Enhanced plant performance in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) through seed encapsulation with controlled-release fertilizers

Tomatoes are among the most widely grown vegetable crop, with more than 5-million hectares of land dedicated to its cultivation. To enhance production, many growers use conventional fertilizers which also contribute to non-point source pollution. While there are a variety of methods used to administer fertilizers to crops, some require expensive equipment, are labor intensive, or apply fertilizers not efficiently used by plants. This study considered an alternative approach that delivered controlled-released fertilizers to tomatoes using gelatin capsules; wherein both seed and fertilizer were planted together as a single unit. The objectives were to determine if seed encapsulation altered seedling performance, while also considering the possible use of encapsulation to deliver controlled-release fertilizers. Although seed vigor tests suggest gelatin can diminish seedling performance, seed encapsulation had minimal impact on seedling emergence when planted in soils. Capsule treatments (without fertilizers) were taller than controls, and the addition of fertilizers improve plant performance, with higher fertilizer content fostering greater growth. The results suggest that seed encapsulation may be an effective way to deliver fertilizers to crop plants, and that the combination of capsules and controlled-release fertilizer could possibly lead to a reduction in the quantity of fertilizers necessary for tomato cultivation.