Effects of different potassium and iron levels on seasonal changes of nutrient concentrations of tomato plant grown in soilless culture

Summary

This field trial examined how potassium and iron nutrient solution concentrations influence mineral nutrition in soilless-grown tomato across two seasonal growth stages. High levels of both K and Fe applications created antagonistic interactions, disrupting mineral balance and altering the seasonal trajectory of macronutrient and micronutrient accumulation in leaves. The findings suggest that optimising K and Fe ratios is critical for maintaining nutrient homeostasis in soilless horticultural systems.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in Turkey under controlled soilless conditions. The findings are transferable to United Kingdom protected horticulture (greenhouse and glasshouse tomato production) and other temperate regions using perlite-based hydroponic or soilless systems, though local water chemistry and seasonal temperature regimes may modulate nutrient uptake dynamics.

Key measures

Leaf concentrations of K, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu measured at fruit set (November 2006) and harvest (March 2007); factorial treatments with three potassium levels (150, 300, 450 mg L⁻¹) and three iron levels (1, 2, 3 mg L⁻¹), four replicates per treatment

Outcomes reported

The study measured seasonal changes in leaf nutrient concentrations (K, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) of tomato plants grown in soilless culture under nine factorial combinations of potassium (150–450 mg L⁻¹) and iron (1–3 mg L⁻¹) at two growth stages. High K and Fe applications induced antagonistic nutrient interactions, resulting in imbalanced mineral nutrition and altered seasonal patterns of micronutrient uptake.

Topic tags