Horticultural Studies (HortiS) 2004, Vol 21, Num, 1     (Pages: 21-29)

THE EFFECTS OF POULTRY MANURE AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER ON YIELD, QUALITY AND LEAF COMPOSITION OF TOMATOES

Semiha GÜLER 1

1 Karadeniz Tarımsal araştırma Enstitüsü, 55001 Samsun Viewed : 1496 - Downloaded : 737 Organic fertilisers not only supply nutrients to the plant but also create a good root media for plants by improving the soil physical structure. Poultry manure (PM) is one of the most important fertiliser source for organic fertilisation. This study was carried out to determine the best rate of PM for tomatoes. In the study 6 rates of PM (0-200-400-600-800-100 kg/da) and inorganic fertiliser (15+5+20 kg/da NPK, resp.) were used. Also a commercial PM was included in the study at recommended level (300 kg/da). Treatments were evaluated in terms of total, early and marketable yield, total soluble solid (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) in fruit, chlorophyll, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents in leaf. The highest total yield (5.55 ton/da) was obtained from NPK, followed by 600 kg/da PM (5.17 ton/da). In PM treatments there was no additional increase in yield above 600 kg/da PM. The highest early yield was recorded in NPK treatment (1.44 ton/da), followed by PM treatments. There were no significant differences among treatments in mean fruit weight, TSS and TA contents of fruit. The highest chlorophyll content was found in NPK and 600 kg/da PM. Nitrogen, P and K contents of the leaf were within the sufficient levels. It was concluded that poultry manure having the same nutritional value as used in this study (1.19% N, 2.31% P, 4.5% K and 43.5% dry matter) can be used at a rate of 600 kg/da with no additional fertilisers. Keywords : Poultry manure, inorganic fertiliser, tomatoes, yield, quality, chlorophyll