Abstract

Arable land area is declining in many tropical and sub-tropical regions and increasing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is necessary due to its high demand. Food security amid scarcity of arable land could be achieved through intensification as a way of maximizing productivity per unit area of available arable land. Trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya, to evaluate effects of agronet cover and fresh manure on carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration in the air around the crop canopy and tomato plant development. In addition to CO₂ concentration levels, stem diameter, plant height, number of internodes and branches, number of fruit and fresh fruit weight were determined. Use of agronet cover and fresh manure resulted in higher CO₂ concentration and enhanced tomato growth and yield. The highest CO₂ concentration in the air around the crop canopy was in plots treated with fresh goat dung and those covered with agronet; the lowest CO₂ concentration was in plots with no manure and those without agronet at all data collection dates. Application of fresh cow dung and covering plots with agronet stimulated tomato stem elongation; application of fresh goat dung and covering with agronet enhanced stem diameter, number of internodes and branches. Higher tomato yields were obtained with use of fresh manure and agronet cover. There were differences in response of tomato plants to fresh manure source with fresh goat dung showing greater potential for use in CO₂ enrichment and enhancing tomato crop performance. Use of fresh manure and agronet covers could enrich CO₂ levels in open field tomato production leading to improved growth and yield.

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