Abstract

RODRIGUEZ DIMAS, Norma et al. Use of Organic Fertilizer in Tomato Production in Greenhouse. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2009, vol.27, n.4, pp.319-327. ISSN 2395-8030.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of compost and compost tea as organic fertilizer for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production in greenhouse. During 2005-2006 autumn-winter seasons, Granitio and Romina tomato cultivars were evaluated with three fertilizer treatments: F1 = sand + inorganic nutrient solution; F2 = sand + compost tea; and F3 = sand + compost (1:1 v/v) + diluted compost tea (3: 1 v/v). The six treatment combinations were distributed in a completely randomized design. Tomato yield and quality were not affected by fertilizer treatments (P ≤ 0.01). The 229 Mg ha^-1 average yield of the Granitio cultivar was higher (P ≤ 0.01) than the 189 Mg ha¹ average obtained with Romina. This study suggests that since there were no differences in yield between the organic and inorganic nutrient source, compost tea may be considered an alternative fertilizer for organic tomato production in greenhouse.

Keywords : Lycopersicon esculentum; organic fertilizer; organic extracts.