Tomato Yield and Water Efficiency Affected by Nitrogen and Irrigation Levels

Greg Howard
11th June, 2024

Tomato Yield and Water Efficiency Affected by Nitrogen and Irrigation Levels

Photo from study showing the field performance of tomato when stacking is prepared.

Photo adapted from: Shewangizaw et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • The study was conducted in Efratana Gidim district, North Shewa, Amhara, Ethiopia, to find the best nitrogen and irrigation levels for tomato yield
  • The highest tomato yield (35,903 kg/ha) was achieved with 125% ETc irrigation and 92 kg N/ha fertilizer
  • The best water use efficiency (5.4 kg/m³) was recorded with 75% ETc irrigation and 46 kg N/ha fertilizer
  • The combination of 125% ETc irrigation and 92 kg N/ha fertilizer provided the highest net benefit and economic return for farmers
Tomato yield can be significantly increased through the application of optimal water and fertilizer, according to a recent field experiment conducted by the Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute[1]. The study aimed to determine the ideal nitrogen (N) rate and irrigation regime for maximizing tomato yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in Efratana Gidim district, North Shewa, Amhara, Ethiopia, during 2019 and 2020. The experiment included three irrigation regimes—75% ETc (Evapotranspiration from the crop), 100% ETc, and 125% ETc—and four nitrogen rates (control; i.e., without N application, 46 kg N ha-1, 92 kg N ha-1, and 138 kg N ha-1). The treatments were organized in a split-plot design with four replications, where the irrigation regimes were assigned to the main plots and the N rates to the subplots. Data collected on tomato growth, yield, and yield-related traits were analyzed using R studio. The experimental site was found to have low total N content, and the application of N fertilizer significantly improved tomato yield. The highest mean marketable fruit yield (35,903 kg ha-1) was achieved with the combined application of 125% ETc and 92 kg N ha-1, whereas the lowest yield (13,655 kg ha-1) was recorded with 75% ETc and 92 kg N ha-1. This finding aligns with previous studies that emphasize the importance of nitrogen in plant growth and yield[2][3]. The study also showed that increasing irrigation depth significantly enhanced tomato yield. The highest water use efficiency (5.4 kg m-3) was recorded with 75% ETc and 46 kg N ha-1, which was a 77% increase compared to the lowest WUE (2.3 kg m-3) observed with 125% ETc and 0 kg N ha-1. These results indicate that while higher irrigation levels can boost yield, they may not always lead to the most efficient water use. A partial budget analysis revealed that the highest net benefit (266,272 ETB ha-1) and an acceptable marginal rate of return (1240%) were obtained from the combined application of 125% ETc and 92 kg N ha-1. This suggests that this combination not only maximizes yield but also provides the best economic return for farmers. The findings of this study are critical as they offer practical solutions for enhancing tomato production in regions with similar agroecological conditions. By optimizing nitrogen application and irrigation regimes, farmers can achieve higher yields and better water use efficiency, ultimately leading to increased profitability and sustainability in tomato farming. The study ties together earlier research on the importance of nitrogen and phosphorus in plant nutrition. For instance, previous studies have shown that nitrogen is a major nutrient limiting plant growth in agroecosystems and that biological nitrogen fixation can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers[2]. Similarly, phosphorus is essential for plant metabolic activities, and its deficiency in soil can hinder sustainable farming practices[4]. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) have also been developed to improve nitrogen uptake and reduce environmental pollution, which aligns with the goals of the current study[3]. In conclusion, the research conducted by the Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute provides valuable insights into the optimal use of water and nitrogen fertilizers for maximizing tomato yield and water use efficiency. By applying the recommended irrigation and nitrogen rates, farmers can achieve higher yields and better economic returns, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

AgricultureEnvironmentPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Tomato yield, and water use efficiency as affected by nitrogen rate and irrigation regime in the central low lands of Ethiopia.

Published 10th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62884-5

Related Studies

2) Current Progress in Nitrogen Fixing Plants and Microbiome Research.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010097

3) Development of fertilizers for enhanced nitrogen use efficiency - Trends and perspectives.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139113

4) The Global Dilemma of Soil Legacy Phosphorus and Its Improvement Strategies under Recent Changes in Agro-Ecosystem Sustainability.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c00823


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