Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most widely cultivated and economically important vegetable crops worldwide, contributing significantly to food security. However, its low productivity remains a substantial concern in Ethiopia due to mainly poor soil quality and limited use of inorganic fertilizers. On the contrary, improper disposal of recyclable charcoal and anaerobic cow dung bioslurry (ACDB) wastes poses environmental pollution challenges. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the synergetic effects of ACDB and charcoal co-composted fertilizers (ACDBCFs) on tomato productivity and soil properties. A pot experiment consisting of eight treatments (T1 - T8) was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Characterization of the five formulated ACDBCFs revealed good physico-chemical properties of pH, organic carbon, ammonium, nitrate, and orthophosphate, fluctuated from 8.9 to 9.63, 26.8 to 65.6%, 2.5 to 4.6 mgL ⁻ 1, 11.9 to 18.2 mgL ⁻ 1, and 0.74 to 3.1 mgL ⁻ 1, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in tomato fruit yield with relatively higher values of 2.87 and 2.73 kgpot ⁻ 1 for T6 and T8 under ACDB + charcoal (+10%) and inorganic fertilizers amendments, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated strong associations between nutrient availability and tomato growth and yield component parameters. Heat map visualization further confirmed that ACDBCFs application improved soil background nutrient and carbon contents. Overall, the findings from this short-term study indicate that ACDBCFs can enhance tomato productivity while improving soil organic matter and nutrient availability. However, further long-term studies on field level validation in real soil conditions and nutrient dynamics are recommended to support large-scale adoption of this resource-recovery approach, contributing to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and socio-economic development.
Agriculture plays a key role in global food production, whereas organic waste management remains an important environmental challenge. Organic residue-derived compost represents a sustainable strategy for nutrient recycling, soil fertility improvement, and reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers in horticultural systems. This study systematically reviewed the scientific literature on the application of compost in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) cultivation to evaluate its effects on agronomic performance and production systems. A database search from 2004 to July 2025 identified 86 studies that met the predefined eligibility criteria. The analysis showed an increasing trend in research over the last two decades, with publications peaking in 2021. Most studies were conducted in Latin America, particularly in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, highlighting the relevance of the cherry tomato crop. The application of compost was associated with improved plant growth, nutrient availability, and crop productivity. The production cycles ranged from 37 to 220 days, with shorter cycles commonly observed in tropical environments. Rice husk compost is among the most frequently used organic amendments. Overall, compost represents an effective strategy to enhance agronomic performance and promote sustainable cherry tomato production worldwide.
Andrés Reyes Rodríguez, Silvia A. Quijano, S. Arango-Varela et al.· Applied Sciences· 0 citations
The intensive use of mineral fertilizers in horticultural systems has improved crop productivity but also increased concerns regarding soil degradation and environmental sustainability. In this context, vermicompost derived from buffalo manure may represent a sustainable alternative for nutrient management and organic waste valorization. This study evaluated the effects of four fertilization strategies on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in loam and clay soils: unfertilized control, mineral fertilization, vermicompost applied at an equivalent nitrogen rate, and the residual effect of vermicompost from a previous cauliflower crop. Agronomic performance, fruit quality, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and antioxidant-related traits were assessed. Mineral fertilization produced the highest marketable yield, reaching 9.68 and 7.69 kg m−2 in loam and clay soils, respectively, mainly through increased fruit number. Direct vermicompost application maintained substantial productivity, with yields of 7.55 and 5.18 kg m−2 in the two soils. The fertilization strategies also induced distinct changes in fruit composition. Mineral fertilization increased total free amino acids to approximately 160 mg g−1 DW, mainly through the accumulation of glutamine, glutamate, asparagine and γ-aminobutyric acid, but was associated with lower soluble solids and antioxidant activity. Vermicompost promoted the highest lycopene concentration, approximately 2.1 mg g−1 DW, in clay soil and maintained intermediate antioxidant activity and amino acid concentrations. Soil texture also influenced carbohydrate partitioning, with greater fructose accumulation in clay soil and greater starch accumulation in loam soil. The residual vermicompost treatment alone did not adequately sustain tomato productivity or metabolic activity, particularly in clay soil. Overall, vermicompost partially replaced mineral fertilization while maintaining satisfactory yield and modulating fruit metabolic quality, although its effectiveness depended strongly on soil texture.
G. M. Fusco, I. Mola, E. Cozzolino et al.· Agriculture· 0 citations
The sustainable management of coconut biomass waste is a critical challenge in Kerala's agricultural sector, where systematic replanting generates substantial residues. This study evaluates the efficacy of converting this waste into nutrient-enriched coco-briquettes for use as a slow-release fertilizer (SRF) in chilli (Capsicum annuum L., variety Ujwala) production. the briquettes were produced from powdered coconut shell, husk, leaf, and wood waste and enriched with chemical fertilizers at 100% (T5) and 75% (T6) of the recommended primary nutrients.
A field experiment compared these briquette treatments against standard strategies, including the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) Package of Practices (T2) and soil test-based recommendations (T4). Chemical analysis revealed that the coco-briquettes possess a nutrient-rich organic substrate with high organic carbon (51.50%) and lignin (25.65%), suggesting a slow decomposition rate beneficial for long-term soil structure. Results indicated that while soil test-based recommendations (T4) achieved the highest total yield (1543.25 kg/ha) and capsaicin content (0.77%), the 100% nutrient-enriched briquettes (T5) performed competitively, yielding the third best biometric observations and second-highest ascorbic acid content (32.89 mg/100g). Furthermore, briquette-amended soils showed high organic carbon levels (up to 1.22%) compared to traditional inorganic treatments. However, the application of briquettes also led to a slight reduction in soil pH and increased electrical conductivity (EC) due to high salt and lignin concentrations. The study concludes that nutrient-enriched coco-briquettes serve as an effective delivery system, combining immediate nutrient availability with the structural benefits of organic matter. Future applications should involve pre-treatment of biomass to mitigate soil acidification and high salinity issues.
