Work

Impacts of Hydroponic Stratagem on Growth and Yield Performance Factors in Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Food insecurity in Nigeria is exacerbated by seasonal shifts, high labor demands, and environmental degradation. To address these challenges and close the supply-demand gap for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), this study evaluated a robust, easy-to-operate hydroponic system for year-round cultivation. Two tomato varieties (UC and Ruma) were grown using two systems: a soilless hydroponic setup and a traditional soil-filled potted control under identical environmental conditions. Morphological and reproductive parameters were evaluated using ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results revealed that while soil-grown plants achieved significantly taller plant heights (Ruma Soil: 35.90 ± 0.13 cm), the hydroponic system dramatically enhanced vegetative and reproductive outcomes. The UC Hydroponic treatment yielded the highest mean number of leaves (32.65 ± 1.10), branches (11.09 ± 0.35), leaf size (13.89 ± 0.28 cm²), and stem girth (1.56 ± 0.03 cm), significantly outperforming all other groups (p < 0.001). Crucially, UC Hydroponics also recorded the highest reproductive metrics, including flower count (8.62 ± 1.08), fruit yield (12.78 ± 2.19), and fruit size (5.41 ± 0.49 cm). Both hydroponic treatments produced larger fruit sizes than their soil-based counterparts. These findings demonstrate that managed soilless cultivation optimizes vegetative growth and significantly enhances fruit traits. Consequently, this system offers a viable path toward year-round agricultural production, economic diversification, and food security in ecologically compromised regions.

Source: Iconic Research and Engineering Journals

DOI: 10.64388/ire1724709