Enhancing the sustainability of tomato production and achieving food security through the interaction between organic and inorganic fertilization in improving soil properties under heat stress conditions

Abstract

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 global warming continues to affect agriculture in areas with high levels of temperature and poor soil quality, it has become increasingly important to develop methods that will improve our ability to efficiently produce crops. One of these crops, tomatoes, have been found to be significantly impacted by temperature and soil quality. Therefore, the goal of this research project is to assess how combining organic and inorganic fertilizer application may enhance soil qualities, and therefore contribute to enhanced tomato crop production when subjected to heat stress.

Tomato plants were grown at varying combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers. All of the fertilizer combinations were applied alone or in combination to achieve an adequate amount of fertilizer needed based upon the characteristics of each treatment. Each treatment was evaluated utilizing an appropriate experimental design based upon the existing conditions. Soil and plant evaluations were performed. Physical/chemical soil attributes (i.e., organic matter percentage, saturated hydraulic conductivity (field capacity), and electrical conductivity) were measured, as well as a number of vegetative and productive growth indicators (i.e., plant height, fruit number per plant, and total fruit yield).

Fertilizer applications using both organic and inorganic sources resulted in significantly better soil structural properties and higher water retention capacities compared to either source used alone. Organic and inorganic fertilizer applications also reduced the detrimental impacts of heat stress on tomato plants and improved overall vegetative and reproductive plant development. The use of these fertilizer treatments also increased nutrient use efficiency and decreased nutrient losses from the soil. Thus, they provide a means to enhance sustainability of agricultural systems.

These findings indicate that developing combined organic/inorganic fertilizer application systems could represent a viable method for maintaining consistent yields through time of high-quality tomatoes produced via sustainable means. The results support the trend toward applying organic and inorganic fertilizers together as a practical solution to sustainably maintain long term improvements in soil fertility, which can lead to enhanced food security.