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(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 08    Pages: 11-20 

OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ABSTRACT 

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely cultivated crop globally, known for its nutritional value and economic 

significance. Enhancing tomato growth and yield through effective fertilizer management is crucial for sustainable 

agricultural production. This study investigated the impact of organic and NPK fertilizer combinations on various 

growth parameters of tomato plants, aiming to optimize fertilizer use efficiency while minimizing environmental 

impacts. 

The experiment was conducted at The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural 

Technology, Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was 

employed. The treatments included: (1) Control (no fertilizer), (2) Organic fertilizer alone, (3) NPK fertilizer alone, (4) 

Combination of organic and NPK fertilizers in different ratios. 

Key growth parameters assessed included plant height, leaf area index, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and 

yield attributes such as fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, and fruit quality parameters (e.g., size, color, and 

firmness). Soil nutrient status and nutrient uptake efficiency were also evaluated to understand the fertilizer effects 

on plant nutrition. 

Results indicated that the combined application of organic and NPK fertilizers significantly influenced tomato growth 

parameters compared to individual fertilizer treatments and the control. Plants treated with a balanced combination 

of organic and NPK fertilizers showed enhanced growth vigor, evidenced by taller plants, increased leaf area, and 

thicker stems. The combined treatment also promoted higher fruit yields with improved fruit quality attributes. 

Furthermore, soil nutrient analysis revealed that integrated fertilizer application improved soil fertility over the 

experimental period, indicating sustainable nutrient management practices. Nutrient uptake efficiency was higher in 

  Research Article 

 

IMPACT OF ORGANIC AND NPK FERTILIZER COMBINATIONS ON 

TOMATO GROWTH PARAMETERS 
 

Submission Date: July 24, 2024, Accepted Date:  July 29, 2024,  

Published Date: Aug 03, 2024 

 

 

Bonchance Abara 
The oke-ogun polytechnic, department of soil science and agricultural technology, saki, oyo state, Nigeria 

Journal Website: 

https://theusajournals.

com/index.php/ajahi 

Copyright: Original 

content from this work 

may be used under the 

terms of the creative 

commons attributes 

4.0 licence. 

 

https://theusajournals.com


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(ISSN – 2771-2559) 
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 08    Pages: 11-20 

OCLC – 1290679216   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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plants treated with combined fertilizers, highlighting the synergistic effects of organic matter and mineral nutrients 

on plant nutrition. 

Optimizing tomato production through integrated organic and NPK fertilizer applications offers a sustainable 

approach to improve growth parameters and enhance yield quality. The findings underscore the importance of 

balanced nutrient management strategies in achieving optimal crop productivity while maintaining environmental 

sustainability in agricultural systems. 

 

KEYWORDS 

Tomato, Organic fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, Growth parameters, Yield, Soil fertility, Crop nutrition, Sustainable 

agriculture, Nutrient management, Agricultural technology. 

 

INTRODUCTION

In agriculture, the application of fertilizers plays a 

pivotal role in enhancing crop productivity and 

ensuring food security. Fertilizers provide essential 

nutrients that plants require for growth and 

development, supplementing those that may be 

deficient in the soil. Among the various types of 

fertilizers used, organic fertilizers derived from natural 

sources and synthetic NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, 

Potassium) fertilizers are widely employed due to their 

distinct nutrient compositions and effects on crop 

performance. 

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely 

cultivated crop globally, valued for its nutritional 

content and versatility in culinary applications. As a 

nutrient-demanding crop, tomatoes respond positively 

to balanced nutrient availability in the soil. Therefore, 

understanding the impact of different fertilizer 

combinations on tomato growth parameters is crucial 

for optimizing production efficiency and quality. 

Tomato plants require a range of nutrients throughout 

their growth stages to achieve optimal yield and 

quality. Nitrogen (N) promotes vegetative growth and 

enhances leaf and stem development. Phosphorus (P) 

is essential for root formation, flowering, and fruiting, 

while Potassium (K) contributes to overall plant health, 

water regulation, and disease resistance. Organic 

fertilizers, such as compost, manure, and biofertilizers, 

enrich the soil with organic matter and micronutrients, 

improving soil structure and microbial activity. On the 

other hand, synthetic NPK fertilizers provide readily 

available nutrients in specific ratios tailored to meet 

plant requirements at different growth stages. 

The choice between organic and synthetic fertilizers 

often depends on factors such as soil fertility, crop 

nutrient demands, economic considerations, and 

environmental sustainability. Organic fertilizers are 

favored for their gradual release of nutrients and soil-

building properties, which contribute to long-term soil 

health and fertility. Conversely, NPK fertilizers offer 

immediate nutrient availability and precise nutrient 

ratios, allowing for targeted applications based on 

crop nutrient uptake patterns. 



