Yield and quality parameters of organic tomato plants grown in non-composted phytomass of grass clippings (Paspalum notatum) and gliricidia (Gliricidia septium)
Organic fertilization, Solanum lycopersicum L., automatic irrigation activation, Dominador F1.
Tomato is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world and its production system is diversified. Cultivation in Verdeponia is characterized as an alternative to the traditional organic system and therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the production, productivity and physical-chemical parameters of tomato plants using non-composted phytomass of grass clippings (GC) and gliricidia leaves (GLI). The experiment was conducted in an open field, between May and September 2023, using a randomized block experimental design, with four replicates and four plants per plot. The treatments were characterized as: T1 - soil + fermented Bokashi compost (control); T2 - 100% GC; T3 - 100% GLI + thermophosphate (Y); T4 - 100% GC + Y; T5 - 75% GC and 25% GLI + Y; T6 - 50% GC and 50% GLI + Y; and T7 - 75% GLI and 25% AP + Y. Planting was carried out in a cradle system (holes) and the plants were irrigated by drip irrigation, with automated management of the irrigation system. After 10 harvests, tomato yield ranged from 79.04 (T2) to 119.06 Mg ha-1 (T6), with water use efficiency of 17.7 to 26.7 kg m-3. In T6, an average of 42.93 fruits per plant were harvested, weighing 187.75 g. The average number of non-commercial fruits per plant was 4.5, and soluble solids contents ranged from 3.85 (T2) to 4.22 °Brix (T5). The results obtained indicate that Verdeponia is a sustainable and efficient option for tomato production.