Effect of Organic, Mineral, and Integrated Fertilization on the Growth and Productivity of Tomato Plant in the Valley Zamzam Region – Libya

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization, mineral fertilization, and an integrated system of both on the growth and productivity of tomato plants in the valley Zamzam region of Libya. The region's semi-arid conditions necessitate the application of effective fertilization strategies to enhance soil fertility and increase crop yields. The field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and four replications: a control (no fertilization), organic fertilization using decomposed manure or compost at a rate of 20 tons/hectare, mineral fertilization at rates of 120 kg nitrogen, 60 kg phosphorus, and 80 kg potassium/hectare, and integrated fertilization (organic and mineral together). A range of vegetative growth and productivity characteristics were measured, including plant height, number of leaves and branches, number of fruits, average fruit weight, and total yield (tons/hectare). The results were then statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least significant difference test (LSD). The results clearly showed the superiority of integrated fertilization in all measured traits, followed by mineral fertilization and then organic fertilization, while the control treatment recorded the lowest values. These results reflect that combining organic and mineral fertilization enhances soil fertility and nutrient uptake efficiency, thus improving tomato growth and productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. The study indicates that adopting an integrated system is an effective option for achieving higher productivity and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in Libya.