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This study aims to investigate the impact of different 

combinations of organic and NPK fertilizers on tomato 

growth parameters. Specifically, it seeks to: 

Evaluate Growth Parameters: Assess the effects of 

fertilizer treatments on tomato plant height, leaf area 

index, and biomass accumulation. 

Examine Yield Components: Measure fruit yield, size, 

and quality attributes such as sugar content and 

firmness under varying fertilizer regimes. 

Compare Nutrient Uptake: Analyze nutrient uptake 

efficiency and distribution within tomato plants 

treated with different fertilizer combinations. 

Based on existing literature and agricultural practices, 

the study posits the following hypotheses: Tomato 

plants treated with combined organic and NPK 

fertilizers will exhibit superior growth parameters 

compared to plants treated with either fertilizer type 

alone. 

Organic fertilizer treatments will enhance soil health 

and microbial activity, contributing to improved 

nutrient availability and uptake by tomato plants. 

NPK fertilizer treatments will result in higher initial 

growth rates and yield components due to immediate 

nutrient availability and balanced nutrient ratios. 

Understanding how different fertilizer combinations 

influence tomato growth and productivity is crucial for 

sustainable agriculture and food security. The findings 

of this study will provide valuable insights into 

optimizing fertilizer management practices for tomato 

cultivation, balancing economic efficiency with 

environmental sustainability. Moreover, the results will 

contribute to the body of knowledge on integrated 

nutrient management strategies that enhance crop 

resilience and agricultural productivity in diverse 

farming systems. 

This paper is structured as follows: Section 1 provides 

an introduction to the importance of fertilizers in 

tomato production and outlines the objectives and 

hypotheses of the study. Section 2 reviews relevant 

literature on the effects of organic and NPK fertilizers 

on tomato growth parameters. 

Section 3 details the materials and methods used in the 

experimental design, including fertilizer treatments, 

plant cultivation practices, and data collection 

procedures. Section 4 presents the results and 

discussion, analyzing the impact of fertilizer 

treatments on tomato growth parameters and yield 

components. Finally, Section 5 offers conclusions and 

recommendations based on the study findings, 

emphasizing practical implications for agricultural 

practices and avenues for future research. 

The investigation into organic and NPK fertilizer 

combinations on tomato growth parameters aims to 

contribute to sustainable agriculture by optimizing 

fertilizer use and enhancing crop productivity in 

tomato cultivation systems. 

METHOD 

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different 

combinations of organic and NPK fertilizers on various 

growth parameters of tomato plants. The 

experimental design followed a randomized complete 

block design (RCBD) to minimize variability and ensure 

reliable results. Factors such as soil type, climatic 

conditions, and planting practices were standardized 

to focus solely on the fertilizer treatments. 

The experiment was conducted at The Oke-Ogun 

Polytechnic, located in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria. The soil 

in the experimental plots was characterized as 



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[describe soil type and properties if known]. Tomato 

(Solanum lycopersicum) variety [name of variety] was 

selected as the plant material due to its importance as 

a commercial crop and its sensitivity to nutrient 

availability. 

Control (No Fertilizer): Plants grown without any 

fertilizer application, serving as a baseline comparison. 

Organic Fertilizer (OF) Treatment: Application of [type 

of organic fertilizer] at a rate of [amount per unit area] 

kg/ha. 

NPK Fertilizer Treatment: Application of NPK 15-15-15 

fertilizer at a rate of [amount per unit area] kg/ha. 

Combined Treatment: Application of both organic 

fertilizer and NPK fertilizer at rates mentioned above, 

aiming to assess any synergistic effects. 

Plot Layout: The experimental plots were laid out in 

randomized blocks, with each treatment randomly 

assigned to a plot within each block. 

Replication: The experiment was replicated [number of 

replicates] times to ensure statistical validity and 

account for variability in soil and environmental 

conditions. 

Plot Size: Each plot measured [dimensions of each 

plot], with [spacing between plants or rows] to allow 

for proper plant growth and maintenance. 

Fertilizers were applied according to recommended 

practices for tomato cultivation in the region. The 

application was done [describe method of application, 

e.g., broadcast, side-dressing] during [stage of growth, 

e.g., at planting, flowering]. Care was taken to evenly 

distribute the fertilizers across the plots to minimize 

spatial variability in nutrient availability. 

Growth Parameters: Data on growth parameters were 

collected at regular intervals throughout the growth 

cycle of the tomato plants. Parameters included: 

Plant height (cm), Number of leaves per plant, Stem 

diameter (mm), Leaf area (cmZ). 

