Effect of NPSZnB fertilizer on yield and horticultural traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties in Tanqua Milash District of Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Tomato is the most significant vegetable for domestic use and commercialization, as well as income generation. However, its production is low due to various constraints like poor soil fertility, pests, abiotic factors and lack of knowledge on agronomic management. Hence, the study was implemented with the objectives of assessing the impact of NPSZnB fertilizer application rates on tomato and ascertaining the economic feasibility in the Gereb-giba small-scale irrigation scheme. Twelve treatments were comprised with diverse fertilizer application rates (150, 200 and 250 kg/ha) in combination with varieties of tomatoes (Melkasholla, Melkasalsa and Roma–VF) using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications in factorial arrangement. The soil texture of the experimental field was classified as clay loam. The results of the analysis of variance indicate that there is a significant difference in the interaction effects of blended fertilizer with tomato varieties based on their agronomic characters. In terms of maturity, when compared to the other treatments, the contribution of NPSZnB to Melkasholla shows a major function for earliness. The highest total fruit yield production (64.11 t/ha) was found from the combination of the Melkasholla variety with the blended fertilizers of 150 kg/ha, followed by 250 kg/ha (58.73 t/ha). According to the cost-benefit analysis, the treatment applied 200 kg/ha blended fertilizer with the variety Roma-VF is generally the most recommended and economically viable for farmers situated in the Gereb Giba area and other similar agroecologies.