Macro-nutrient uptake dynamics in greenhouse tomato crop

ABSTRACTThis study verified the concentration over time of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) in the leaves, stems, fruits, and roots of tomato plants. An indeterminate growth variety with ball-type fruits suited for greenhouse cultivation was used. The results showed that the distribution of minerals in the different organs of the plant varies over time. The minerals N, P, and K showed a tendency to decrease their concentration, while the concentration of Ca and S increased and that of Mg remained constant over time. The leaves had the highest concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. The concentrations of K, for both leaf and stem, ranged between 20 and 30 g kg−1. N and K were the most extracted minerals, while P was the least extracted mineral. The information presented in this paper allows a better fertilization plan for growing tomatoes inside greenhouses.