Soil compost amendment enhances tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) quality

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Agronomy
• Food Science

Background:

• Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally significant crop, particularly in southern Italy.
• Nutritional characteristics of tomato fruits are influenced by fertilization methods.
• Evaluating NPK and compost fertilization impacts on tomato quality is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the nutritional content of tomato fruits under different fertilization regimes (NPK vs. compost).
• To determine the concentrations of nutrients, toxic elements, primary metabolites, and total phenols.
• To compare two tomato varieties (Lido and San Marzano) under distinct agronomic practices.

Main Methods:

• Cultivation of two tomato varieties (Lido and San Marzano) in separate experimental fields.
• Application of different fertilization techniques: NPK and compost.
• Analysis of main nutrients, toxic elements (Cd, Pb), primary metabolites, and total phenols in tomato fruits.

Main Results:

• Toxic element concentrations (Cd, Pb) remained below EU limits in all analyzed fruits.
• San Marzano tomatoes from organic amended soils exhibited superior quality: lower nitrogen (nitrate, nitrite), lower cadmium, and higher soluble sugars.
• Lido variety also showed increased soluble sugar concentrations in fruits from organic amended soils.

Conclusions:

• Quality compost utilization is an effective strategy for producing high-quality tomato products.
• Sustainable agricultural practices, like compost amendment, contribute to economic and environmental benefits.
• Organic fertilization positively impacts tomato fruit's nutritional profile and safety.