Observing The Effects of a Novel Food Waste Supplementation Method on the Growth of Tomato Plants

Keywords: Food Waste Fertilizer, Plant Growth, Soil Chemistry, Tomato
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 39

Abstract

This project determines the growth and health of tomato plants by adding solid food wastes via a central perforated tube. Soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), pH, and visual data comparing plant growth were taken on a monthly basis to compare the control tomato plant with the experimental tomato plant. Food waste was added to the tube whenever it dropped below the soil level. The plants were kept under artificial light and had soil moisture meters to keep growing conditions consistent. The results showed the addition of solid food waste did affect soil chemistry and significantly improved plant growth compared to the control. The experimental tomato grew faster and larger than the control did, both in width and length. Testing the soil showed the control plant soil was depleted of NPK while the experimental plant soil had sufficient or surplus levels of NPK. With regular soil testing, it was possible to determine surpluses and deficiencies and add specific foods to correct any imbalances. Due to early blight and a persistent whitefly infestation, the health of both plants suffered. Food wastes provided a positive impact on the growth of the experimental plant nonetheless.