Document Type : Full Paper
Authors
1
Associate Professor, University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2
Former M. Sc. Student, University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
3
Professor, University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
4
Managing Director of Sepahan Roish Co., Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
This study was arranged in a completely randomized block design to investigate effects of four levels of calcium nitrate on the nutrition responses and growth characteristics of tomato plants. Treatments includedT0: control; T1: recommendations of calcium nitrate by Yara International (Soil application), 50 kg/ha for 8 weeks since the first week of fruit set and a total of 400 kg/ha; T2: calcium nitrate consumption based on soil test results and the requirements of tomatoes: 40 kg/ha in the first week of fruit set and a total of 320 kg/ha; and T3: the same as the previous treatment plus foliar application of calcium nitrate at 0.5%. Results showed that there were significant differences between tomato fruits regarding uptakes of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, dry matter, vitamin C, nitrate, potassium, and fruit firmness (P<0.05). The maximum values for uptakes of calcium, nitrogen and yield were obtained following T1 treatment (65, 85, and 45% higher than the control value, respectively). Regarding total nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium uptakes, and pH, there were no significant differences between T1, T2, and T3. Accordingly, 400 kg/ha (T1) calcium nitrate is recommended to obtain the best fruit yield and quality.
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