Evaluation of control release fertilizers (CRF) on tomato

Controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) use is a best management practice that may reduce nutrient loss to the environment. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) are proposed as a solution to improve the nutrient use efficiency of plants, and hence considered an answer to address the problems due to the growth of world's population and water shortage. The heightened awareness concerning environmental preservation, resource scarcity, food safety and nutrition, has engendered the need for a more sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural production system. In this context, Control Release Fertilizers (CRF) were studied on tomato crop and resulted in highest plant height (112.5 cm), more number of branches per plant (5.8), more number of fruits per plant (70 no), fruit weight/ plant (g) ((285 g) and fruit yield (60.40 t/ha) was obtained in T6 treatment i.e. CRF 18:18:18, 10:26:26, SSP, MOP and Urea. An economic evaluation indicates, Control Release Fertilizers (CRF) are economically feasible.