Field Assessment of Fertilization, Nursery, and Crop Management Practices Among Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Growers in the Ilocos Provinces, Philippines
Annalissa L. Aquino, Sancho G. Bon, Angelica P. Guanlao, Ann Mylalulex A. Magnaye, Filomena C. Sta Cruz, and Pompe C. Sta Cruz
Received: October 11, 2024; Revised: November 4, 2024; Accepted: November 18, 2024
Growth and yield of many economically important vegetables like tomatoes are heavily influenced by crop management practices, particularly fertilizer application, irrigation scheme, and pest management. To attain maximum tomato yields and increase farmers’ profits, these crop production components must be optimized at local farm levels. Before optimization measures can be conducted, baseline information on prevailing practices need to be evaluated. To assess the nutrient management and other crop production practices of tomato farmers in the Ilocos provinces, Philippines, on-farm surveys were conducted in 16 and 18 barangays planting fresh-type and processing-type tomatoes, respectively. The study involved a total of 88 tomato farmers who underwent key informant interviews regarding their seed and crop establishment practices, nutrient management, pest occurrence, and their perceived yield losses due to pests. Nitrogen and phosphorus application rates of farmers from Ilocos Sur were generally higher by 19% while potassium application was higher by 33% compared to Ilocos Norte. Farmers of both fresh-type and processing-type tomatoes apply mostly nitrogen and potassium fertilizers and limit the use of phosphate-containing fertilizers. Ammonium sulfate, muriate of potash, and foliar fertilizer are among the common fertilizer choices for farmers in both provinces and tomato types. Ilocos Sur farmers practice higher seeding rates (400 – 600 g/ha), while Ilocos Norte farmers mostly use 250g/ha seeds. Farmers considered diseases to be the most yield-reducing biotic stress, while weeds were perceived to cause only minimal yield losses.