Influence of fertilizer sources and stage-wise application rates on growth and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Arka Vikas)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different fertilizer sources applied at stage-wise rates on the growth and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Arka Vikas). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. Treatments comprised two fertilizer sources, namely water-soluble fertilizers (ammonium sulphate and soluble fertilizer 13-0-45 NPK) and straight fertilizers (urea and muriate of potash). Fertilizer doses were applied in three splits corresponding to crop growth stages of 0–45, 46–90, and 91–135 days after transplanting, while phosphorus was uniformly applied as a basal dose in the form of single superphosphate in all treatments. Fertigation was carried out at five-day intervals, and conventional soil application of urea, single superphosphate, and muriate of potash under drip irrigation served as the control. Results revealed that application of 100% recommended dose of straight fertilizers, applied in equal splits (33% each) at the three growth stages, significantly enhanced plant growth parameters such as leaf area, dry matter production, and earliness in fruit set and harvest. In addition, this treatment significantly improved fruit quality attributes, including lycopene and ascorbic acid content. The study highlights the importance of stage-wise fertilizer management in optimizing growth and improving fruit quality of tomato under drip fertigation systems.