Effect of Organic AmendmenSts on Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Uptake of Tomatoes

This study evaluated the effects of different organic amendments, goat manure, organo yield fertiliser, coffee husks, and their combination on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) at NARO–NaCRRI, Wakiso, Uganda. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and three replications. Growth parameters assessed included plant height, number of leaves, and number of branches, while yield parameters considered were number of fruits and fruit weight. Nutrient uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) was determined from leaf, stem, and fruit samples. The results indicated that all organic amendments significantly improved tomato growth and yield compared with the control treatment. Goat manure produced the tallest plants, whereas organo yield fertiliser resulted in a higher number of branches. The combined treatment enhanced leaf production. Yield parameters, including fruit number and fruit weight, were higher under goat manure, organo yield fertiliser, and the combined treatments. Nutrient uptake was highest under coffee husks and the combined treatments. Overall, the findings show that the use of organic amendments improves tomato productivity and nutrient availability, highlighting their potential for sustainable tomato production in Uganda