Effect of Different Substrates on Fruit Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato Grown in a Closed Soilless System
The research paper investigates the impact of various growth substrates on the fruit yield and quality of cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill Cv. Supersweet-100 VF) cultivated in a closed soilless system within a greenhouse environment in Bahrain. The research aims to identify cost-effective, locally available substrates that can replace more expensive imported materials, thereby reducing overall production costs.
The study utilized six different substrates: zeolite (Z), perlite (P), and various mixtures of these with sand (P:S, Z:P, Z:S, and Z:P:S). The cherry tomato plants were grown in concrete troughs and irrigated with a nutrient solution through a drip system. The results indicated significant differences in fruit yield and quality across the substrates, with zeolite alone yielding the best performance. Analysis of the fruits revealed that the concentrations of potassium (K), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were highest in the zeolite substrate, followed by the zeolite-sand mixture. However, the protein content and concentrations of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and manganese (Mn) were not significantly affected by the type of substrate used.
The findings suggest that zeolite's superior water retention and cation exchange capacity contribute to its effectiveness as a substrate. Additionally, the study highlights that mixing sand with zeolite can yield similar results to using perlite, which is particularly beneficial for regions where zeolite is scarce but sand is abundant, such as in the Arabian Peninsula.
This research paper is significant in the field of horticulture and soilless culture as it addresses the economic aspects of substrate selection for crop production. By exploring locally available materials, the research contributes to sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in arid regions where water and soil resources are limited. The findings can influence ongoing discussions about cost-effective agricultural methods and the optimization of resource use in greenhouse cultivation. For practitioners and researchers, the study offers valuable insights into substrate performance, which can lead to improved fruit quality and yield, ultimately benefiting growers and consumers alike.
