Impact on Yield, Biomass, Mineral Profile, pH, and Electrical Conductivity of Cherry Tomato Fruit Using a Nutrient Solution and a Silicon-Based Organomineral Fertilizer

Cherry tomato “Atomic Grape” belongs to the Solanaceae family, an important species due to its economic value and high nutritional content. +e impact on performance, weight, and nutritional profile of root, stem/branches, and leaves using the nutrient solution (NS), alone or combined with an organomineral fertilizer (F), whether granulated or in powder form was evaluated: NS, NS + F-granulated, and NS+ F-powder. Best commercial fruits were obtained with NS+ F-powder. Higher weights of both fresh and dry roots were obtained with NS+ F-granulated and NS+ F-powder. Mineral profile showed that the root builds up mostly nitrogen and silicon. Potassium was higher in stem/branches. Carbon, calcium, and sulfur were higher in the photosynthetic organ. NS increased the pH of the tomato juice by 9.81% and 10.90% compared to NS + F-granulated and NS+ Fpowder treatments. +e organomineral fertilizer provides greater benefits due to its long-lasting effect on the soil and cherry tomato plant. In this experiment, we conclude that the combination of NS + F-powder obtained the best marketable fruits. It must be taken into consideration the greatest demand for nutrients in tomato given to developing organs such as leaves, flowers, and fruits. +e leaves should be used for nutritional diagnosis, to confirm symptoms of deficiency or optimal nutritional ranges, which is of utmost importance for agronomists, growers, horticulturists, and physiologists.


Introduction
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the world's most commonly grown species with the highest consumption rate. Mexico is one of the leading tomato suppliers, with a 25.11% market share worldwide [1]. Tomato is usually grown using a higher content of inorganic fertilizers that are applied using broadcast fertilization with several fertigations than organic fertilizers [2]. e current global scenario strongly indicates the need to adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices for sustainable food production [3]. In comparison with traditional inorganic fertilizers, when used alone, organic fertilizers led to a lower N concentration in the leaves and fruit of tomatoes. e combined use of compost and inorganic fertilizer, however, produced higher yields and better fruit quality [4]. Organomineral fertilizer-treated plants result in increased fruit quality and yield and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes [5]. Studies suggest that organomineral fertilizer inhibits Na accumulation and proline increase in the leaves and it is considered to alleviate salinity stress [6].
In comparison with conventional organic fertilizers, organomineral fertilizers have the potential to improve soil structure more. For example, Nguyen et al. [7] noted that organomineral biochar fertilizer results in agronomic advantages because farmers put a higher concentration of nutrients into the soil without limiting N availability, or N uptake. However, it is notable that the purpose of an organic production system is the support and sustainability of healthy ecosystems, soil, farmers, food production, communities, and economies [3]. e combined application of organomineral and inorganic fertilizers has resulted in the best okra performance [8]. In one study, in comparison with the control, organomineral fertilizer on 10 t ha and 5 t ha −1 increased fruit yield by 53.49 and 15.93%, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of drought stress can be reduced by using organomineral fertilizer as a soil amendment for vegetable crops [9]. In another study, to grow 1 kg of cherry tomato, 41 L −1 of a nutrient solution was required using subirrigation (closed system), and 59 L −1 of a nutrient solution was required using drip-irrigation (open system) [10]. e best substrate for cherry tomato is zeolite, which is probably related to its high water-holding capacity and cation exchange capability [11]. e relatively higher electric conductivity (EC) in the nutrient solution increases metabolite content which is beneficial for human health [12]. e application of water and nutrients through fertigation is used in commercial and horticultural agriculture to produce high yield/high-quality fruits and vegetables [13]. e main objective of this work was to evaluate the effect that a nutritive solution alone or in combination with an organomineral fertilizer (granulated and powdered) had on the plant development parameters, yield and nutritional profile of the cherry tomato. e SPAD index was obtained from mature leaves using SPAD portable equipment (502 Konica Minolta, Osaka, Japan). e values represent the average of the three replicates. Fruit yield was determined by weighing the fruits of each one of the plants. To determine the fresh weight, all roots, leaves, and stems/branches of each one of the plants were separated and weighed. Once each organ was processed, they were placed in an oven at 60°C for 72 hours to determine the dry weight. for 72 hours. e processing of the samples was developed according to what was described by García-Gaytán et al. [14]. Relative content was determined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) (Scanning Electron Microscope, Model 7582, England), equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).

Electrical Conductivity (EC) and pH of Tomato Fruit.
Fruits were combined in a blender, and strained juice was filtered using a 110 mm diameter paper filter (Whatman TM ). EC was expressed in dS·m −1 , and pH was determined using ermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Orion Star TM A215, Multiparameter). e juice was used for both analyses.

Data Analysis
Data were analyzed using the statistical software SAS ver. 9.3. We carried out a variance analysis (PROC ANOVA). Means comparison was done using Tukey's test with a significance value of 95% (P ≤ 0.05), in order to determine significant differences among treatments.

