THE EFFECT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF TOMATO PLANT UNDER HEATED PLASTIC HOUSE CONDITION

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This experiment was conducted in plastic house units – Horticulture department – College of Agriculture – Baghdad University during 2008 – 2009 and 2009 – 2010 growing seasons in order to study the effect of organic fertilizers on growth and production of tomato plant (Hybrid Wijdan). Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates were used with L.S.D. test at 5 % level. This experiment contained 14 treatments which included manure ( Caw , Sheep and Poultry ) at a rate of 5 % of soil weight alone or adding Humic acids used even foliar spraying (75 ml / 100 L ), addition to soil (0.2 g / m2 ) or combination of both ( foliar + soil ) . Results compared with treatment received chemical fertilizers and treatment did not receive any kind of fertilizer. The results of experiment showed that poultry manure with Humic acids (spraying and soil addition ) gave the highest increase in vegetative growth (No. of leaves , chlorophyll content of leaves , dry weight and leaf area ) compared to other treatments . It was also gave highest increase in % of N, P, Fe, Zn and Ca) in the leaves, However poultry manure treatment and spraying Humic acids gave an increase in K content of the leaves. It is also found that all added organic fertilizers gave an increase in yield compared to treatment with no kind fertilizer. Poultry manure with Humic acids (spraying) gave the highest yield for tow seasons followed by treatment received chemical fertilizer. However cow manure gave best results than sheep manure in relation to yield.