Effects of Different Nitrogenous Fertilizers and Potassium Doses on Yield, Yield Components, and Fruit Quality of Tomato Grown in Alkaline and Acidic Soils

Different nitrogen fertilizers and potassium applications have an important impact on the yield and yield components and fruit-quality parameters of tomatoes in both alkaline and acidic reaction soils. This study investigated the effects of different nitrogenous fertilizers and potassium doses on the yield, yield components, and fruit quality of tomatoes grown on alkaline and acidic soils. The experiment was carried out in the research greenhouse of the Agriculture Faculty, at Selcuk University. It was performed by using two different soil types, three nitrogen fertilizers [ammonium sulfate (AS), ammonium sulfate with inhibitor (AS+inh.), and calcium nitrate (CaNit)], and three different concentrations of potassium sulfate (0, 240, and 480 mg K2O kg-1). We conducted the study by using a randomized experimental plot design with four replications. According to the research results, the highest fruit yield in alkaline soil was 'inh. AS and 480 mg K2O kg-1', while the highest fruit yield in acid soils was obtained with 'calcium nitrate and 240 mg K2O kg-1'. Furthermore, different nitrogen sources and potassium doses significantly affected tomato yield components such as stem diameter, plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit hardness, fruit pH, and Brix values. According to the results of the completed soil analysis, the applications demonstrated the importance of accurate and balanced fertilization for high-yield and quality tomato production in different soils. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate nitrogen fertilizers and potassium doses to increase tomato yield and yield components in alkaline and acidic soils. It provides valuable insights for tomato farmers and researchers seeking to improve tomato cultivation techniques in different soil conditions.