The objective of this research was to determine if the vermicompost may supply partial or completely the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) nutritive requirements of N, P, and K for an adequate growth, yield, and quality. During the 2004-2005 autumn-winter season, four treatments of organic and inorganic fertilization were evaluated in the Big Beef and Red Chief genotypes under greenhouse conditions. The treatments were T1 = sand + vermicompost mixture (50:50% v:v) + chelated micronutrients; T2 = sand + vermicompost (50:50% v:v) without micronutrients. , the T3 = sand + inorganic fertilizers (control) and T4 sand + vermicompost extract. The treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 4 x 2 with four replications. The results showed that fresh weight, total biomass and plant height were reduced in the organic fertilizer treatments. The yield in both hybrids was 20 % higher (P£0.01) in T3 than in T1, the second best treatment. The organic fertilizer treatments (T1 and T2) have higher soluble solids, fruit number, and K absorption, also flowering started 10 days earlier. Based on the production obtained, this study showed that T2 did not supply completely the nutritive needs of these hybrid tomatoes.