elvisfrimpong-da/The-Effect-of-Organic-Manure-and-Inorganic-Fertilizer-on-Tomato-Production

This repository documents an undergraduate thesis submitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, in September 2023. # Effect of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Tomato Production ## Overview This repository documents an undergraduate thesis submitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, in September 2023. The study evaluated the effects of organic manure (poultry manure), inorganic fertilizer (NPK 20-10-10), and their combination on the growth, yield, and water productivity of tomato plants (*Solanum lycopersicum*) under controlled conditions. ## Authors - **Frimpong Elvis** - Quaicoe Anthony ## Research Background Tomato production is a major agricultural activity in Ghana, yet productivity is often constrained by declining soil fertility and improper fertilizer use. Farmers commonly apply inorganic fertilizers for quick nutrient availability, while organic manures are known to improve soil structure and long-term fertility. This study compares organic, inorganic, and integrated fertilizer treatments to identify their effects on tomato growth performance and yield. ## Objectives - To evaluate the growth rate of tomato plants under different fertilizer treatments - To determine tomato yield under organic, inorganic, and combined fertilizer applications - To assess crop water productivity across fertilizer treatments ## Experimental Design - Experimental design: Randomized Complete Block Design - Replications: 6 - Treatments: - Poultry manure - NPK 20-10-10 - 50% poultry manure + 50% NPK - Control (no fertilizer) - Growth medium: Topsoil in 12L containers - Study location: Lath house, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, KNUST ## Data Collected ### Growth Parameters - Plant height (cm) - Number of leaves - Stem girth (cm) ### Yield Parameters - Number of fruits - Fruit weight (g) ### Water Use Efficiency - Crop Water Productivity (kg/m³) ## Methodology - Tomato seedlings were nursed and transplanted after four weeks - Fertilizers were applied before transplan …