The Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Hawzen, Ethiopia

Abstract Background More than 50% of the soil in Tigray is deficient in macro essential nutrients. Hence, poor soil chemical fertility is a major challenges for low production of crops like tomato in Hawzen. The aim of this work was to study the effects of N and P rates on the yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Hawzen, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods Four different rates of N (0, 69, 138 and 207 kg Nha− 1) and P (0, 46, 69 & 92 kg Pha− 1) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil analysis were done before executing of the experiment. Data were collected on yield, and fruit quality of tomato. Results The results revealed that plant height, leaf area index, number of primary branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of flower clusters, number of fruit per clusters and fruit set were significantly influenced by the main effects of N and P rates. The interaction of N and P rates only had significant effects on marketable, total fruit yield, mean fruit weight, and fruit length. Compared to control, application of 138 kg Nha− 1 and 69 kg Pha− 1 increased mean fruit weight, marketable fruit weight and total fruit yield by 35.9%, 70.5% and 68.4%, respectively. Likewise, the main effects of N and P rates were remarkable on total soluble solids, total sugar, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene content, and protein. A significant influence on the P content of tomato was detected due to varied rates of P. fruit N concentration was significantly influenced by rates of N only. Conclusion Application of N and P at rates of 138 and 69 kgha− 1, respectively, showed the highest values in most yield and quality measurements and particularly increased yield by 70.5% as compared to the nil fertilizer application. Therefore, 138 kg Nha− 1 and 69 kg Pha− 1 can be used by producers for better yield and quality of tomato in the area.