Analyzing the Critical Magnesium Concentrations for Optimal Tomato Production in Calcareous Soils

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 255 - 267, 01.04.2025

Yogesh Jadhav , N. Meeramani Veerendra Yadav Shweta Sharma

https://doi.org/10.28978/nesciences.1646457

Abstract

Plant growth depends heavily on Magnesium (Mg), particularly for crops like tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), which are particularly vulnerable to nutritional imbalances in soil science. Magnesium availability can be changed by calcareous soils that are typically found in agricultural areas, depending on their mineral composition, pH, and organic matter in plant science. Understanding the ideal magnesium concentrations for recently transplanted tomato seedlings to thrive in these soils is crucial for boosting crop production and reducing nutrient deficiencies in plant science. To maximize tomato production in calcareous soils, the research looks into the necessary magnesium concentrations in soil science. It also develops potential fertilizing techniques to improve tomato production in these types of soils. The experiment was set up in a controlled greenhouse environment to eliminate any outside influences like weather and pest activity. Positional bias was avoided by randomly assigning calcareous soil to pots that were similar in volume and texture. Mg levels varied throughout the five treatment groups: Group 1 as low (20 mg/kg), Group 2 as medium-low (40 mg/kg), Group 3 as medium (60 mg/kg), Group 4 as medium-high (80 mg/kg), and Group 5 as high (100 mg/kg). The tomato seed was demonstrated to be grown in a controlled environment concerning temperature, humidity, and lighting in each pot. Among the several metrics used to evaluate the impact of magnesium on plant growth were plant height, fruit yield, and chlorophyll content. The content of magnesium and plant growth is strongly positively correlated. The plants that grew and produced the most fruit had magnesium levels between 50 and 70 mg/kg. Reduced magnesium concentration (less than 50 mg/kg) was accompanied by decreased fruit yield. Mg's function in photosynthesis is demonstrated by the greatest concentration of chlorophyll, which was 50–70 mg/kg Mg. According to research, magnesium levels in calcareous soils should be kept below the recommended critical range to increase tomato yield in soil science. It implies that for higher yields in tomato growing, targeted magnesium fertilization is crucial in plant science.

Keywords

Calcareous soils , tomato production , crop yields , plant growth , plant science , soil science

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