tomates archivos - Agran Liquid Technology

Industrial tomato is the summer crop par excellence in many Spanish areas, where large productions are achieved for industrial consumption (juices, tomato concentrates, fried tomato, etc.).

Although it comes from the same species, industrial tomato varieties behave quite differently from traditional tomatoes, so both management and fertigation undergo changes.

In this article we tell you what are the 3 keys to industrial tomato nutrition.

Industrial tomato cultivation

The industrial tomato is grown in short cycle from spring onwards, when the cold night temperatures are gone and gives way to many hours of light. To obtain good yields, it is very important the variety chosen, the climate, soil quality and fertigation, where irrigation management is essential.

In terms of cultivation, the industrial tomato is not a very demanding species in terms of soil, being frequently cultivated in sandy environments, with very good drainage. In addition, it is preferable to have slightly acid environments, for the best use of nutrients.

The success of fertigation is to provide all the nutrients on demand to achieve continuous flowering throughout the season, homogeneous fruit fattening and the acquisition of sufficient sugars and º Brix to obtain a high productive quality.

1. Importance of fertilizer scheduling in industrial tomatoes

The first of the 3 keys to industrial tomato nutrition is to program the supply of fertilizers and their distribution throughout the industrial tomato season is extremely important. First of all, if we do not know the nutrient reserve in the soil, it is advisable to carry out an analysis. In this way we will correct any nutrient deficiency before planting by means of background fertilization.

Excess nutrients are also detrimental. A very abundant supply of nitrogen increases the development of the plant and reduces the load of flowers and fruits, increasing the distance between bunches.

Within background fertilization, the main element to be provided to the soil is phosphorus, which is responsible for a better installation of the plant in the transplant, rooting activity and energy supply in the early stages of development. This element is usually provided either in the background (suspensions or granular fertilizers) or by means of the so-called "starter" once transplanting has been completed.

2. Mulch fertilization

Once the industrial tomato is transplanted in soil, fertigation plays a very important role.

In the early stages of development, before the appearance of the first flowers, a vigorous development of the plant is sought that will act as a future support for the fruits. Therefore, fertigation with priority for nitrogen and phosphorus is important.

However, when the productive stage begins and the first flowers start to fertilize, the supply of nitrogen gradually decreases along with phosphorus, increasing the supply of potassium, calcium or magnesium.

At this stage, it is common to work with an NPK ratio of 1-0.4-2, also providing the secondary macronutrients calcium and magnesium.

Continuing with the fruit fattening and color change stage, nitrogen and phosphorus supply remains constant, but potassium supply continues to increase, thus stimulating the accumulation of reserves, sugars and nutrients in the fruit.

3. Developmental stimulants by stages

The last of the 3 keys to industrial tomato nutrition, together with the aforementioned fertigation, it is usually common to provide additional biostimulants and nutrient correctors. This contributes to cover all the needs of the crop and to improve the final production.

Rooting and soil activators

The application of rooting and rhizosphere stimulants (microbiology and moisture retainers) is recommended. Products such as

Augeus (Ecklonia Maxima): high auxin ratio to favor the formation of absorbent hairs up to 40% more than the control.
Renovo (humic extract): rhizosphere activator to increase the activity of beneficial microbiology.

Flowering and fruit formation enhancers

Breakout: bud break, flower and fruit set enhancer, based on Micro CarbonTM Technology.
Vitol: cell fattening activator to increase fruit specific weight and pulp filling, with Micro CarbonTM Technology.

Activators of maturation and accumulation of sugars