The Influence of Heated Soil in Crop of “Tamaris” Tomato Plants on the Biological Activity of the Rhizosphere Soil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heated soil on the population of bacteria, fungi and nematodes inhabiting the soil of tomato cultivar "Tamaris" growing in peat and coconut substrates. In addition, these media were tested in two different containers: cylinders and slabs. The total number of bacteria and fungi was significantly higher in the peat substrate than in the coconut substrate. A much higher number of beneficial bacteria producing spores were noted in the coconut soil. The total number of bacteria and fungi was modified by the heating levels. In all the experimental treatments, most of the identified individuals belonged to the group of nematodes that feed on bacteria and it was the most diverse group of species. The highest total number of nematodes was recorded for the second heating level, with the exception of cultivation carried out in peat slabs, where the most of nematodes were found at the control level. The highest first crop was produced by plants growing on the peat slabs supplied with the highest soil temperature. Tomato roots of all the control treatments showed the highest root morphological parameters.

Impact of Pot Farming on Plant-Parasitic Nematode Control

“…As previously reported by several authors, the use of artificial substrates, such as perlite, pumice, and coconut fiber, represents a valid practice aimed at reducing the introduction of plant-parasitic nematodes in nurseries [2,6]. This study provided a reasonable explanation of this trend.…”

“…In general, free-living nematodes were moderately affected by pot cultivation, and, in all cases, the dominant trophic group was represented by bacterial feeders followed by fungal feeders, omnivores, and predators. The high presence of free-living nematodes involved in the detritus food web and the graze on bacteria and fungi in the soil may regulate decomposition and nitrogen mineralization in soil ecosystems, as well as in pot cultivations [2,29]. On the contrary, plant-parasitic nematodes were the trophic group mainly affected by variations due to plant species and management.…”

“…At the same time, soil and commercial substrates may also host many free-living nematodes playing a significant role in controlling plant-parasitic nematodes [2,3]. Several studies have shown that populations of these nematodes decrease with the increase in saprophytic nematodes (bacterial and fungal feeders) [4,5].…”

“…The use of solid substrates such as peat, coir, bark, sawdust, compost, rockwool, perlite, pumice, sand, and vermiculite is considered a valid soil management aimed at controlling plant-parasitic nematodes [6]. Short-term trials on tomatoes demonstrated the absence of plant-parasitic nematodes in pots with coconut and peat substrates [2]. However, other authors asserted that soilless culture systems are not effective in the elimination of these noxious organisms [4,7].…”

Respuesta Del Tomate a Tipos De Acolchado Plástico Y Niveles De Riego Con Cinta

“…También es importante para la supervivencia de las plantas porque las raíces tienen una menor temperatura óptima y son más sensibles a valores extremos de temperatura que el follaje (Ham et al, 1993). En el presente estudio, debido a la época del año en que fue realizado, los valores promedio de temperatura máxima correspondientes a los tratamientos con y sin acolchado fueron similares y menores que 25 ºC, valor máximo de temperatura del suelo ensayado por Paszt et al (2014) con el cual lograron el máximo rendimiento de tomate. Esto refuerza la idea de la contribución importante que el aumento de la temperatura mínima del suelo tuvo en el rendimiento del cultivo.…”