Early Delia Paramesti, I Gusti Kadek Sandy Premayoga, Febri Eka Wahyuningtyas,
Aqiilah Ainun Zulfaa Izza, Sundahri*)
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Study Program of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jember
*) Corresponding author: Sundahri.faparta@unej.ac.id
The growth and development of tomato crops can be significantly influenced by the application of natural inorganic materials such as biochar, compost, and various organic amendments. These materials enhance nutrient availability, improve soil properties, and ultimately promote higher yields and better fruit quality. Biochar is recognized for its ability to improve soil health through nutrient retention, increased microbial activity, and enhancement of soil structure. In studies conducted by Guo et al., adding biochar to a peat-based growing medium increased the water-use efficiency of tomato plants and raised the dry weight yield of fruits by up to 32% (Guo et al., 2021). Furthermore, the application of biochar has positively contributed to mitigating the impacts of high salinity on tomato plants, leading to improved growth and yield under saline conditions (Zonayet et al., 2023). The unique properties of biochar facilitate nutrient cycling, ultimately benefiting plant growth (Zonayet et al., 2023).
Incorporating organic amendments such as compost has also been shown to improve growth characteristics and yield in tomato crops. Research by Rahman et al. indicated that compost applications enhanced biomass growth and nutrient content in tomatoes, suggesting benefits even under stress conditions (Rahman et al., 2024). Additionally, the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers has been shown to improve soil health and maximize yield. For example, Hashimi and Habibi demonstrated that applications of inorganic fertilizers combined with organic fertilizers enhanced tomato yield and improved soil nutrient status (Hashimi & Habibi, 2021). Moreover, Lee et al. explored the effects of processed red clay, an eco-friendly material, and a microbial fertilizer containing Lactobacillus fermentum on tomato growth. Their findings revealed that these organic amendments improved both plant growth processes and fruit quality, reinforcing the importance of utilizing natural materials for sustainable agricultural practices (Lee et al., 2024).
Further enhancements in the growth and yield of tomatoes can be achieved through careful management practices that incorporate inorganic materials. Studies have shown that specific mulching treatments, especially those using plastic and inorganic materials, positively impact soil moisture retention, leading to higher biomass yield and water-use efficiency (Dai et al., 2024). Complementary research connects residue management and cover crops to improved tomato yield, emphasizing the significance of holistic agricultural strategies integrating these techniques (Samedani & Meighani, 2022; , Chehade et al., 2023). Natural inorganic materials can significantly optimize nutrient uptake. For instance, Onyeneke et al. suggested that effective nutrient management, including the integration of organic materials with inorganic fertilization, is essential for optimal tomato growth (Onyeneke et al., 2023). This is further supported by Zhao et al., who noted the detrimental effects of over-fertilization with inorganic materials, which can lead to soil salinity and reduced nutrient availability, thereby emphasizing the need for balanced nutrient input---utilizing both organic and inorganic sources---to sustain soil fertility and enhance tomato crop yields over time (Song et al., 2022).
In addition to biochar and compost, vermicompost is recognized for its role in improving soil properties and promoting plant growth. Studies demonstrate that vermicompost can enhance both nutrient bioavailability in the soil and the overall performance of tomato crops (Bebayehu et al., 2023). This organic fertilizer contributes vital nutrients and stimulates beneficial microbial activity within the soil, further supporting plant health. The evaluation of nitrogen levels through various inorganic and organic combinations is equally important. Research by Chettri et al. emphasized that wise usage of both organic and inorganic nitrogen sources can lead to better growth responses and yields in tomatoes, underscoring optimized nitrogen application strategies as crucial for successful crop production (Chettri et al., 2024). The importance of integrating natural inorganic materials into tomato cultivation strategies is evident. Evidence from multiple studies confirms that combining organic amendments with scientifically applied inorganic fertilizers can result in significant improvements in both yield and crop quality (Anuada et al., 2021). Moreover, the environmental advantages of such practices---reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting soil health, and enhancing organic matter---further underscore a beneficial approach for sustainable agriculture (Carricondo-Martnez et al., 2022; , Desalegn, 2022).
Finally, the role of organic materials in improving resilience to climate stressors such as drought and heat is significant. Various studies demonstrate that tomato crops treated with organic amendments exhibit enhanced stress tolerance, ultimately leading to improved yields despite adverse climatic conditions (Fonseca et al., 2024; , Raghuwanshi et al., 2023). The shift towards utilizing natural inorganic materials holds promise for enhancing tomato production and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices that support global food security. In conclusion, the utilization of natural inorganic materials significantly impacts the growth and development of tomato crops. Biochar, compost, vermicompost, and other organic inputs enhance nutrient availability, improve soil health, and address issues related to salinity and drought stress. By integrating a diverse range of inorganic and organic amendments, tomato growers can optimize crop yields and quality while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
References:
Anuada, P., Pascual, P., & Carabio, D. (2021). Combined organic fertilizer application improved growth and yield of cherry tomato (solanum lycopersicum l.). International Journal of Research in Agronomy, 4(2), 75-80. https://doi.org/10.33545/2618060x.2021.v4.i2a.106
Bebayehu, F., Irge, A., Tufa, A., & Hunduma, A. (2023). Influences of npsb and vermicompost application rates on yields of tomato (lycopersicon esculentum mill) at jimma ganati research site of wallaga university, western ethiopia. Advances in Agriculture, 2023, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4599133
Carricondo-Martnez, I., Falcone, D., Berti, F., Orsini, F., & Sanjun, M. (2022). Use of agro-waste as a source of crop nutrients in intensive horticulture system. Agronomy, 12(2), 447.https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020447
