The Effects Of Various Organic Fertilizers On Growth

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

A THESIS SUBMITTED

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT

FOR

A BSc(HONS.) IN AGRICULTURE

D 401

By

PASCHALIS BARLAS

Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences

(Institute of Rural Sciences)

Sefydliad y Gwyddorau Biolegol, Amgylcheddol a Gwledig

(Sefydliad y Gwyddorau Gwledig)

APRIL 2013

ABSTRACT

The influence of different farm yard manures (FYM) and commercial compost on growth and yield of tomato (Elpida) plants was investigated. Tomatoes were grown in a small field (7m2) in the north part of Greece. The scope of this research was to identify the ideal organic fertilizer for the growth of tomato plants in a natural environment. For this experiment seedlings of 16cm were planted and were grown for 73 days. All the tomato plants were watered daily (same time), were pruned every week and canes were placed for support. The soil type was a clay loam with a pH of 6.5. Different organic fertilizers (200 grams) were applied twice during the season and each treatment which was replicated two times. For this study, the Completely Randomised Design (CMD) was used. From the records, measurements were taken of plant heights, number of fruits, weight of fruits, length of fruits and yield of tomato plants. The data were analysed with the use of ANOVA (analysis of variances, single factor) in excel.

There was a significant treatment effect (P>0.05) on plant heights through the last four records, which showed that the mean height of horse manure treatment was lower when compared with the other manures. There was no significant difference between the means of number of fruits, weight of fruits, length of fruits and yield of tomato plants.

The main conclusion obtained from this study is that the commercial compost has improved its growth the most. Pig, sheep, cow and chicken manure could also be very satisfactory organic fertilizers for tomatoes even if they have different content of nutrients. Cow and sheep manures are very similar each other and brought up similar results. The horse manure was not satisfied and could not be an ideal fertilizer for tomato cultivation. It is though, that the organic manures enhance the soil structure, temperature and balance in nutrient release and moisture for tomato growth and yield.

Keywords: organic fertilizers, FYM, commercial compost, plant growth, yield, tomato

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The research project would not have been possible without the guidance, advice and support of many people. No one walks alone on this life and rewards are always needed. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor Prof. Dr. Malcolm Leitch who was abundantly helpful with his academic guidance and overall support. I am also grateful to Dr. Jo Hamilton for her assistance, academic support and advice. Finally, special thanks to my family and best friends for their physiological support and useful advices because without them this project would not have been possible.

DEDICATION

This research project is lovingly dedicated to my parents Anastasios and Maria and also to my brothers George and Nick for their boundless love.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………1

