Organic farming boosts tomato quality but reduces yield compared to conventional.
The researchers studied how using composted animal manure and microbes affects tomato growth and soil nutrients in organic farming. They found that plants grew taller with composted manure, but leaves were wider in conventional fields. Adding more compost during cultivation increased tomato yield. Microbial inoculation with composted manure led to a decrease in soil nitrogen but an increase in microorganisms. Organic tomatoes had clearer color and higher acid and solid content. Nitrogen levels in the soil initially rose after compost application but decreased after a few weeks. Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels in the soil decreased gradually compared to nitrogen.