EFFECT OF RATES OF NPK 20:10:10 FERTILIZER ON TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM) GROWTH AND YIELD IN OBIO AKPA
Abstract
The study was conducted at Akwa Ibom State University Teaching and Research Farm, Obio Akpa Campus in the cropping season of 2024 to assess the effect of different rates of inorganic fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10) on the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The experimental soil was slightly acidic (pH 5.8) with low organic matter (2.23%) and nitrogen content (0.06%), necessitating nutrient supplementation. Treatments were fertilizer application rates of 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg/ha. Growth and yield parameters assessed included number of leaves, plant height, number of fruits, fruit weight, and total yield (t/ha). Results showed that while the number of leaves, branches, and plant height showed positive trends with increasing fertilizer rates, these differences were not statistically significant. Yield parameters, particularly fruit weight and total yield, responded significantly to higher fertilizer rates, with 400 kg/ha producing the highest yield of 174.96 t/ha. The findings underscore the importance of balanced fertilization in maximizing tomato productivity. It is recommended that farmers apply NPK 20:10:10 at 400 kg/ha for optimal yield.
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