Impact on Yield, Biomass, Mineral Profile, pH, and Electrical Conductivity of Cherry Tomato Fruit Using a Nutrient Solution and a Silicon-Based Organomineral Fertilizer

Abstract EN

Cherry tomato “Atomic Grape” belongs to the Solanaceae family, an important species due to its economic value and high nutritional content.

The impact on performance, weight, and nutritional profile of root, stem/branches, and leaves using the nutrient solution (NS), alone or combined with an organomineral fertilizer (F), whether granulated or in powder form was evaluated: NS, NS + F-granulated, and NS + F-powder.

Best commercial fruits were obtained with NS + F-powder.

Higher weights of both fresh and dry roots were obtained with NS + F-granulated and NS + F-powder.

Mineral profile showed that the root builds up mostly nitrogen and silicon.

Potassium was higher in stem/branches.

Carbon, calcium, and sulfur were higher in the photosynthetic organ.

NS increased the pH of the tomato juice by 9.81% and 10.90% compared to NS + F-granulated and NS + F-powder treatments.

The organomineral fertilizer provides greater benefits due to its long-lasting effect on the soil and cherry tomato plant.

In this experiment, we conclude that the combination of NS + F-powder obtained the best marketable fruits.

It must be taken into consideration the greatest demand for nutrients in tomato given to developing organs such as leaves, flowers, and fruits.

The leaves should be used for nutritional diagnosis, to confirm symptoms of deficiency or optimal nutritional ranges, which is of utmost importance for agronomists, growers, horticulturists, and physiologists.