Differential Nutrient Uptake and Its Transport in Tomato Plants on Different Fertilizer Regimens

Summary

Application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) to a root-proof capillary wick irrigation system (a type of subirrigation method) has both economical and environmental benefits, because it does not require any equipment for fertigation and minimizes water leaching. In this study, we examined the effects of CRF and liquid fertilizer (LF), a conventional fertigation method, on fruit production and nutrient uptake and transport in forcing tomato cultures for harvesting 15 trusses per plant from October to June. No significant difference was noted in marketable fruit yield between CRF- and LF-treated plants. The quantity of nutrient uptake per plant and per fruit yield was lower with CRF than with LF, indicating that nutrients were used more efficiently for fruit production in plants grown