1.1. Research Issue........................................................................................…...1

1.2. Objectives……………………………………………………………………....3

1.3. Dissertation Structure………………………………………………………..4

2. LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………………………………………5

2.1. Advantages of Organic Fertilizers………………..…………………………5

2.2. Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizers……………………………………….6

2.3. The use of nutrients from plants……………………………………………...7

2.3.1. Macro-Nutrients………………………………………………………………..7

2.3.1.1. Nitrogen (N)………………………………………………………………7

2.3.1.2. Phosphorous (P)…………………………………………………………..8

2.3.1.3. Potassium (K)……………………………………………………………..8

2.4. Nutrient Contents of Organic Fertilizers…………………………………….9

2.5. The Cultivation of Tomato plants………………………………………….11

2.5.1. Plantation……………………………………………………………………..11

2.5.2. Tomato Fertilizer Needs & Deficiencies of Nutrients…………..........................12

2.5.2.1. Nitrogen (N)…………………………………………………………….13

2.5.2.2. Phosphorous (P)………………………………………………………...13

2.5.2.3. Potassium (K)…………………………………………………………...14

2.6. Watering of Tomato plants…………………………………………………….14

2.7. Factors Influencing the Efficiency of Organic Fertilizers…………..15

2.7.1. Irrigation Water……………………………………………………………….15

2.7.2. Soil pH……………………………………………………………………...……17

2.7.3. Soil Temperature………………………………………………………………...19

2.7.4. Soil Depth & Application………………………………………………………..19

3. MATERIAL AND METHODS………………………………………………………….20

3.1. Location…………………………………………………………………………..20

3.2. Climate……………………………………………………………………………...20

3.3. Soil Analysis……………………………………………………………………..20

3.4. Manure Sampling & Analysis…………………………………………………..21

3.5. Seedbed Preparation……………………………………………………………...21

3.6. Selected Variety – Elpida (F1) – Enza Zaden………………………………..22

3.7. Transplantation………………………………………………………………...24

3.8. FYM & Compost Application……………………………………………………25

3.9. Support of Tomato plants………………………………………………...……25

3.10. Watering………………………………………………………………………...…26

3.11. Pruning………………………………………………………………………….…26

3.12. Recording Techniques……………………………………………………….…27

3.12.1. Plant Heights…………………………………………………………………27

3.12.2. Fruits Records….…………………………………………………………..…27

3.13. Harvesting & Laboratory Analysis………………………………………..28

3.14. Treatments………………………………………………………………………28

3.15. Experimental Details…………………………………………………………28

3.16. Statistical Analysis……………………………………………………...……29

4. RESULTS…………………………………………………………………………………30

4.1. Plant Height ……………………………………………………………………...30

4.2. Number of Fruits…………………………………………………………………33

4.3. Average Weight of Fruits…………….…….....…….…………………………….34

4.4. Length of Fruits…………………………………………………………………..35

4.5. Yield of Tomato Plants…………………………………………………………35

5. DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………………….37

5.1. Effects of FYM & Compost on plant height (cm)………………………….37

5.2. Effects of FYM & Compost on yield………………………………………….38

5.3. Effects of FYM & Compost on Fruits weight………………………………38

5.4. Effects of FYM & Compost on Fruits Length……………………………...39

5.5. Effects of FYM & Compost on Yield………………………………………40

6. CONCUSION…………………………………………………………………………….42

7. RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………………………………...43

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY.…………………………………………………………………….....44

