The role of vermicompost application for tomato production: a review
Fikadu‐Lebeta Wako, Hailu-Duguma Muleta
Abstract
This review is aimed at assessing the role of vermicompost on tomato performance, productivity and quality. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is considered as one of the most popular vegetable fruit throughout the world. In Ethiopia, tomato production is common even though limited due to different factors such as lack of fertilizer management, lack of improved varieties, poor knowledge on cultivation practices, disease, insect pests, etc. Tomato can be responded to both organic and inorganic fertilizers. However, unbalanced soil nutrient compositions eventually lead to a reduction in tomato fruit yield. Continuous application of chemical fertilizers leads to the deterioration of soil characteristics, fertility, a reduction in fruit nutrition values and edible qualities, and may also lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues which compromises the nutritional value and fruit quality. Vermicompost is one among organic manures with ample nutrient for plant growth and development. It can improve various physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Thus, vermicompost is felt as very important organic manure for increasing tomato production and productivity; through improving growth, yield and yield components and fruit quality in addition to considerable features for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, it can be recommended that vermicompost application (either in combination or alone) on tomato crops is very important in boosting healthy yield. However, it is crucial to do research in order to identify the right rate (in combination or alone) at specific agro-ecological locations not only for tomato but also for the other crops.