Application of phosphorus-containing microelement complexes in nutrient solutions for hydro-ponic system when growing tomatoes in total control environment agriculture
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction. Sustainable agricultural development strategies imply a transition to cost-effective and environmentally friendly crop production, including the use of hydroponic systems that reduce water and nutrient consumption. Optimizing hydroponic systems under total control environment agriculture remains a key factor in intensifying cultivation technologies. Materials and methods. To prepare a nutrient solution for soaking the cubes and mats, we used a popular FloraSeries fertilizer and a synthesized analog solution with four essential microelements (Fe2+, Zn, Cu, Mn) with carboxyl-containing ligands (EDTA, EDDHA) replaced with chelates containing the organophosphorus ligand 1-hydroxy ethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP). Their effects on the growth, development, and fruiting of the 'Minibel' tomato variety were compared in a phytochamber. Plant height, leaf count, cluster count, flower bud count, and fruit count were measured, and the yield structure was assessed on the 100th day of cultivation. Results and discussion. At the beginning of the growing season and up until the 20th day of cultivation, plants impregnated with the Micro-HEDP solution showed growth retardation (33% lower plant height and 32% lower leaf count) compared to those treated with GHE. The results were then compared. The total number of buds, flowers, and fruits in the Micro-HEDP solution was 39.7%, 17.6%, and 21.1% higher, respectively, indicating stimulation of the plant's reserve potential. The yield structure on the 100th day of cultivation, taking into account the yield of all plants, shows that the weight of ripe fruits in the GHE solution exceeded that of the Micro-HEDP solution by 30%. However, the number of growing (immature) fruits, measured by total weight, was 35.5% higher, and their number was twice that of the GHE solution.
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203823728