Summary
This field trial in Brazil evaluated the growth dynamics and nutrient absorption profile of the disease-tolerant 'BRS Imigrante' tomato hybrid cultivated in coconut fibre substrate across ten developmental stages. Biometric measurements and tissue nutrient quantification were used to construct sigmoidal absorption curves, revealing that potassium, calcium and nitrogen were the most absorbed macronutrients, whilst iron, copper and manganese dominated micronutrient uptake. The findings provide cultivar-specific nutrient requirement data applicable to precision fertigation protocols in soilless tomato production systems.
Regional applicability
Whilst this study was conducted in Brazil, the 'BRS Imigrante' cultivar is a hybrid developed for tropical and subtropical conditions with disease tolerance. The results on nutrient uptake dynamics in coconut fibre—a widely used soilless substrate in the United Kingdom horticulture sector—may inform nutrient management protocols for UK glasshouse tomato production, though UK-specific trials would be needed to validate recommendations under temperate growing conditions.
Key measures
Biometric parameters (leaf number, fresh and dry mass of stem and leaves, shoot mass, stem diameter and length, fruit size); macro and micronutrient content in leaves, fruits and stalks; absorption curves modelled using sigmoidal 3-parameter functions at sampling intervals from 20 to 110 days after transplantation
Outcomes reported
The study characterised macro and micronutrient absorption curves and biometric growth parameters across ten developmental stages in tomato cultivated in coconut fibre substrate. Key nutrients absorbed were potassium, calcium, and nitrogen (macronutrients), and iron, copper, and manganese (micronutrients), with sigmoidal growth patterns identified.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.