Comparative Effect of Organic (Cow Dung and Poultry Manure) and Inorganic Fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10) on Growth Response and Physiological Performance of Solanum lycoperscum (Tomato)

Abstract

Background & Aim: Fertilization strategies are carried out to influence the growth and physiological quality of plants. However, the increasing need for sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly practices, has brought about an increase in the use of organic manure. This study aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of organic (cow dung, and poultry manure) and inorganic (NPK 20:10:10) fertilizer on growth response and physiological performance of Solanum lycoperscum (Tomato). Study Design: The seeds of tomato variety Cobra 26 were used for this study. Three weeks old tomato seedlings were transplanted into 4 groups of transplanting bags. Control group containing only topsoil; NPK group containing 5g of NPK 20:10:10 + 10kg topsoil; Poultry droppings group containing 250g of poultry droppings + 10kg topsoil and cow dung group containing 250g of cow dung + 10kg topsoil. Morphological and agronomic data was collected weekly for 5 weeks starting from week 2 after transplantation. Methodology: Tomato growth determined with leaves numbers and plant height. Chlorophyll a and b content was estimated via spectrophotometric methods. The Folin–Ciocalteu method was used to determine total phenol content in plant leaves, stem and root. Biomass was evaluated by taking the total dry weight of plant leaves, fruits, root and stems. Results: Number of leaves increased significantly with weeks as follows; control (19.33 - 61), cow dung (19.33-62.67), poultry manure (13.67 - 79) and NPK (22.33 - 95). Plant height increased with weeks as follows; Control (8.03 - 20.03), cow dung (7.20-24.90), poultry manure (5.73 - 31.63) and NPK (9.87 - 38.17). An increase in plant biomass was observed with control (18.11g), cow dung (11.20g), poultry manure (25.93g) and NPK (35.74g). Total phenol (mg GAE/g FW) increased in the leaves (control, 44.17; NPK, 51.50; cow dung, 75.02; poultry manure, 92.47) stem (control, 30.47; NPK, 37.61; cow dung, 61.98; poultry manure, 77.75) and root (control, 20.18; NPK, 25.84; cow dung, 46.19; poultry manure, 63.70). An increase was observed in chlorophyll a (mg/g-1) (control, 19.38; NPK, 25.62; cow dung, 31.89; poultry manure, 41.55) and b (control, 4.42; NPK, 7.58; cow dung, 10.74; poultry manure, 13.58). Conclusion: Inorganic NPK treatments are highly effective at promoting rapid vegetative expansion and biomass accumulation while organic manure, notably poultry manure, provide superior benefits regarding biochemical composition, including elevated total phenol and chlorophyll levels.