Dynamic modeling of mineral contents in greenhouse tomato crop

Abstract

Tomato is one the most important vegetables worldwide and mineral nutrition in tomato crops is considered as the second most important factor in crop management after water availability. Mathematical modeling techniques allow us to design strategies for nutrition management. In order to generate the necessary information to validate and calibrate a dynamic growth model, two tomato crop cycles were developed. Several mineral analyses were performed during crop development to determine the behavior of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S in different organs of the plant. Regression models were generated to mimic the behavior of minerals in tomato plants and they were included in the model in order to simulate their dynamic behavior. The results of this experiments showed that the growth model adequately simulates leaf and fruit weight (EF > 0.95 and Index > 0.95). As for harvested fruits and harvested leaves, the simulation was less efficient (EF < 0.90 and Index < 0.90). Simulation of minerals was suitable for N, P, K and S as both, the EF and the Index, had higher values than 0.95. In the case of Ca and Mg, simulations showed indices below 0.90. These models can be used for planning crop management and to design more appropriate fertilization strategies.