Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Farm, Bhagwant University, Ajmer, during the Rabi seasons of 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 to evaluate the influence of integrated nutrient management practices on the growth and flowering parameters of tomato. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with twelve treatments and three replications, comprising different combinations of Recommended Dose of Fertilisers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), poultry manure (PM), and biofertilisers (Azospirillum + PSB). The results revealed significant differences among treatments for all yield and quality parameters during both years of experimentation. Among the treatments, T₇ [RDF (75%) + Vermicompost (25%) + Biofertilisers (Azospirillum + PSB @ 2.5 kg ha⁻¹ each)] recorded the maximum number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and fruit yield per hectare. The superior performance of integrated nutrient management treatments may be attributed to a balanced nutrient supply, improved soil fertility, enhanced microbial activity, better nutrient uptake, and improved physiological efficiency of the plants. The combined application of inorganic fertilisers, vermicompost, and biofertilisers proved highly effective in improving the productivity and fruit quality of tomato. Based on the experimental findings, it may be concluded that the integrated application of RDF (75%) + Vermicompost (25%) + Biofertilisers (Azospirillum + PSB @ 2.5 kg ha⁻¹ each) is the most effective nutrient management practice for enhancing the yield and productivity of tomato, while RDF (50%) + Vermicompost (50%) + Biofertilisers significantly improved fruit quality under the prevailing agro-climatic conditions. Quality parameters such as total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, and shelf life were also significantly improved under integrated nutrient management treatments. Treatment T₁₀ [RDF (50%) + Vermicompost (50%) + Biofertilisers] recorded superior fruit quality with respect to TSS, dry matter, and ascorbic acid content.