9. APPENDICES……………………………………………………………………………54

9.1. APPENDIX 1: Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms ……………….………………….54

9.2. APPENDIX 2: Plant Heights…………………………………….………………….55

9.3. APPENDIX 3: Number of Fruits……………………………………………………55

9.4. APPENDIX 4: Weight of Fruits………………………………….………………....56

9.5. APPENDIX 5: Length of Fruits……...………………………….………………….56

9.6. APPENDIX 6: Yield of Tomato Plants……………………………………………57

Table of Tables

Table 1. Summary of Nutrient Content of a Range of Organic Fertilizers……...10

Table 2. Electrical Conductivity………………………………………………………..17

Table 3. Codes for Pest Organisms in Tomato (Elpida- Enza Zaden)…………………..2

Table 4. The Various Organic Treatments ………………………………..……………28

Table 5. The Effect of Organic Fertilizer on the Height of Tomato Plants……….29

Table 6. The Average Yield of Tomato Plants (Kg)…………………………………...34

Table of Figures

Figure 1. PH Ranges and Influence on Plant Growth Potential…………………….17

Figure 2. Availability of Nutrients Based on Soil pH…………………………………18

Figure 3. The Effect of Organic Treatment on The Height of Tomato Plants…….31

Figure 4. The Effect of Organic Fertilizer Treatment on Number of Fruits……….33

Figure 5. The Effect of Organic Fertilizer Treatment on Weight of Fruits……..34

Figure 6. The Effect of Organic Fertilizer Treatment on Length of Tomatoes…35

Figure 7. The Effect of Organic Fertilizer treatment on Yield of Tomatoes……...36

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Research Issue

The tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) can trace its origins from as far back as early Aztec times around 700 A.D when it was known as xitomati (David, 2005). The University of Florida states that the tomato is the second most important vegetable worldwide next to potato. It is self-pollinated and a member of Solanaceous family with chromosomes 2n=24 (Rick, 1969). Moreover, tomato is an important source of lycopene, minerals, Vitamin-A, B, E and Vitamin-C (Mateljan, 2012). Nowadays, the tomato is grown widely all over the world (in greenhouses where some are used the hydroponic systems, in lands with mainly varieties for tomato sauce and in gardens for self-use). Therefore, this crop needs particular attention for enhancing production practices in order to reach the maximum yield (Sarfaz & Tahir, 2008). According to a statistical analysis, conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 1960 the world tomato production was 55,379,102 tons and in 2008 was 285,828,895 tons, which means a 518% development in 48 years. This development of crop productivity benefited from the improvement of technology and chemistry, utilising inorganic fertilizers and chemicals for crop growth and resistance to pests and diseases which led to higher yields. It is calculated that 1ha of cultivated land produces food for 1,9 people in 1908, and this productivity increased to 4,8 people in 2008, while other calculations showed that around 40% of farmers widely were counting on the use of inorganic fertilizers for their production (Cox & Atkins, 1979).

The term of fertilizers refers to any natural or artificial substances added to soil to give nutrients to plants and to have better growth and higher yields. However, fertilizers either enhance or amend soil's structure or replenished nutrients which have been lost or absorbed by plants during the past years (Tisdale, Nelson & Beaton, 1985).

Fertilizers are distinguished as organic (carbon is included in composition) and inorganic (carbon not included in composition). The use of organic fertilizer such as dead organic matter (plant in decomposition "compost" or animal sources) have started from the time where human have started the first cultivation which was during the period of the Mesolithic age (11.000 – 6800 B.C) (Bailey, 1990). On the other hand the use of inorganic fertilizer has started recently (17th Century) during the British Agricultural Revolution (15th-19th Century). This means that people used to consume organic foods for many more years and never have the organic fertilizers had negative impacts on human’s health and also have less environmental impacts than the inorganic fertilizer (Wallace, 1997).

The elements which are basic nutrients for plant growth are nine: nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) (N, P, K, major or primary macro-nutrients), calcium, (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), (secondary macro-nutrients), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) and carbon (C) (obtained from the atmosphere). Then, the micro-nutrients or trace elements are used in smaller quantities than macro-nutrients and are seven: iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), chloride (Cl) and molybdenum (Mo). Macro and micro nutrients are outstanding not only from their usefulness but also from the required quantities of each plant. There is a big issue to identify the main nutrients required by the tomato plant and how different organic fertilizer can cover those needs (Shakashiri, 2007; Hodges, 2010).

The main natural organic fertilizers are FYM (Farm Yard Manures) which is derived from animals such as cow, sheep, horse, chicken, pig and also the putrescent leaves which could have undergone the composting procedure (Rout, et al., 2012).

The present study is an attempted to examine and explore the effect of various organic fertilizers on growth and yield of tomato plant. However, this is a unique topic and the main issue of this study is to identify which of the selected organic fertilizers (sheep, cow, pig, chicken, horse and compost) has the most impact on growth and yield on the particular variety of tomato (Elpida, Enza Zaden).

1.2 Objectives

Naturally, the nutrients that are absorbed by plants from the soil are derived from the plant after its death and decomposition and the nutrients recur (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2012), but it is obviously that this is not happened in crops because of harvesting and removing the fruits away from the field for consumption. It would be very useful if this experiment could identify which organic fertilizer has similar nutrients with those required by tomato plants. Then it could be healthier and environmentally better if people were using only organic fertilizers on their gardens and horticulture for their own consumption rather than artificial fertilizers. This is possible, because, since ancient times, farmers used to apply only animal manures and dead leaves and that had worked well enough.

