Reviving coastal agriculture: the role of balanced fertilsation in tomato production in saline-prone zones of Bangladesh

Balanced fertilisation is widely regarded as an effective agronomic strategy that enhances crop productivity and soil health, playing a vital role in sustainable agriculture, especially in salinity-affected regions. Despite their potential, the effect of balanced fertilisers on crop yield in practical agricultural contexts remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of balanced fertiliser use on tomato yield, production cost, profit, average selling price, and pesticide spray times in salinity-prone areas of Bangladesh. This study employed a randomised encouragement design to establish causality while addressing endogeneity, spillover effects, and non-compliance. Results demonstrate that balanced fertilisers increased tomato yield by 3,307.35 kg/ha and elevated the average selling price by 1.09 Taka/kg. Notably, pesticide spray frequency decreased by nearly three times (2.95), and the use of chemical fertilisers declined, while organic fertiliser application increased by 3061.90 kg/ha. Although production costs rose significantly, profits increased by 33,672.99 Taka/ha; however, this increase was not statistically significant. The benefits were particularly pronounced among less experienced farmers, highlighting the potential for this practice to promote sustainability. Overall, the findings underscore that balanced fertilisation boosts yields, reduces reliance on chemical inputs, and contributes to environmentally sustainable farming practices.