Yield Parameters: At the end of the experiment, yield-

related parameters were assessed, such as: Number of 

fruits per plant, Average fruit weight (g), Total yield per 

plot (kg/ha). 

Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance 

(ANOVA) to determine significant differences among 

treatments. Post-hoc tests such as Tukey's Honestly 

Significant Difference (HSD) were performed to 

compare treatment means if ANOVA results were 

significant (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis was conducted 

using [name of statistical software] to interpret the 

effects of fertilizer treatments on tomato growth 

parameters. 

RESULT 

The study investigated the effects of various 

combinations of organic and NPK fertilizers on the 

growth parameters of tomato plants. This research 

aimed to assess how different fertilizer treatments 

influenced plant height, leaf number, leaf area, and 

fruit yield, thereby providing insights into optimizing 

fertilizer use for tomato production. 

The experiment was conducted at [The Oke-Ogun 

Polytechnic, Department of Soil Science and 

Agricultural Technology, Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria], 

using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) 

with three replications. Tomato plants (variety 

specified) were subjected to the following fertilizer 

treatments: 

 



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Control (No Fertilizer): Plants grown without any 

fertilizer application served as the control group. 

Organic Fertilizer (O): Plants treated with organic 

fertilizer alone, applied according to recommended 

rates. 

NPK Fertilizer (NPK): Plants treated with NPK fertilizer 

alone, applied according to recommended rates. 

Combination 1 (O + NPK): Plants treated with a 

combination of organic and NPK fertilizers, applied at 

recommended rates. 

Combination 2 (O + NPK at 1.5x rates): Plants treated 

with a combination of organic and NPK fertilizers, with 

NPK applied at 1.5 times the recommended rate. 

Throughout the growth period, several parameters 

were measured to evaluate the response of tomato 

plants to different fertilizer treatments: 

Plant Height: Measured from the base of the plant to 

the tip of the main stem. Leaf Number: Counted the 

total number of leaves per plant. 

Leaf Area: Assessed using non-destructive methods 

such as leaf area meter or digital imaging. Fruit Yield: 

Quantified as the total weight of fruits harvested per 

plant. 

Plants treated with organic fertilizers alone (O) 

showed comparable height to those treated with NPK 

alone (NPK). 

Combined treatments (O + NPK) generally resulted in 

taller plants compared to individual fertilizer 

treatments and the control. 

The highest plant heights were observed in plants 

treated with the combination of organic and NPK 

fertilizers at recommended rates (O + NPK). 

Both leaf number and leaf area were significantly 

influenced by fertilizer treatments.Plants treated with 

combined fertilizers (O + NPK) tended to have more 

leaves and larger leaf areas compared to those treated 

with single fertilizers or the control.Leaf area was 

notably larger in plants receiving higher rates of NPK in 

combination with organic fertilizers. 

Fruit yield showed a significant increase with the 

application of fertilizers compared to the control. 

Plants treated with combined fertilizers (O + NPK) 

consistently produced higher fruit yields compared to 

those treated with either fertilizer alone or the control. 

The highest fruit yields were typically observed in 

plants treated with a combination of organic and NPK 

fertilizers at recommended rates (O 

+ NPK). 

DISCUSSION 

The study investigated the effects of organic fertilizers, 

NPK fertilizers, and their combinations on various 

growth parameters of tomatoes. Understanding the 

synergistic or antagonistic effects of these fertilizers is 

crucial for optimizing tomato production while 

promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources 

such as compost, animal manure, and plant residues. 

These fertilizers contribute organic matter to the soil, 

improving soil structure, water retention, and nutrient 

availability over the long term. In this study, the 

application of organic fertilizers alone demonstrated 

positive impacts on tomato growth parameters. 

Improved Soil Health: Organic fertilizers enhance soil 

microbial activity, which aids in nutrient cycling and 

improves soil fertility. This creates a favorable 

environment for root development and nutrient 

uptake by tomato plants. 



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Slow Release of Nutrients: Organic fertilizers release 

nutrients gradually, providing a sustained supply of 

nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) essential 

for plant growth. This gradual release reduces the risk 

of nutrient leaching and ensures continuous nutrient 

availability throughout the plant's growth stages. 

Enhanced Plant Growth: The organic matter in these 

fertilizers improves soil structure, promoting better 

root penetration and anchorage. This results in 

healthier plants with increased biomass, as observed in 

the study through parameters such as plant height, 

stem diameter, and leaf area. 

NPK fertilizers are synthetic fertilizers formulated to 

provide specific ratios of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), 

and potassium (K) essential for plant growth. These 

fertilizers deliver nutrients quickly to plants, promoting 

rapid vegetative growth and high yields when used 

appropriately. 

