Optimization of Fertilization Schedule in Greenhouse Grown Tomatoes

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of three fertilization schedules on nutritional status and yield of greenhouse tomatoes. The experiment was carried out in unheated greenhouse at Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute. Three fertilization schedules were compared: Schedule 1 in which plants received equal amounts N and K as radicular feeding, Schedule 2 in which plants received N, P and K as radicular feeding in changing amounts depending on plant needs and Schedule 3 in which radicular feeding was combined with foliar one, but plants received the same total amount of nutrients as in Schedule 2. The combined radicular and foliar feeding increased the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements in tomato leaves; stimulated plant growth; increased the early yield by 35 – 38% and the total yield by 20 – 24% and increased fruit number per plant by 3 – 5 fruits. The application of Schedule 3 did not change the biochemical indexes of fruit quality.