Each plant needs specific management in order to achieve the highest yield and also, each plant needs a specific number of nutrients to absorb from the soil for ideal plant growth, better resistance (to pests & diseases) and higher yield. Additionally, there are other important factors that have to be considered such as soil structure (soil type, pH), location of the plantation, temperature, light interception (photosynthesis), watering/ irrigation and mainly the environmental factors which surround the crop. Although, in order to understand better the likely effects of organic fertilizers on growth and yield of tomato plants, more specifically questions were designed to answer the aims of this study, as follows:

1. To answer: Which organic treatment produces the greatest growth and yield of tomato plants?

2. To answer: Which organic fertilizer is more efficient for tomato plants?

3. To answer: What are the differences between the various organic fertilizers?

4. To answer: Which is the most ideal organic fertilizer for tomato production in Mediterranean climate?

1.3 Dissertation Structure

This dissertation is divided into six chapters which are:

Chapter I: Provides general ideas of the study by analysing the research issue, objectives and the structure of the study.

Chapter II: Provides the review of literature with relevant information and studies which made on purpose of the current study.

Chapter III: Presents the material and methods that were used for the experiment.

Chapter IV: Illustrates and analysis the results of the investigation.

Chapter V: Discusses the analysis and findings of the investigation.

Chapter VI: Reports main conclusions and outcomes.

Chapter VII: Some recommendations for future improvements.

CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Advantages of Organic Fertilizers

In horticulture a good reason for using organic fertilizers is that no matter where it is applied (gardens, lawns and even on greenhouses), it is the healthiest and best choice of fertilizer for animal, children and family protection. Definitely, it is not safe to come in touch with chemicals without properly protection. However, the organic fertilizers are safer and could bring in healthier foods in healthier environment for all of us.

Enwall, Philippot and Hallin (2005), mentioned that the organic fertilizers have long-term solutions because the nutrient have slow release in the soil with a natural cycle and makes them available to plants for longer time (over months or years). Moreover, it is a source of many essential elements, even if each organic fertilizer has a different concentration of nutrients. Also, are essential, the micro-organisms which build up in the soil humus (Alexander, 1980).

Hshuan, (2006), reports that the nutrient supplies in the soil are more balanced. However, particular proportions of organic fertilizers (animal wastes, compost), can cover adequately plant needs in nutrients such as N, P and K. Then organic fertilizers which are derived from animal sources, plant sources or compost are an ecological method, because the requirement of carbon dioxide for its production is less than the production of chemical fertilizer.

The use of organic fertilizers, adding humus to the soil, has the potential to keep positively charged cations and also negatively charged anions which are available to the plant with the process of exchange capacity. Furthermore, organic fertilizers are able to absorb large quantities of water and to make them available to plants during dry conditions (Alice, 2008).

Rowel and Hadad (2002), state that organic fertilizers modify soil’s structure and help to improve water holding capacity, aeration, friability, and drainage. Moreover, many trace nutrients needed for optimum plant growth are available from manures. Humus serves as an effective buffer of soil pH regulating the balance between acid and base in the soil solution (Naramabuye, Haynes, and Modi, 2007).

2.2 Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizers

Farmers do not have the opportunity to know the amount of nutrients and exact elements that are included in an organic fertilizer. Nutrient deficiencies are difficult to rectify (Alice, 2008). Moreover, organic fertilizers release the nutrients in slow manner (by micro-organisms) and are not immediately available to plants. If the soil has not good structure for the beneficial micro-organisms which break down the organic matter, the plants could not absorb the main elements from the organic fertilizers.

Additionally, when organic fertilizers are applied on large lands they are more expensive than inorganic fertilizers, because they are needed in large amounts to cover the plant needs, especially when they are produced far away from the cultivated area (so are less convenient). Occasionally, the application of farm yard manures (FYM) and compost is a challenge in some areas or in some perennial crops and also sometimes is very difficult to find them in large quantities. However, the improper use of organic fertilizers could cause nitrates to accumulate in ground water and also, can cause problems on plants if they are absorbed from the roots of the plant.

There is a need to always use well composted manures because there is a great danger of "scorch" the plant. Moreover, if the manure is not composted there is a great danger of transferring highly pathogenic bacteria which will cause diseases on plants and also dangerous microbes for human’s health (Spagric, 2011).

2.3 The use of nutrients from plants

From the organic fertilizers there are two groups of nutrients required the major (macro) and secondary (micro) nutrients. There are recognised not only from their usefulness but also from the quantities needed for plant growth.

