Production of tomato plants grown in a greenponics system under automated irrigation management
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Cultivation of tomatoes in greenponics offers an alternative for organic production. This study evaluated the performance of tomatoes grown in greenponics in the field, with plants grown in planting-pits filled with non-composted biomass from grass clippings (Paspalum notatum) (GC) and tree-legume leaves (Gliricidia sepium) (GLI). Effects on water use efficiency (WUE) and residual nutrients in the substrate recovered from the planting-pits at the end of the production cycle were also evaluated. Treatments in 2023 were: T1, soil + fermented Bokashi compost (control); T2, 100% GC; T3, 100% GLI + thermophosphate (Y); T4, 100% GC+Y; T5, 75% GC + 25% GLI+Y; T6, 50% GC + 50% GLI+Y; and T7, 75% GLI +25% GC+Y. In 2024, T6 was tested under different watering regimes. Drip irrigation with sensor-based management was used. In 2023, after 10 harvests, yields ranged from 79.0 (T2) to 121.1 Mg ha−1 (T6) and WUE from 17.9 to 27.3 kg m−3. The total yield in T6 was 44.9% higher than in the control, with 37.6 commercial fruits plant−1 (NCF) and 148.8 g average fruit weight. The superior performance in T6 was likely linked to higher nutrient input, with N and K supplies in T6 being approximately 3 and 10 times higher than in T1. Low residual nutrient concentrations in the recovered substrate indicated near-complete biomass mineralisation. In 2024, after 6 harvests, yields ranged from 94.2 to 107.5 Mg ha−1 with the highest NCF of 39.6 and WUE of 36.0 kg m−3, as estimated by regression models. Results indicated that greenponics can be a viable option for organic tomato production.
Source: Figshare
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225825016
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: