Comparative Effectiveness of Organic-Based Fertilizer To Mineral Fertilizer on Tomato Growth and Fruit Yield

Abstract

The effect of three different organic based fertilizers (OBF) was compared to conventional chemical fertilizer on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). The OBF is composted plant material fortified with poultry manure. The compost used was made from Maize (MP), guinea grass (GP) and cowpea (CP) stovers in combination with poultry manure in ratio 3:1 by weight. Two rates of each compost type (4t/ha, and 2t/ha + 30kgN/ha), the recommended rate of mineral fertilizer (i.e. 60kg N/ha) and nonfertilizer control plants constituted the treatments. Chemical analysis of the matured composts showed that CP compost produced the highest N while MP compost gave the best P, K, Ca and Mg. Compost type significantly influenced growth and yield characteristics with MP compost either at 4t/ha or 2t/ha + 30kgNha consistently producing the best results with significantly higher marketable fruit yield than the nonfertilized plants. The OBF was highly effective on crop performance and was favorably comparable with the chemical fertilizer. Irrespective of the compost type, OBF significantly increased dry matter and fresh fruit yield by 29.6% and 36.3% respectively and was well compared with applying 60kgN/ha in form of chemical fertilizer. Hence, the idea of OBF is a worthwhile venture in boosting agricultural production in Nigeria.