Soil management and crop nutrition for tomato in acid soil of Claveria, Philippines

Integrated soil management and crop nutrition need to be developed for vegetable based production system in the upland areas in Claveria, Philippines, being a “tomato bowl” of the country. A study was conducted to find alternative fertility management options for tomato production. As a result of participatory assessment and soil survey and analysis, 3 alternative treatments were being compared against farmer’s fertility level, which was normally 3-5 times more than what the crop needs. The results indicated that growth of tomato was more influenced by the level of N when P and K were not limiting. This was partly influenced by the mobility of N during intense rainfall. The better yield in farmer’s fertility level was attributed to the addition of organic matter which reduced N loss during intense rainfall. Under intense rainfall, diseases severity was not influenced by the different fertility levels. Although farmer had intensive pesticides application, occurrence of diseases still persisted. Marketable and non-marketable yields were still superior under farmer’s fertility level than the alternative treatments. Farmer’s fertility level still provided better income against alternative treatments. Tomato fertility levels and management regimes should revolve around climatic conditions that would enhance better nutrient use efficiency.