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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
06:26
An Efficient Clearing Protocol for the Study of Seed Development in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Published on: September 7, 2022
Cleaner production pathways optimize tomato yield and quality in urban rooftop systems
Neetu Kumawat1, Milind Dattatraya Giri2, Indira B Soneji1
1Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (Agricultural University), Akola, (Maharashtra), 444104, India.
Scientific Reports
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Sustainable nutrient management in urban terrace tomato farming shows that while conventional methods boost yield, organic and natural farming inputs significantly enhance microbial activity and fruit quality. Targeted bio-inputs offer a viable, high-quality alternative for eco-conscious growers.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Sustainable Farming Practices
- Urban Horticulture
Background:
- Urban agriculture faces challenges in nutrient management and sustainable practices.
- Tomato cultivation is a key component of urban food systems.
- Evaluating diverse nutrient management frameworks is crucial for optimizing urban farming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare sustainable nutrient management strategies for terrace tomato cultivation.
- To assess the impact of Natural Farming, Organic Farming, and Conventional methods on tomato yield, quality, and soil health.
- To identify effective bio-input application timings for enhanced crop performance and fruit quality.
Main Methods:
- Field experiment conducted across rainy and winter seasons (2024-2025) at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola.
- Evaluation of four nutrient management frameworks: Natural Farming (NF), Organic Farming (OF), Conventional (CON), and Control (CK).
- Analysis of plant growth, yield, fruit quality (lycopene, ascorbic acid), nutrient content, and rhizosphere microflora dynamics.
Main Results:
- Conventional management yielded highest productivity (5.80 kg m-2), with winter cultivation outperforming rainy season (5.95 vs. 3.82 kg m-2).
- Strategic bio-input applications (NF2, OF2) yielded lycopene comparable to synthetic fertilizers (4.20-4.21 mg 100 g-1) and increased microbial densities.
- Unfertilized and moderate bio-input treatments showed higher ascorbic acid levels and better post-harvest fruit integrity.
Conclusions:
- Conventional farming maximizes immediate tomato yield, but sustainable bio-input strategies offer a biologically stable, high-quality alternative.
- Targeted three-dose bio-liquid applications are scientifically validated for enhancing microbial activity and fruit lycopene in terrace farming.
- Optimal winter microclimates enhance bio-input efficacy, suggesting seasonal adjustments for sustainable urban agriculture.
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