The effect of vermicompost on the yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the field condition in Çaycuma district

Vermicompost is an organic manure that its usage has recently been increased in our country. In a study conducted in recent years, the application of vermicompost increased the yield of tomato more than that of chemical fertilizers. The aim of our study that was conducted on a field in Zonguldak city, Çaycuma district in the year 2018 vegetation period to research the effect of vermicompost on the yield of F1-troy variety tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and to compare its effect to farm manure. The experiment were designed in the randomized block with 3 replications in 5 groups were investigated. Groups; control, farm manure (2,5 t/da), farm manure+chemical fertilizers full dose (%100) NPK (18-42-16 kg/da), vermicompost (0,5 t/da), vermicompost+half dose chemical fertilizers (50%), NPK (18-42-16 kg/da). Total weight and the numbers of tomatos that was gained seedlings planted in May 2018 in three distinct harvest periods. from seedlings planted in May 2018 were calculated. Average fruit number and weight per seedlings and average fruit weight were calculated. Results were given as mean ± SE. One way variance analysis (ANOVA) with repeated measures and tukey post-hoc test were used for statistical analyses. Total fruit weight significantly incresed in all groups in compare to control (P<0.05). The total fruit weight was found more in vermicompost groups in compare to other groups (P<0.05). Total fruit weight significantly increased in vermicompost group with an half dose of chemical. fertilizer in compare to vermicompost group (P<0.05). Total fruit weight and numbers significantly increased in vermicompost groups compare to control in the first harvest (P<0.05). The fertilization in tomato breeding increases the yield of tomato. This increament is more in vermicompost applications. Full dose chemical fertilizer application does not contribute to the increament in the yield of tomato obtained by farm manure application. However the half dose of chemical fertilizer application may further increase the yield of tomato on obtained by vermicompost application. Vermicompost application provides the earliness in tomato harvest.