Effect of micronutrient on tomato productivity under plastic house conditions in Malepatan Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

Micronutrients are crucial to crop development and their deficiency are one of the major challenges in vegetable production in Nepal. A field experiment was conducted in 2023 and 2024 to evaluate the effect of micronutrient on tomato yield and yield related parameters in plastic house condition at Malepatan Pokhara, Nepal. The research was carried out in a single factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) including 8 treatments with three replications. Treatments included sole application of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potash (K) and combination with Farm Yard Manure (FYM), and other nutrients like Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg). The highest yield was recorded in combined application of N, P and K with the other essential nutrients Zn and B, Ca, Mg with FYM (53 t/ha). Similarly, higher plant height, chlorophyll content was obtained from the application of major nutrients with Zn, Ca and Mg. These results showed that addition of micronutrients with major nutrients in soil enhanced the tomato production as well as soil fertility gradients.