SPAD Index, Yield, and Fresh and Dry Weights of Root, Leaf, and Stem/Branches.
ere were no significant differences in the SPAD index with the NS and organomineral fertilizer (Table 1).
ere were no statistically significant differences in the fresh weight of the fruit between treatments. SN + F-granulated treatment increased root fresh weight (RFW) by 12.29%, compared to SN + F-powder treatment. Leaf fresh weight (LFW) and fresh stem/branch weight (S/BFW) increased significantly by 63.79% and 48.82% with NS + F-powder, compared to control (Table 1). e fruits from our experiment showed good commercial characteristics using a combined NS and organomineral fertilizer ( Figure 1).
Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant statistical differences for root dry weight and stem/branch dry weight. In the case of the leaf dry weight variables, there were highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) with the NS + F-powder treatment (Table 2). Root, leaves, and stem/ branch weights are important decisive factors for crop performance. e highest values in this study were obtained with the combination of NS and organomineral fertilizer (Tables 1 and 2). Table 3 shows the multielement profile in the root, stem/branches, and leaves. In the root, an organ of uptake and transport of nutrients, a higher concentration of N (P ≤ 0.01), Na, Si, and Al (P ≤ 0.001) was found, whereas in stem/branches O, K, and Cl (P ≤ 0.001) were primarily found (Table 3). In leaves, a photosynthetic organ, mainly C, Ca, and S (P ≤ 0.001) were found compared to root stem/branches.

Effect of Organomineral Fertilizer on Nutrient Concentration in Tomato Plants.
Statistical analysis showed that the concentration of O, N, Ca, and Si was higher when applying NS (Table 4). is may be due to the fact that NS contained soluble fertilizers (Ca(NO 3 ) 2 , KNO 3 , and MgSO 4 ). A slight increase in Fe was observed when NS + F-granulated was added to the pots. e values of nutrient concentration using the organomineral fertilizer were similar to those of the NS, maybe due to its prolonged action in the soil (Table 4). For example, the organomineral fertilizer is rich in Si (20%), but the treatment was less than the NS, probably because the highest concentration of Si was taken up by and built up in the roots (Table 3).  Means followed by different letters in each column indicate significant differences among treatments ( * * * P ≤ 0.001; * * P ≤ 0.01). RFW � root fresh weight; FFW � fresh fruit weight; FLW � fresh leaf weight; S/BFW � fresh stem/branch weight; CV � coefficient of variation. Figure 1: Characteristics of the cherry tomato "Atomic Grape" by the effect of the NS, F-granulated, and F-powder. Means followed by different letters in each column indicate significant differences among treatments ( * * * P ≤ 0.001; * * P ≤ 0.01). RDW � root dry weight; LDW � leaf dry weight; S/BDW � stem/branch dry weight; CV � coefficient of variation. Means followed by different letters in each column indicate significant differences among treatments ( * * * P ≤ 0.001; * * P ≤ 0.01). CV � coefficient of variation. Means followed by different letters in each column indicate significant differences among treatments ( * * * P ≤ 0.001; * * P ≤ 0.01). CV � coefficient of variation. respectively (Figure 2(a)). No statistically significant differences were found for EC in tomato juice. e EC ranges in the treatments were 4.43, 4.02, and 4.46 (dS·m −1 ) (Figure 2(b)). Table 1 shows that fresh root weight (RFW) increased by 12.29% with the SN + F-granulated treatment, while with NS + F-powder treatment, leaf fresh weight (LFW) and fresh stem/branch weight (S/BFW) increased significantly by 63.79% and 48.82%, respectively (Table 1). e fruits showed good commercial characteristics using a combined NS and organomineral fertilizer (Figure 1). Heeb et al. [15] published yields of red tomatoes from organically fertilized plants that were significantly lower than yields from plants that received mineral fertilizer (nutrient solutions). On the other hand, Tonfack et al. [16] determined that the application of organic fertilizer, mineral fertilizer, or a combination of both significantly improved plant development and increased the number of trusses and fruits per plant and commercially available fruits in two tomato varieties. An integrated plant nutrient system (a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers) is suitable for improving growth, yield, and number of roots in cabbage [17]. For the tomatoes, a higher number of fruits per plant and plant height were obtained from mixed fertilizers (organic and inorganic) than from the other treatments [3]. A study by Herencia et al. [18] found that crop yield was not significantly different between treatments using organic vs. mineral fertilization. Geneticists and plant breeders are focusing their studies on developing plants with roots that improve crop productivity under drought conditions [19]. erefore, roots need to develop continuously to reach new soil sectors that are high in P [20]. In addition, this can be induced by good control of nutrient solution, stimulants, and root bioprotection (fungi and bacteria) in fertigation programs [21].

