The Effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium and Lime in Factorial Combination on the Yields of Glasshouse Tomatoes

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Abstract
Tomato yields and soil analyses from a 32 × 23 factorial nutritional trial are summarized for six seasons of cropping in heated glasshouse borders. The varieties were Potentate for four seasons, and J168 and Moneymaker (split plot) in the last two seasons. The soil was steamed before planting except in the first and third years. Deficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus decreased the yields in five out of six seasons, as also did potassium deficiency in four seasons. Significant positive interactions were found between these three nutrients. The highest level of nitrogen (680–830 lb. N per acre) was favourable when both phosphorus and potassium were at adequate levels in unlimed soil. No yield response was found to potassium in excess of the intermediate level (870 lb. K2O per acre). The main effect of magnesium was not significant, but a positive phosphorus-magnesium interaction was found for variety Moneymaker. Lime (carbonate) decreased the yield significantly each season. A significant interaction was found between lime and nitrogen level, the adverse effect of lime occurring at the high and intermediate levels of nitrogen. This effect of lime, and the lime-nitrogen interaction, may be due to induced boron deficiency.

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