Effect of Farm Yard Manure on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of farmyard manure on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes at the agriculture research farm of Kabul University during the spring and summer seasons of 2024. Treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The variables measured included growth parameters, such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, and leaf area per plant, as well as yield parameters, including marketable yield, non-marketable yield, and total yield. Additionally, quality parameters were assessed, including shelf life and organoleptic characteristics. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using STAR software version 2.0.1. Results indicated that farmyard manures used in the study had a positive influence on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes. The highest plant growth, yield, and best quality fruits were recorded under the treatment containing the highest sheep manure (35 t/ha); it was on par with the treatments containing 20, 25, and 30 t/ha sheep manure. Thus, it is recommended for tomato crop growers to apply at least 20 t/ha of sheep manure for optimal growth and yield