Comparative Study of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cultivation Through Organic and Conventional Farming

Abstract

As organic farming gains popularity worldwide, it is crucial to investigate the potential benefits of using poultry manure as an organic fertilizer source. This study aimed to assess the comparative performance of tomato cultivation under organic and conventional farming practices, with a specific focus on the effects of varying rates of poultry manure applications. The research was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of College of Agriculture Science and Technology Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. This was conducted during the 2021 cropping season (April - June) with four levels of poultry manure. Three (3) application rate of poultry manure (5.0 tha-1, 8.0 tha-1, and 11 tha-1) was used to compare with the control/check with no application of poultry manure, all replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of different rates of poultry manure application on tomato growth and yield potentials. After a thorough evaluation of the experimental plots, it was found that the treatment with 11tha-1 of poultry manure demonstrated superior performance compared to the other treatment levels. The tomatoes grown with this application rate exhibited significantly higher yields and improved plant vigor, as confirmed by the recorded data. The study's findings provide valuable insights for local farmers, as this research supports the use of 11 tha-1 poultry manure application as an effective strategy to enhance tomato cultivation and maximize yield potential. The necessity of conducting this research arises from the need to optimize tomato cultivation practices and address the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods. The study also provides evidence that the application of 11 tha-1 poultry manure significantly improves tomato cultivation outcomes. The results obtained underline the relevance of optimizing nutrient management practices in organic and conventional farming systems, fostering enhanced yield potential, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for future food security.