Antioxidant compounds and minerals in tomatoes by Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer and their relationship with the soil environments

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer (BioF/compost) on antioxidants and minerals in ripe tomatoes and soil health improvements in terms of nutrient availability and microbial populations. The study was comprised of six treatments: control (zero input); recommended doses of NPK (135.5, 45.6 and 22.9 kg ha−1, respectively); 100% BioF/compost; 75% BioF/compost+25% N; 50% BioF/compost+50% N; and 25% BioF/compost+75% N. The recommended doses of P and K were used in the last three treatments. It was found that the application of 100% BioF/compost enhanced plant growth, leaf greenness, and produced 12.9% higher yield compared to the recommended doses of NPK and other treatments. Mineral contents (P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in tomato roots, shoots and fruits and antioxidant compounds, i.e., ascorbic acid, (β-carotine, and lycopene were increased significantly in fruits fertilized with 100% BioF/compost. The high efficiency of Trichoderma compost might be the result of its potential of nutrient solubilization and harboring soil microorganisms. Collectively, BioF/compost increased soil fertility and favored growth of microbes in the rhizosphere which ultimately contributed to higher yield, antioxidant, and mineral concentrations in tomatoes. Thus, Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer may reduce application of chemical fertilizers and therefore, can be considered as a noble practice in sustainable agriculture.