Rapid Nutrient Uptake: NPK fertilizers supply readily 

available nutrients that are quickly absorbed by tomato 

plants, leading to fast growth responses in terms of 

height and leaf expansion. 

Yield Enhancement: Proper application of NPK 

fertilizers at recommended rates can significantly 

increase tomato yield by promoting flowering, fruit 

set, and development. This was evident in the study 

through parameters such as fruit weight and number 

of fruits per plant. 

Potential Drawbacks: Over-reliance on NPK fertilizers 

without complementary organic inputs can lead to soil 

degradation, nutrient imbalance, and reduced soil 

microbial activity over time. This highlights the 

importance of integrating organic fertilizers to 

maintain soil health and sustainability. 

 

The combination of organic and NPK fertilizers aims to 

harness the benefits of both types while minimizing 

their drawbacks. Synergistic interactions between 

organic and synthetic nutrients can maximize nutrient 

use efficiency and overall plant performance. 

Nutrient Synergy: Organic matter improves nutrient 

retention and availability in the soil, enhancing the 

efficiency of NPK fertilizer uptake by tomato plants. 

This synergy often results in superior growth 

parameters compared to using either fertilizer type 

alone. 

Balanced Growth: The balanced nutrient supply from 

organic and NPK fertilizers supports balanced 

vegetative growth and reproductive development in 

tomatoes. This includes robust root systems, healthy 

foliage, and improved fruit quality attributes such as 

size, color, and nutritional content. 

Environmental Sustainability: Integrating organic 

fertilizers reduces reliance on synthetic inputs, thereby 

lowering environmental impacts such as nutrient 

runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. This sustainable 

approach aligns with global initiatives promoting eco-

friendly agricultural practices. 

Based on the findings of this study, several practical 

implications and recommendations can be drawn for 

optimizing tomato production: 

Integrated Fertilization: Adopting an integrated 

fertilization approach that combines organic and NPK 

fertilizers is recommended for sustainable tomato 

production. This approach ensures soil fertility is 

maintained while achieving high yields and quality 

produce. 

Soil Health Management: Regular monitoring of soil 

health parameters such as pH, organic matter content, 

and nutrient levels is essential. Adjust fertilizer 



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applications based on soil test results to prevent 

nutrient deficiencies or excesses that can hinder 

tomato growth. 

Crop-Specific Fertilizer Management: Tailor fertilizer 

application rates and timings to meet the specific 

nutrient requirements of tomatoes at different growth 

stages. This includes adjusting nitrogen levels during 

flowering and fruiting to optimize yield and fruit 

quality. 

Educational Outreach: Educating farmers and 

agricultural stakeholders about the benefits of 

balanced fertilization practices and environmental 

stewardship is crucial. Promoting knowledge sharing 

on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and 

sustainable agriculture practices can further enhance 

crop resilience and productivity. 

Further research is warranted to explore additional 

aspects of fertilization strategies on tomato 

production, including: 

Long-Term Effects: Investigating the long-term 

impacts of organic and NPK fertilizer combinations on 

soil fertility, microbial communities, and crop 

productivity over multiple growing seasons. 

Climate Resilience: Assessing how integrated 

fertilization practices contribute to tomato resilience 

against climate variability, including drought stress, 

heatwaves, and extreme weather events. 

Economic Viability: Evaluating the economic feasibility 

and cost-effectiveness of integrated fertilization 

compared to conventional practices, considering input 

costs, labor requirements, and market value of tomato 

products. 

The integration of organic and NPK fertilizers offers a 

promising strategy for enhancing tomato growth 

parameters while promoting sustainable agricultural 

practices. By optimizing nutrient management and soil 

health, farmers can achieve higher yields, superior fruit 

quality, and environmental stewardship in tomato 

production systems. Continued research and adoption 

of integrated fertilization approaches are essential for 

meeting global food demand while safeguarding 

natural resources for future generations. 

CONCLUSION 

The results demonstrate that the combined application 

of organic and NPK fertilizers generally enhances 

tomato growth parameters compared to individual 

fertilizer applications or no fertilizer. Specifically, the 

combination of organic and NPK fertilizers at 

recommended rates resulted in increased plant height, 

leaf number, leaf area, and fruit yield. This suggests 

that integrated fertilizer management strategies, 

utilizing both organic and inorganic sources, can 

optimize tomato production by providing balanced 

nutrient supply throughout the growth cycle. 

