Summary
This controlled experiment evaluated the protective effects of humic acid (0–1280 ppm) applied to the nutrient solution on tomato plants exposed to varying levels of NaCl salinity stress (0–70.4 mM) in a peat and perlite growing medium. Humic acid application increased stem and leaf dry matter accumulation and root dry matter at high salinity levels, enhanced fruit juice soluble solids and pH, and reduced blossom-end rot incidence, thereby conferring tolerance to NaCl stress, although it did not significantly increase fruit yield loss caused by salinity.
Regional applicability
This research is directly applicable to protected cropping systems and soilless horticulture widely used in the United Kingdom glasshouse industry. The findings on humic acid mitigation of salinity stress and improvement of fruit quality characteristics could inform UK horticultural practices, particularly in regions with saline water or where salinity accumulates in substrate-based systems.
Key measures
Fruit yield, stem + leaf dry matter content (%), root dry matter content (%), fruit soluble solids content, fruit juice pH, incidence of blossom-end rot in fruits
Outcomes reported
The study measured the effects of humic acid addition to nutrient solution on tomato plant yield, stem and leaf dry matter, root dry matter, and fruit quality characteristics (soluble solids, juice pH, blossom-end rot incidence) under NaCl salinity stress conditions.
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