2.3.1 Macro-nutrients

2.3.1.1 Nitrogen (N): is a structural component of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), proteins and enzymes. It is an essential component of chlorophyll which gives the green colour to leaves and improves their quality and functionality (Kaye and Hart, 1997). The crucial level of nitrogen content in plants is about 3%. However, if the level drops below 2.75% could show azotopenia symptoms may occur on plants and this will have as a result the loss of quality and quantity in the final harvesting. Young plants are the exception, because the nitrogen content is greater than or equal to 4%. Moreover, the quantity depends upon plants because on fruit trees and also on some other plants (such as decoration plants) the nitrogen content could be 2% before azotopenia starts (Plank, 2010). The first symptoms of nitrogen deficiency are the yellow colour of leaves (some fall down to the ground) and a delay in the fruit ripening (mainly on tomato plants in greenhouses). It is very important to have correct amounts of nitrogen in the soil, in order to achieve quality and quantity in the final harvesting (Boyhan et al., 1999).

2.3.1.2 Phosphorous (P): is a structural component of nucleic acids and molecules responsible for energy exchange. It is an important factor of root development and cell acidity. The requirements of phosphorous in vegetables are about 0.25% to 0.30%. Nevertheless, if the phosphorous is missing from the soil, it will cause phosphopenia and that is obviously from early stages of plant growth, which means that the requirements of phosphorous are essential for plant growth (Rehm, Scmitt, Lamb, Randal and Bushman, 2010). On the other hand, high amounts of phosphorous in the soil could challenge abnormalities on other elements such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) but the effects of high phosphorous amounts have not been specified yet with accuracy (Diskowski and Hofmann, 2005).

2.3.1.3 Potassium (K): is a necessary element to carry out many chemical reactions in plants. It is involved in a wide range of physiological and biochemical functions. The plant needs for potassium nutrient varies according to plant species. For example, vegetables have higher needs of potassium elements than other plants such fruit trees (peach trees, apple trees, pear trees etc.) and the potassium needs are about 1.75% until 2.0% (Hodges, 2010). Additionally, potassium is one of the most important nutrients for plants because it has the possibility to be released from the leaves during a rain and to be reabsorbed from the soil from the root system (Rehm and Schmitt, 1997). Furthermore, it could occur kaliopenia during the first and the last growth stages of plants. Also, the potassium contents are decreased according to the growth stages (Boyhan et al., 1999).

2.4 Nutrient contents of organic fertilizers

Organic fertilizers have different nutrient composition because they are derived from different organic sources such as animal manures, plant residues and any other dead organic matter. The richest manure in composition of nutrients is chicken with very good proportions of N, P, and K. On the other hand, the pig manures have the lowest composition of nutrients (see table 1).

Lampkin (2000), mentioned that horse and pig manures have good composition of nutrients. He also, states that the manure which derived from cow is better than horse or/and pig manure but does not have a long duration because some growers used to select or build up a light mix.

Duncan (2005) indicates that chicken manure is strong enough especially when is not composted and if applied to the plant (non-composted) could "burn" the plant. However, chicken manure has only one year duration. On the other hand, it has been found that sheep manure has the longest functional duration (about 4 years and no straw included) and takes longer time to break down and release its nutrients. Because of the fact, that sheep manure could supply nutrients to the soil for four years, many farmers and growers (who know that) prefer to apply sheep manure. Then compost is a very good organic fertilizer and has less risk for pests and diseases. Furthermore, this compost has a good nutrient balance for plant growth and also has better water holding capacity than other organic fertilizers, especially where it has been mixed with good soil structure (Zakaria and Vimala, 2002). Here the moisture of organic fertilizers ranged from 65% to 80%. Moreover, the composition of animal manure depends on the livestock management and more specifically from the quality of animal feeds (Church and Pond, 1982).

Table 1. Summary of nutrient content of a range of organic fertilizers (various sources).

Organic Fertilizer

Nitrogen

(N)

%

Phosphorous

(P)

%

Potassium

(K)

%