The Compost-Vivianite Powder-Liquid Manure Combination: a Better Fertiliser for Excellent Tomato Profitability

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to improve tomato growth under the High Guinean Savannah Climate of Adamawa-Cameroon through agro-ecology fertilisation. Field experimentations were carried out during both 2023 and 2024 cropping years. A randomised complete block experimental design with 8 treatments (unfertilised plot (T0), chemical fertiliser (T1), compost derived poultry litter (T2), Pennisetum purpureum manure (T3), vivianite powder (T4), compost derived poultry litter + P. purpureum manure (T5), compost derived poultry litter + vivianite powder (T6), and compost derived poultry litter + vivianite powder + P. purpureum manure (T7)) with 3 replications was used. Physico-chemical properties of growth substrates (growing soil, composts and P. purpureum manure), tomato growth and production parameters were assessed. results showed that the soil of Bini-Dang is acidic and poor in nutrient elements necessary for improving tomato production. Studied agronomic parameters varied significantly ( p ˂ 0.05) according to fertiliser and experimentation year. T7 fertiliser increased significantly ( p ˂ 0.05) tomato fruit yield compared to other treatments. This increase was at 110.90% and 55.40% in the 2023 cropping year, and at 94.48% and 56.66% in the 2024 cropping year, compared to unfertilised soil and chemical fertiliser, respectively. The economic rentability of T7 fertiliser is excellent, while that of chemical fertiliser is profitable. The following combination, compost + P. purpureum manure + vivianite powder for tomato growth, is a good alternative to chemical fertiliser for growing this vegetable.