DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculuntum L.) to crude phosphate rock (CPR), commercial phosphate fertilizer alone, or integrated with cattle manure (CM), and indole acetic acid (IAA).

Methodology

A pot experiment was conducted using tomato cv. Rio-Grande. Treatments involved combinations of crude phosphate rock (CPR), single super phosphate (SSP), cattle manure (CM), and indole acetic acid (IAA). The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design. Soil properties, plant growth parameters (plant height, root length), and yield parameters (number of flowers, number of fruit per plant, fruit diameter, 5 fruit weight, fruit yield per plant) were measured. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Pot Experiment Setup"] --> B["Application of Treatments: CPR, SSP, CM, IAA"];
    B --> C["Planting Tomato cv. Rio-Grande"];
    C --> D["Growth Period"];
    D --> E["Data Collection: Soil Properties, Plant Growth, Yield Parameters"];
    E --> F["Statistical Analysis ANOVA"];
    F --> G["Interpretation of Results"];
    G --> H["Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the benefits of integrating organic amendments like cattle manure with inorganic phosphatic fertilizers and plant growth regulators (IAA) for improving tomato productivity. The improved solubility and nutrient availability from the integrated approach, compared to crude rock phosphate alone, are emphasized. The role of IAA in enhancing fruit setting and development is also discussed.

Key Findings

The integrated use of commercial single super phosphate (SSP) with cattle manure (CM) fortified with IAA produced the best results for tomato growth and yield. Crude phosphate rock (CPR) applied with cattle manure and IAA performed better than CPR alone. Inorganic phosphatic fertilizer integrated with organic amendments performed better than inorganic fertilizers and crude phosphate rock applied alone. The integrated use of inorganic phosphatic fertilizer with manure fortified with IAA enhanced both growth and yield of tomato and also improved soil properties.

Conclusion

The integrated application of inorganic phosphatic fertilizer with cattle manure fortified with indole acetic acid significantly enhanced both the growth and yield of tomato, while also improving soil properties. This approach offers a sustainable and economically viable alternative to relying solely on commercial fertilizers.

Fact Check

* The experiment was conducted during the year 2019-20.
* The tomato variety used was Rio-Grande.
* The soil pH prior to the experiment was recorded as 7.42.

Mind Map