Discussion
Plants uptake and translocate nutrients from the root to the conducting vessels (xylem and phloem). Nutrients are redistributed to the entire system, and in the case of the tomato, the greatest demand for nutrients is given to developing organs such as leaves, flowers, and fruits.
In this experiment, we observed that N, Na, Si, and Al (2.97 > 2.20 > 0.75 > 0.56%, ppm, respectively) were mainly accumulated in roots. O, K, and Cl (43.56 > 3.53 > 1.33%, respectively) were mostly accumulated in stem/branches. C, Ca, and S (48.16 > 2.44 > 0.94%, respectively) were accumulated in the leaves. ere were no statistically significant differences between organs for the accumulation of P, Mg, and Fe (Table 3). e tomato leaf is one of the main organs used for nutritional diagnosis, to confirm either symptoms of deficiency or optimal nutritional ranges. Primary and secondary macronutrients are responsible for the development of biomass and fruit quality.
In some cases, macronutrients were higher in roots and stems than in other plant parts (Table 3). e leaf N concentration was below the reported optimal range [22]. However, the P, K, Ca, Mg, and S in the leaves were within the optimal ranges reported ( Table 3). e nutrient levels recorded in tomato leaves during the harvest period were 0.4% P, 2.5% K, 2.0% Ca, 0.5% Mg, and 0.6% S [22]. Nutrients such as Ca and Mg have a positive effect on growth, biomass partitioning, and fruit production [23]. Organomineral fertilizer in this study provides nutrients such as Ca, K, and Mg, as well as the nutrient solution. In fruits and vegetables, the ratios of Mg to other nutrients, such as Ca and K, were shown to be a more reliable indicator of the quality response [24]. When plant roots acquire readily available nutrients from the soil solution, they are rapidly absorbed. e NS treatment with soluble fertilizers had a significant effect on O, N, and Ca (Table 4), but it also influenced the uptake of Si (Table 4). In tomatoes, NH 4 NO 3 supplementation increased N in the leaves. Supplemental K increased N and K in the leaves [25].
Organomineral fertilizers were used as amendments and for soil improvements. e slow release of nutrients may have resulted in nutritional deficiencies and physiological problems in the tomato fruits.
For example, a study by Yanar et al. [26] showed that fruit cracking rates were higher in organic fertilizer treatments than in inorganic fertilizer treatments. e organomineral fertilizer used in this research had macro-and micronutrients, except N. However, organomineral fertilizers can be enriched by adding raw materials to increase their nutrient levels. For example, Youssef and Eissa [27] found that in comparison with the control, mixing rabbit manure, rock phosphate, and feldspar plus biofertilizer inoculation increased the concentration of N, P, and K in the leaves of tomato by 34%, 35%, and 50%, respectively. Table 4 shows that there were no significant differences in P, K, Mg, S, Na, Cl, and Al. Both the application of NS and its combinations (granulated and powder) presented the same values (Table 4). is indicates that they present the same effectiveness in tomato nutrition (Table 4). In highly degraded soils such as oxisols, organomineral phosphate fertilizers are as effective as conventional water-soluble P fertilizers such as triple superphosphate [28]. In comparison with mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers released nutrients more slowly, resulting in decreased S and P concentrations in the leaves [15]. Tonfack et al. [16] observed that the application of organic fertilizer, mineral fertilizer, or a combination of both significantly improved the content of P, K, Ca, and Na in the fruit. A study by Herencia et al. [18] showed that the use of organic fertilizer rather than other fertilizers resulted in higher soil organic matter, soil N content, and available P and K. Ordóñez-Santo et al. [29] observed differences in the micronutrient content in organic and conventional tomatoes. Research carried out by Nascimiento et al. [30] showed that the release of nutrients in granular organomineral fertilizers was not affected by different binder materials.
In Figure 2, there are significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) in the pH of tomato juice. e highest pH was found with NS, and the increase was 9.81% and 10.90% with respect to the granulated fertilizer and powder, respectively. ere were no significant differences in EC (Figure 2). Moya et al.
Advances in Agriculture 5 [12] observed that the EC and pH of tomato juice showed nonsignificant differences due to the effect of EC in the nutrient solution. In accordance with Tzortzakis and Economakis [31], the pH and EC of tomato fruit juice were not significantly different in tomato cultivation with different substrates. e pH obtained was 4, and the EC was 3 dS·m −1 . Youssef and Eissa [27] showed that the pH and EC of tomato juice had the highest values with the control treatment (conventional fertilization).

Conclusion
Cherry tomato "Atomic Grape" is a gourmet fruit of great economic importance. Organomineral fertilizer improves soil and increases the nutrition of tomato plants. Organomineral fertilizers sometimes do not contain some essential elements. erefore, it is necessary to supply with other inorganic sources. In this experiment, it was shown that of the treatments, the combination of NS + F-powder obtained the best marketable fruits. e fresh and dry biomass obtained with NS + F-granulated and NS + powder was highest. N, Na, Si, and Al were mainly accumulated in roots. O, K, and Cl were mainly accumulated in stems/branches. C, Ca, and S were mainly accumulated in the leaves. e tomato leaf is one of the main organs for nutritional diagnosis. In leaves, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were within their optimal ranges. e application of the NS and its combinations (granulated and powder) presented the same effectiveness for the concentrations of P, K, Mg, S, Na, Cl, and Al. In comparison with the NS + F-granulated and NS + F-powder treatments, the NS treatment increased the pH of the tomato juice.

Data Availability
e data used to support the findings of the study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Conflicts of Interest
e authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest regarding authorship and publication of this paper.