COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF ROCKWOOL AND COTTON WOOL FOR TOMATOES PRODUCTION: NUTRIENT BALANCE, PLANT GROWTH AND FRUIT QUALITY

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Rockwool and Cotton Wool as growing media for tomato production, focusing on nutrient balance, plant growth, and fruit quality. Over a period of 30 days, daily measurements of seedling germination and plant height were recorded to assess the growth dynamics. Additionally, various parameters related to nutrient availability and fruit quality were evaluated. The results indicated that both Rockwool and Cotton Wool provided favorable conditions for seedling germination and plant growth. The tomatoes started germinating at day 5 in cotton wool as against day 8 in Rockwool. The plant height was higher in cotton wool when compared to that of Rock wool. However, significant differences were observed in nutrient balance and overall performance. Cotton wool demonstrated superior nutrient retention and release properties, ensuring adequate nutrient availability for tomato plants throughout the growth period. This resulted in robust plant development, indicated by greater plant height measurements compared to Rock Wool. Moreover, the fruits produced in cotton wool showed enhanced quality attributes, such as increased size, improved taste, and higher nutrient content. The nutrient balance within the cotton wool medium positively influenced the fruit's nutritional composition, contributing to a healthier and more desirable end product. These findings suggest that cotton wool can be a more efficient growing medium compared to rock Wool for tomato production. Its superior nutrient balance, combined with enhanced plant growth and superior fruit quality, makes cotton wool a viable choice for optimizing tomato cultivation. Further research should focus on long-term evaluations and economic feasibility to validate its practical applicability in large-scale production systems.