1、Tomato plants rather than fertilizers drive microbial community
Using these fertilizers as nitrogen source, we conducted a rhizotron experiment to test their effect on plant performance and nutrient recovery in juvenile tomato plants. Plant performance...
2、Effects of nitrogen supply on tomato yield, water use efficiency and
Jiang et al. (2010) indicated that decreasing nitrogen input combined with agronomic measures not only reduced the waste of fertilizer but also decreased tomato yield and quality compared to the traditional nitrogen application.
3、Effects of Different Forms and Proportions of Nitrogen on the Growth
However, the indiscriminate choice of nitrogen fertilizers not only hinders the effective absorption and utilization of nitrogen by tomato plants but also exposes them to potential toxicity, with adverse environmental consequences.
4、Fertilizers to Avoid When Growing Tomatoes
Proper fertilization is crucial for tomato plants. Avoid high-nitrogen, high-salt, and over-fertilization to ensure healthy growth. Use well-composted manure and low-salt organic fertilizers for optimal yield.
Improving the Yield and Quality of Tomato by Using Organic Fertilizer
Essential macronutrient nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and yield, but excessive chemical N fertilizer not only increases unnecessary production costs but also causes environmental pollution.
Impact of nitrogen supply limitation on tomato fruit composition
The proper management of nitrogen nutrition is decisive to avoid the overuse of nitrogen fertilizers that could endanger the sustainability of crops.
Optimizing Nitrogen for Sustainable Yield and Efficiency
This study evaluated the effects of different nitrogen fertilizer application rates on the growth of greenhouse tomatoes, while utilizing 15N tracing technology to explore nitrogen utilization efficiency during the growth process of facility-grown tomatoes.
Optimizing Tomato Cultivation: Impact of Ammonium–Nitrate Ratios on
Tomatoes, an essential crop in controlled environments, benefit significantly from the careful use of nitrogen fertilizers, which are crucial for improving both yield and nitrogen efficiency.
Is Too Much Nitrogen Bad For Tomato Plants?
Most soil is not rich enough in nutrients to grow the best tomatoes, so many people add fertilizer with high nitrogen levels. Overfertilizing can lead to yellowing leaves, which is caused by an excess of nitrogen in the soil that prevents the plant from absorbing it.
Optimizing N Fertilization to Improve Yield, Technological and
Processing tomato is the second most important worldwide cash crop, generally produced in high-input systems. However, fruit yield and quality are affected by agronomic management, particularly nitrogen (N) fertilization, whose application to ...
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are a widely cultivated fruit-bearing vegetable, prized for their nutritional value and appealing taste. In agricultural production, nitrogen fertilizers play a critical role in promoting plant growth and increasing yields. why is it advisable not to use nitrogen fertilizers when growing tomatoes? This phenomenon involves complex interactions between plant physiology, soil science, and environmental factors. The following analysis provides a detailed explanation.
I. Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizers on Tomato Growth
1. Promotion of Plant Growth
- Chlorophyll Synthesis: Nitrogen is a key component of chlorophyll, which captures light energy for photosynthesis. Adequate nitrogen supply enhances chlorophyll content, boosting photosynthetic efficiency and supporting plant growth.
- Protein and Nucleic Acid Formation: Nitrogen is essential for synthesizing proteins and nucleic acids, fundamental to cell structure and function. Sufficient nitrogen ensures proper cellular development and metabolic processes.
2. Effects on Yield
- Fruit Development: Nitrogen fertilizers stimulate fruit enlargement and increase yield by providing nutrients for rapid growth.
- Quality Trade-offs: Excessive nitrogen can compromise fruit quality. Rapid growth may lead to incomplete internal ripening, reducing taste, texture, and nutritional value.
II. Soil Science Perspective
1. Soil pH and Nitrogen Availability
- Optimal pH Range: Tomatoes thrive in slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5–6.5). Extremely acidic or alkaline soils reduce nitrogen uptake: acidic conditions fix nitrogen (making it less accessible), while alkaline soils hinder absorption.
- pH Adjustment: Irrigation and soil amendments may be needed to maintain optimal pH for efficient nitrogen uptake.
2. Interactions with Other Nutrients
- Competition with Phosphorus and Potassium: Excessive nitrogen can suppress the availability of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), leading to nutrient imbalances and weakened plant health.
- Microbial Dynamics: Soil microorganisms influence nitrogen transformation. Beneficial microbes enhance nitrogen release, while harmful ones may lock nitrogen into unusable forms.
III. Environmental Science Perspective
1. Climate and Nitrogen Use Efficiency
- Temperature: High temperatures accelerate nitrogen dissolution but increase volatilization risks, reducing fertilizer effectiveness.
- Rainfall: Excessive rain can leach nitrogen from soils, necessitating adjusted application strategies in wetter regions.
2. Agricultural Practices
- Crop Rotation: Rotating tomatoes with other crops reduces disease risks and minimizes soil nutrient depletion, lowering reliance on nitrogen fertilizers.
- Strategic Fertilization: Timely nitrogen application—e.g., during early growth stages—maximizes benefits while avoiding over-reliance on this single nutrient.
The apparent paradox of avoiding nitrogen fertilizers in tomato cultivation stems from interplay between plant biology, soil chemistry, and environmental conditions. By understanding these factors, farmers can adopt balanced fertilization practices, ensuring sustainable agriculture without compromising yield or quality.

