Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Reduced N Fertilization on Plant Growth, Root Morphology and Water Use Efficiency of Tomato Grown in Soilless Culture

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of various irrigation water (W) and nitrogen (N) levels on growth, root-shoot morphology, yield, use efficiency greenhouse tomatoes in spring–summer fall–winter. The experiment consisted three (W: 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc), 80%, 60% full irrigation) N application (N: 100%, 75%, 50% standard concentration Hoagland’s solution treatments equivalent 15, 11.25, 7.5 mM). All growth parameters tomato significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with decrease amount application. Results depicted that a slight an increase supply improved average root diameter, total length, surface area, while interaction observed non-significant at diameter roots. Compared control, W80 N100 statistically photosynthesis stomatal conductance. resulted yield 2.90% 8.75% but increased (IWUE) by 21.40% 14.06%. Among interactions, reduction single factor W100 N75 compensated yield. Hence, found be optimal regarding IWUE, 80% 15 mM fertilization for soilless production greenhouses.