Utilization of Sugarcane Compost as a Soil Amendment In a Tomato Production System

Sugarcane filtercake (a waste by-product of sugarcane processing) compost was evaluated as a partial substitute for inorganic fertilizer in a fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) crop production system. Plots receiving fertilization rates of 0, 50, or 100% (153N-134P- 280K, kg ha^?1) of a typical commercial application were amended with or without compost (188 t ha^?1). Tomato (cv. Sunny) seedlings were transplanted in the center of each raised bed. A randomized complete block experimental design was used with the six compost/fertilization treatments replicated four times. Plant height (22 days after transplanting), stem diameter and shoot weight (just after final harvest), fruit yields, and fruit size were measured for each plot. Plants grown with no fertilization were taller (22 days after transplanting) in plots amended with than without compost, but not at 50 or 100% fertilization rates. Plots that were amended with compost had plants with heavier shoots (kg/plant), thicker stems, higher total and early marketable fruit number and weight and larger fruit size than plots not amended with compost, regardless of fertilization rates. These results suggest that sugarcane filtercake compost can serve as a partial substitute for inorganic fertilizer while maintaining or improving tomato fruit yields and size.