Integrated nutrient management on the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cv. “Arka Rakshak” under north-eastern ghats region of India

Abstract

Tomato, a heavy nutrient feeder requires large quantities of chemical fertilizers which increased the crop productivity, however, badly affected the soil productivity and environmental quality. This situation demands integration of organic manures without reducing the productivity. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India during rabi season of the year 2020-21 to scrutinize the effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients (INM) on the growth, yield, nutrient availability and soil nutrient status to tomato. Nine nutrient treatments with 100, 75 and 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) in combination with vermicompost (VC), farmyard manure (FYM) with biofertilizers viz., Azotobacter and Azospirillum were laid out in randomized block design replicated thrice. The study revealed that the integration of organic manures in combination with inorganic fertilizers significantly improved overall plant growth, yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status of tomato than sole application of the inorganic sources of nutrients. The findings revealed that the treatment 50% RDN + 25% N through VC + 25% N through FYM was superior in terms of all growth and yield parameters under study. However, highest values for all the quality parameters were exhibited by treatment 50% RDN + 50% N through FYM + BF’S. Total nutrient uptake in regard to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by tomato plant recorded significantly highest in 50% RDN + 25% N through VC + 25% N through FYM. Similarly, the residual soil fertility in respect to organic carbon, available N, P and K were improved significantly by various treatments and found highest in the treatment 50% RDN + 25% N through VC + 25% N through FYM. Hence, the use of integrated nutrient management becomes indispensable for maximizing tomato yield, sustaining soil health and quality.