V. P. Gadha, N. Binitha· Asian Journal of Soil Scienc...· 0 citations
Iron deficiency chlorosis severely limits crop productivity in calcareous soils, while fruit and vegetable waste accumulates globally as an environmental burden. This study investigated whether garbage enzyme (GE), a fermented fruit waste product, can synergistically enhance the efficiency of conventional FeSO4 fertilizer in a calcareous soil (pH 7.9, CaCO3 18.4%). A greenhouse experiment was conducted with radish using a 2 × 3 factorial design: GE at 0 or 3.2% (v/v) and FeSO4.7H2O at 0, 11.2, and 22.3 mg Fe per kg soil. Each treatment had four replicates. Co-application of GE (3.2%) and FeSO4 (22.3 mg/kg) increased DTPA-extractable soil iron by 364% compared to the control (from 2.8 to 13.0 mg/kg). Leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD index) improved by 29.9%, and tuber dry weight increased by 74.1%. Root dry weight showed a 144.5% increase. Soil pH remained stable between 7.8 and 7.9, and electrical conductivity between 0.8 and 0.9 dS/m, with no significant differences among treatments. Available potassium in soil reached 367 mg/kg in the combined treatment, 49% higher than the control (247 mg/kg). For phosphorus, soil available P decreased when GE and high FeSO4 were applied together, while plant tissue P concentration in both leaves and tubers was highest in the same treatment. Garbage enzyme synergistically enhances FeSO4 efficiency in calcareous soil, improving iron availability, chlorophyll synthesis, and tuber yield without altering bulk soil pH or EC. The concurrent increase in root biomass (144.5%) may explain the higher plant P uptake despite lower soil P availability (likely due to Fe-P complexation), suggesting improved root-mediated acquisition. This circular-economy approach simultaneously valorizes fruit waste and addresses iron deficiency, though direct mechanistic evidence (e.g., spectroscopic confirmation of Fe-organic complexes) and optimization of GE concentration require further investigation.
E. Karimi, Farzad Rasoli, Ali Behbodi et al.· Scientific Reports· 0 citations
Biobased fertilizers are increasingly considered viable alternatives to mineral phosphorus (P) fertilizers, however their agronomic performance in calcareous soils remains insufficiently documented. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of composted organic waste (olive mill pomace, OMP; solid urban residue, SUR, and sewage sludge, SWS), applied individually or in combination with struvite (STR) to increase soil fertility, enhance plant growth and promote crop biofortification. A pot experiment was conducted using wheat as a model crop in three Mediterranean soils (Entisol, Inceptisol, and Vertisol) differing in carbonate content and P phytoavailability. All treatments supplied 50 mg P per kg of soil, including the application of diammonium phosphate (DAP), while unamended soils received no P (CON). Soil type modulated the performance of the biobased fertilizers. SUR and SWS, applied alone in the Entisol and Vertisol or combined with STR in all soils, increased plant-available soil P (74-238%) relative to CON. SWS, applied alone or with STR, achieved wheat yields comparable to those of DAP in the Entisol and Vertisol and exceeded DAP yields in the Inceptisol. The combination of SUR or SWS with STR resulted in plant P use efficiencies comparable to or higher than those obtained with DAP. SUR and SUR+STR enhanced wheat biofortification in the Inceptisol. By contrast, OMP showed limited effectiveness as a biobased fertilizer due to insufficient stabilization during the composting process, although its performance improved when combined with STR. Overall, while SUR and SWS alone or in combination with STR, can substitute mineral P fertilizers, their effectiveness depends on soil type and compost stabilization.
Sana Boubehziz, Lucía Guerrero-Gallardo, Vidal Barrón et al.· Frontiers in Soil Science· 0 citations
The consumption of market garden products contributes to the food and nutritional security of the world's populations. Among these products, tomato occupies a prominent place. Meanwhile, the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers to produce tomatoes reduces the productive potential of soils. Due to this problem, the present study was conducted in West Cameroon, aiming to reduce the use of chemical inputs for sustainable tomato production through the use of organic input. Thus, five treatments (: T0 = control; T1 = 100% NET EDEN organic fertilizer; T2 = 100% poultry manure; T3 = 50% NET EDEN organic fertilizer + 50% poultry manure; T4 = 100% mineral fertilizer) were arranged in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) with three replications. The study was carried out from March 1 to June 26, 2024. The results revealed that the treatment with mineral fertilizer and the treatment with Net Eden organic fertilizer + chickens manure led to 26.28±5.50 t ha
-1
and 26.10±3.51 t ha
-1
respectively. These yields T4; T3 are significantly different (P<0.05) from the yields obtained with the other treatments. The economic analysis of fertilization using the value-cost ratio (VCR) showed that only the treatment based on mineral fertilizer T4 and the treatment with Net Eden+manure T3 should be popularized among farmers/producers. Thus, the use of organic fertilizers for tomato production has agronomic, ecological, and economic advantages. However, similar studies in other agroecological zones are needed.
Keegoui Gertrude, Zingui Xavier, Kamseu Paul et al.· Journal of Plant Sciences· 0 citations
