Influence of kitchen waste compost and chemical fertilizer on the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of kitchen waste compost (KWC) and NPK fertilizers on the growth and yield of tomato. It was laid out in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) using 25 treatments having 3 replications each. Agronomic parameters of the growth and yield of tomato were recorded at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days interval. The highest growth and yield parameter found with 60 days. The tallest plant height (57 cm) was recorded in T₁₃(N₁₂₀P₆₀K₈₀ kg ha^-1 + 2.5ton KWC ha^-1). Highest number of leaf found (17 per plant) in T₁₈ (N₃₀P₁₅K₂₀ kg ha^-1 + 7.5 ton KWC ha^-1) and T₂₃ (N₆₀P₃₀K₄₀ kg ha^-1 + 10 ton KWC ha1. The length of midrib (22 cm) inT₃ (5ton KWC ha^-1) and dry weight of midrib (1.46 g plant^-1) obtained topmost in T₆(N₃₀P₁₅K₂₀ kg ha^-1). The girth of plants (1.4 cm) in T₁₄: (N₃₀P₁₅K₂₀ kg ha^-1 + 5 ton KWC ha^-1, and leaf area (5.61 cm²) in T₂ (2.5 ton KWC ha^-1). Total fresh weight of leaf, root and stem (60.3 g plant¹) and dry weight of leaf, root and stem (21.91 g plant^-1) were superior inT₂₄(N₉₀P₄₅K₆₀ kg ha^-1 + 10 ton KWC ha^-1), number of fruit per plant (10) inT₅(10 ton KWC ha^-1) and longest fruit (7.5 cm) inT₅(10 ton KWC ha^-1). Maximum fresh weight of tomato fruit (13.48 g plant^-1) produces in T₂₄ (N₉₀P₄₅K₆₀ kg ha^-1 + 10 ton KWC ha^-1) and dry weight (5.32 g plant^-1) in T₂₀ (N₉₀P₄₅K₆₀ kg ha^-1 + 7.5 ton KWC ha^-1). The findings revealed that KWC with NPK T₂₄ (N₉₀P₄₅K₆₀ kg ha^-1 + 10 ton KWC ha^-1) could be suggested to use for the maximum growth and yield of tomato. This trial has also been created the evidence that kitchen waste may be an alternative source of organic materials to produce tomato.

J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(1): 81-90