Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Congress on “Innovations in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition under Climate Change”, Samsun, Türkiye, 1 - 04 Eylül 2025, ss.113-118, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
Excessive reliance on mineral fertilizers can impair soil quality, whereas organic amendments such as composts may improve soil chemical fertility and contribute to more sustainable tomato production. In this greenhouse pot experiment, we evaluated the effects of tomato residue compost (TC) applied at 1, 2, 4, and 6% (w/w), either alone or combined with an optimum mineral fertilizer dose, on selected soil chemical properties with emphasis on exchangeable base cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg). The experiment was conducted using a clay loam, slightly alkaline, moderately calcareous soil with low organic matter. Treatments consisted of a control, mineral fertilizer alone, TC at four rates, and TC at four rates combined with mineral fertilizer (10 treatments), arranged in a randomized design with three replications. Destructive soil sampling was performed at three tomato growth stages: first flowering, first harvest, and final harvest. Across the sampling stages, compost amended soils generally showed increases in exchangeable base cations, with the most pronounced and consistent response observed for exchangeable K and Mg, reflecting the contribution of compost-derived nutrients and exchange reactions. Exchangeable Ca displayed a stage- and dose-dependent pattern, while exchangeable Na tended to be highest at the final harvest stage. Because composts may increase not only K, Ca, and Mg but also Na and related salinity/sodicity risks if not properly monitored, compost quality (including soluble Na) and soil chemical indicators should be evaluated alongside crop responses. These findings support the use of tomato residue compost—particularly in integrated programs with mineral fertilization—to enhance soil nutrient status under greenhouse tomato cultivation, while emphasizing the need for monitoring Na dynamics and overall soil fertility changes.