Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 356-368 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 360 Figure 3 Cherry tomatoes grown vigorously using drip irrigation tape 4.2 Application methods for organic and inorganic fertilizers The application of fertilizers, both organic and inorganic, plays a crucial role in enhancing the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes. Drip fertigation, which involves the application of fertilizers through the drip irrigation system, has been shown to synchronize water and nutrient supply with crop demand, leading to improved productivity. A study comparing different fertigation strategies found that the combination of alternate partial root-zone drip irrigation with a specific ratio of basal to topdressing nitrogen (N30-70) resulted in the highest tomato yield, lycopene, and vitamin C content, as well as an optimal sugar/acid ratio in fruits (Luo and Li, 2018). This method not only improved yield but also enhanced the nutritional quality of the tomatoes. In addition to inorganic fertilizers, the incorporation of organic fertilizers, such as chicken manure, has been found to further improve tomato yield and quality. Research comparing different organic fertilizer treatments under drip irrigation showed that a 50% substitution of urea with chicken manure significantly increased tomato yield and quality while reducing ammonia volatilization and soil nitrate nitrogen content (Li et al., 2023). The study concluded that the combination of drip irrigation and organic fertilizers, particularly chicken manure, resulted in the highest yield and quality of tomatoes, highlighting the benefits of integrating organic amendments into fertigation practices. 4.3 Impact of water-fertilizer ratios and application timing on yield The ratio of water to fertilizer and the timing of their application are critical factors influencing the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes. Studies have shown that the interaction between irrigation and fertilization significantly affects fruit yield, WUE, and fertilizer partial factor productivity (PFP). For example, a study conducted in a solar greenhouse found that moderate irrigation (75% ET0) combined with high fertilizer levels (240N-120P2O5-150K2O kg·ha⁻¹) provided the best compromise for maximizing fruit yield, quality, WUE, and PFP (Wang and Xing, 2017). This combination was ranked highest in a comprehensive evaluation, indicating the importance of optimizing both water and fertilizer inputs. Furthermore, the timing of fertilizer application, particularly the split application of nitrogen, has been shown to influence tomato yield and quality. Research comparing different nitrogen application schedules under drip irrigation revealed that applying 30% of nitrogen as basal fertilizer and 70% as topdressing (N30-70) resulted in the highest yield and quality of tomatoes (Luo and Li, 2018). This approach ensures a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, aligning with the crop's developmental stages and nutrient requirements.
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