Effects of cropping systems and soil amendments on the growth and yield of two tomato varieties

Abstract

Tomato is an important vegetable, used for stew and other recipes in Nigeria. It is one of the most protective foods, which are nutritious and low in calories. A field study was conducted at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, (Lat. 70 30N; Long. 30 50ˈE) during the 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons to determine the effects of cropping system, variety and soil amendment on growth and yield of tomato. The experiment was a 2x2x5 factorial experiment laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design, comprising of two cropping systems, two tomato varieties (Uc82B and Ibadan local) and five soil amendments (0, 60 and 120 kg N/ha NPK and 10 and 20 ton/ha poultry manure). Data collected include plant height, number of leaves and yield of tomato and maize. Intercropping efficiency was determined by calculating the land efficiency ratio (LER). Results showed fruits yield were reduced in the intercropped tomato. The highest yields (24.50, 28 ton/ha) were obtained with the application of 120 kg N/ha NPK and the lowest (6.84, 4.05 ton/ha) with the control (0 kg) in the two years of assessment. Land equivalent ratio (LER) greater than unity (>1) were obtained in the intercropping system. In 2011, the highest LER (1.69) and the lowest (1.2) were obtained from the Ibadan local /maize mixture given 120 kg N/ha NPK and 0 kg/ha respectively, in 2012, the highest (1.80) and the lowest LER (1.47) were from the Ibadan local /maize mixture treated with 10 t/ha poultry manure and the control.