Comparative study of different soilless planting media on tomato seedling growth

Abstract

Biotic and abiotic stress factor have an influence on the growth capability of seedlings in a nursery bed. These are most evident in crops grown using soils as the growth media. To mitigate these challenges, famers have started to resort to soilless techniques. However, there is still a knowledge gap in the efficacy of soilless media in enabling crops achieve a significant growth performance. This necessitates research to be done in this area so as to boost confidence in the soilless methods. The aim of this study was to compare the growth performance of plants grown on soil together with those grown on soilless media in the nursery bed. The plants were grown in three separate growth media and compared with a control group grown in soil. Growth performance was assessed using seven parameters; the plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index, root length and stem girth. Data was analyzed using R to determine which media produces the best growth performance. Results showed that root length was greatest in plants grown in peat moss. Stem girth, number of leaves, plant height, leaf area and leaf area index was greatest in plants grown in soil. The results showed that soil was the best growth medium for tomato seedlings.