The Possibility of Applying EffluentsinTomatoSoilless Culture

ABSTRACT:The utilization of non – conventional water resources is an inevitable necessity worldwide. In addition to considering the effluent water resources as sustainable, they are also good fertilizer sources. In order to evaluate the possibility of effluents in tomato soilless culture,tomato plants were treated with different percents of effluents and nutrient solutions (100% recycle water, 50% recycle water + 50% nutrient solution, 100% nutrient solution, 25% recycle water + 75% nutrient solution, 75% recycle water + 25% nutrient solution). After two months of treatments, the data were collected from the plants. The results showed that the highest shoot growth, chlorophyll content, leaf number and amount of potassium were recorded with 100% nutrition solution, although there was no significant difference between 50% recycles water and 100% nutrient solution. The lowest leaf area (3831 mm2) was obtained with 100% recycle water. The highest amount of Na was recorded with 100% recycle water. There was no significant difference innitrogen content with the plant treated with 100% recycle water and 100% nutrient solution. When 50% recycle water and nutrient solution applied, photosynthesis and stomata conductance did not exhibit significant difference.It is concluded that when recycle water applied, despite of 50% reduction in ion uptake, the yield loss did not show significant difference compared to 100% nutrient solution, therefore consistent application of effluent can be used in hydroponic culture