KUBO, G. T. M.; KUBO, GUSTAVO TOMIO MAGALHÃES.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2505024131656473; KUBO, Gustavo Tomio Magalhae.
Resumo:
The cultivation of the cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. Cerasiforme)
is increasing in due to its sustainability, rational water use, management more simplified,
rusticity, resistance to pests and diseases, high consumer acceptance and market demand. To
reach satisfactory yields and economic returns is necessary to apply production technologies
such as the production of tomato in semi-protected environments, irrigation and using soil
conditioners to meliorate soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Thus, the
objective of the present work was to study the effect of the irrigation and poultry litter biochar
on the growth and production of the cherry tomato, Carolina cultivar, growing in a semi-
protected environment. The experiment was conducted in a semi-protected greenhouse of the
UAEA/CTRN, Federal University of Campina Grande during the period of July to November
of 2021. The factors studied were four levels of irrigation (70, 80, 90 e 100% of the soil field
capacity) and four doses of poultry litter biochar (0, 4, 8 e 12 t.ha-1). To control the soil water
content and the irrigation management four sensors (hygrometers) inserted in the soil
(Dystrophic grey Argisol) were used. The growth variables were evaluated at 35, 47, 59, 71,
83, 95, 107 and 120 days after the germination and weekly for the production and quality of the
fruits. The statistical design used was a 4 x4 factorial entirely casualized with sub-divided
parcels and three replicates. With the exception of °Brix, which decreased with irrigation,
growth, leaf area, phytomass, and production and quality variables of tomato plants were
positively influenced by the variation of irrigation depths, with the best response when using
the irrigation depth than 100% of field capacity. Regarding the biochar, there was a significant
effect for the stem diameter, fresh and dry phytomass of the shoot and for the °Brix content,
with the dose of 12 t.ha-1 being the best response for the stem diameter and fresh and dry
phytomass. shoot and 8 t.ha-1 for °Brix content.. Except for plant height and the stem diameter
at 71 and 120 DAG, respectively, there was not statistical significance of the irrigation and
biochar doses interaction on the growth and production variables. The results obtained under
the conditions the study was conducted, allow to conclude that the use of the irrigation level
corresponding to the soil field capacity and the poultry litter biochar to reuse of the biomass
and for a partial substitution of mineral fertilization can be recommended for the cherry tomato
cultivated in semi protected environments.