Potential Use of Postharvest Tomato Wastes as a Growing Media in Soilless Culture

Summary

This study evaluated postharvest tomato stalk waste (pretreated and untreated) as a soilless growing medium in greenhouse tomato production, comparing performance against cocopeat and peat-perlite standards. Whilst cocopeat produced the highest yield and stomatal conductance, pretreated tomato waste medium (PTSW) achieved comparable plant physiological responses and quality traits to commercial media, with notably higher titratable acidity and vitamin C, suggesting it may be viable for reducing greenhouse carbon footprints whilst maintaining productivity.

Regional applicability

This Turkish field trial demonstrates waste valorisation in protected horticulture, directly relevant to UK greenhouse operations, which commonly use peat-based and coconut fibre media. The findings could support UK horticultural sustainability targets and circular-economy policy, though local trials would be needed to verify performance with UK tomato cultivars, climate control practices, and waste material composition.

Key measures

Stomatal conductance (mmol m−2 s−1), average fruit weight (g), yield (kg plant−1), soluble solids content (%), hue angle, titratable acidity (g citric acid 100 mL−1), vitamin C (mg 100 g−1)

Outcomes reported

The study compared tomato plant growth, yield, and fruit quality when grown in pretreated tomato stalk waste (PTSW) versus conventional media (cocopeat, peat-perlite). Key metrics included stomatal conductance, fruit weight, yield per plant, soluble solids content, fruit skin colour, titratable acidity, and vitamin C content.

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