title: Vermicompost as a soil supplement to improve growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum).
abstract: The effects of earthworm-processed sheep-manure (vermicompost) on the growth, productivity and chemical characteristics of tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) (c.v. Rio Grande) were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Five treatments were applied combining vermicompost and soil in proportions of 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5 (v/v). Growth and yield parameters were measured 85 days and 100 days after transplanting. Addition of vermicompost increased plant heights significantly, but had no significant effect on the numbers of leaves or yields 85 days after transplanting. Yields of tomatoes were significantly greater when the relationship vermicompost:soil was 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3, 100 days after transplanting. Addition of sheep-manure vermicompost decreased soil pH, titratable acidity and increased soluble and insoluble solids, in tomato fruits compared to those harvested from plants cultivated in unamended soil. Sheep-manure vermicompost as a soil supplement increased tomato yields and soluble, insoluble solids and carbohydrate concentrations.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Tecnológico de Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Carr. Panamericana km. 1080, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico.
authors.forename: Federico A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez-Miceli
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Santiago-Borraz
authors.forename: Joaquín Adolfo
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Montes Molina
authors.forename: Camerino Carlos
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Nafate
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abud-Archila
authors.forename: María Angela
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Oliva Llaven
authors.forename: Reiner
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rincón-Rosales
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dendooven
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000254:growth & development*; D008372:Manure; D012756:Sheep; D012987:Soil
chemical_list: D008372:Manure; D012987:Soil