Optimization of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization Improves Biomass, Yield, and Quality of Fertigation Tomatoes
2025
Linsong Liu | Dongliang Qi | Chunmei Ding | Si Chen | Lihua Gao | Wenjun Yue
Enhancing water and fertilizer use efficiencies is pivotal for sustainable tomato production. Adequate nitrogen and water management strategies have shown promise in improving the soil environment and crop productivity. However, the effects of fertigation modes on plant growth, yield, and quality remain largely unknown. To bridge this knowledge gap, an experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to investigate the effects of varied levels of water and nitrogen on the net photosynthetic rate, biomass, yield, and quality of tomatoes. The irrigation treatments included 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 times the crop water requirement (ETc), designated as W1, W2, and W3, respectively. The nitrogen rates included 120, 220, 320, and 420 kg N·:hm&minus:2, designated as N1, N2, N3, and N4, applied in each irrigation treatment. The results showed that the W2N3 treatment achieved the most significant net photosynthetic rate and biomass of leaves. The tomato yield increased with the increase in nitrogen rate and irrigation amount, and the increment peaked at the threshold (1.0 ETc, 320 kg·:hm&minus:2), then declined with the further increase in water and nitrogen inputs. Principal component analysis revealed that the W2N3 exhibited superior quality characteristics compared to other treatments. Therefore, the combination of 100% ETc and 320 kg N·:hm&minus:2 achieved a triple goal of high quality, yield, and water&ndash:nitrogen-use efficiency in greenhouse tomato production. These results provide scientific insights for guiding fertigation for tomato production under greenhouse conditions.
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