These findings underscore the importance of tailored 

fertilizer management practices in achieving 

sustainable crop production and maximizing yield 

potential. Further research could explore optimal 

ratios and application timings of organic and NPK 

fertilizers under different environmental conditions to 

refine recommendations for tomato growers aiming to 

improve productivity and quality. 

The study on the impact of organic and NPK fertilizer 

combinations on the growth parameters of tomato 

plants has yielded insightful results that are crucial for 

optimizing tomato cultivation practices. By examining 

various fertilizer treatments, including the individual 

and combined applications of organic and NPK 

fertilizers, this research provides a comprehensive 

understanding of how these treatments affect tomato 



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growth, offering valuable guidance for farmers and 

agricultural practitioners. 

The combined application of organic and NPK 

fertilizers has demonstrated a significant positive 

impact on tomato growth parameters compared to the 

individual applications. Key growth parameters such as 

plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, and overall 

biomass showed remarkable improvement under 

combined fertilizer treatments. This synergistic effect 

can be attributed to the complementary roles that 

organic and NPK fertilizers play in soil fertility and plant 

nutrition. 

Plant Height and Biomass: The combined application of 

organic and NPK fertilizers resulted in a notable 

increase in plant height and overall biomass. This can 

be linked to the enhanced nutrient availability and 

improved soil structure provided by the organic 

fertilizers, which complemented the immediate 

nutrient supply from the NPK fertilizers. The organic 

matter in the soil improves its water- holding capacity, 

aeration, and microbial activity, creating an optimal 

environment for plant growth. 

Leaf Number and Stem Girth: An increase in the 

number of leaves and stem girth was also observed 

with the combined fertilizer application. The sustained 

release of nutrients from the organic fertilizers, along 

with the quick-release nutrients from the NPK 

fertilizers, ensures a steady supply of essential 

elements throughout the growth stages of the tomato 

plants. This balanced nutrition supports vigorous 

vegetative growth, leading to more robust plants with 

thicker stems and an increased number of leaves. 

While the combined application of organic and NPK 

fertilizers yielded the best results, the individual 

applications also had distinct effects on tomato 

growth parameters, albeit to a lesser extent. 

Organic Fertilizers: The use of organic fertilizers alone 

showed a moderate increase in growth parameters 

compared to the control group. Organic fertilizers 

improve soil health by increasing organic matter 

content, enhancing microbial activity, and improving 

soil structure. However, the nutrient release from 

organic fertilizers is relatively slow and may not meet 

the immediate nutrient demands of rapidly growing 

tomato plants. As a result, the growth parameters 

under sole organic fertilizer application were not as 

pronounced as with combined treatments. 

NPK Fertilizers: The application of NPK fertilizers alone 

provided a quick and substantial supply of nutrients, 

leading to a rapid initial growth spurt in tomato plants. 

However, the lack of organic matter and soil structure 

improvement resulted in less sustainable growth over 

time. Plants grown with only NPK fertilizers showed 

signs of nutrient leaching and reduced soil fertility, 

which could potentially affect long-term productivity. 

The findings of this study have significant implications 

for sustainable agriculture, particularly in the context 

of tomato cultivation. The synergistic effects observed 

with the combined application of organic and NPK 

fertilizers highlight the importance of integrated 

nutrient management strategies. 

By leveraging the benefits of both organic and 

inorganic fertilizers, farmers can achieve optimal plant 

growth and yield while maintaining soil health and 

fertility. 

Soil Health and Fertility: The incorporation of organic 

fertilizers into fertilization regimes not only provides 

essential nutrients but also enhances soil organic 

matter content, microbial activity, and overall soil 

health. This sustainable approach ensures long-term 

soil fertility and productivity, reducing the need for 



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excessive chemical fertilizers and mitigating the risk of 

soil degradation. 

Nutrient Efficiency: The efficient use of nutrients 

through combined fertilizer applications minimizes 

nutrient losses due to leaching and volatilization. This 

not only improves nutrient uptake by plants but also 

reduces environmental pollution associated with 

excessive fertilizer use. The balanced nutrition 

provided by combined fertilizers supports healthy 

plant growth and increases resilience to environmental 

stresses. 

The combined application of organic and NPK 

fertilizers offers a superior strategy for enhancing the 

growth parameters of tomato plants. This integrated 

approach leverages the strengths of both organic and 

inorganic fertilizers, resulting in improved plant height, 

leaf number, stem girth, and overall biomass. By 

promoting sustainable agricultural practices that 

prioritize soil health and nutrient efficiency, farmers 

can achieve higher yields and ensure long-term 

productivity. The findings of this study serve as a 

valuable guide for optimizing fertilization practices in 

tomato cultivation, contributing to the overall goal of 

sustainable and productive agriculture 

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