Effect of Different Irrigation Programs with Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Fruit Quality in Tomato

Abstract

A lysimeter study was conducted based on completely randomized block design at the Agricultural Research Institute of Tokat in 1996–98. The lysimeters were filled with soils taken from AP, C1 and C2 horizons of the Kazova plain in Tokat-Turkey. Three seedlings of tomato variety H-2274 were transplanted to each lysimeter. Nitrogen fertilizer at the rates of 0 and 140 kg N.ha−1 was side dressed in two split applications. The lysimeters were irrigated based on programs C 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 and 1.50, C referring to class A-Pan evaporation coefficients. The maximum yield was obtained with irrigation programs C 0.75 and C 1.00 together with 140 kg N.ha−1 treatment. Significant negative correlations (r = −0.66 for 1996 and r = −0.70 for 1997) were found between Class A pan coefficients (C) and fertilizer-N-use. In general, N-uptake decreased with utilization of C 1.00, C 1.25 and C 1.50 programs possibly due to the maximum N-leaching losses occured with these practices. Considering fruit quality, the water soluble dry matter, protein and nitrate contents were decreased, however, total acidity and ascorbic acid were increased with increasing irrigation practices. The results further revealed that the concentrations of NO3−and NO2−in drainage water were closely related to leaching which were considerably higher with programs C 1.25 and C 1.50.