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| Author: | M.P.N. Gent |
| Keywords: | Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, ammonium, nitrate |
Abstract:
Does yield of greenhouse tomato benefit from supplemental nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) supplied in amounts greater than taken up by the plants? To answer this question, yield and fruit and leaf tissue composition were compared for tomato plants grown in rock-wool medium and supplied with sufficient N and K, or with N and/or K supply increased by about 30% over the control.
In 1999, supplemental N in the form of NH4NO3 decreased yield, a trend that became more obvious as the season progressed.
The K supply had no significant effect.
In 2000, supplemental N in the form of Mg(NO3)2 increased early yield and fruit size.
This effect disappeared later in the season.
The different response to supplemental N in the two years may be due to the effect of the form of nitrogen supplied on vegetative tissue.
An NH4NO3 supplement increased N in leaf or petiole tissue, more than an Mg(NO3)2 supplement.
Supplemental N did not affect composition of the fruit.
Supplemental K increased N and K in leaf or petiole tissue.
It did not affect K in fruit tissue but did decrease calcium in fruit in 1999.
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