EFFECTS OF PLANTING MEDIA AND INTER-ROW SPACING ON GROWTH AND YIELD PARAMETERS OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM) IN A VERTICAL FARMING SYSTEM

ABSTRACT A field-based vertical farming experiment was conducted at Harmony Estate, located in Ilorin South, Kwara State, Nigeria Which lies in a tropical climatic zone with coordinate of Latitude 8.44°N and longitude 4.56°N. To assess the influence of planting media and inter-row spacing on the reproductive yield parameters of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The study evaluated six different planting media combinations including loamy soil, loamy soil + NPK, poultry droppings, rice husk + manure, sawdust + manure, and a composite mix of all across three inter-row spacings (40 cm, 60 cm, and 80 cm) in a bamboo-constructed vertical system using PVC pipes. The experiment was laid out in a 3×3 factorial and replicated three times. Data were collected on number of flower buds, number of fruits, fruit weight, and fruit width at different weeks after transplanting (WAT). Results showed that planting media had a significant effect on flower bud development at 7, 8, and 11 WAT, with loamy soil + NPK and rice husk + manure performing best. Inter-row spacing did not significantly influence most reproductive parameters, although a moderate spacing of 60 cm showed better fruit development trends. Interaction effects between planting media and spacing were significant at certain growth stages, which shows the importance of inter-row spacing combined with planting media. The result indicated that the combined use of nutrient-rich organic media and moderate spacing enhances tomato flower formation and yield in vertical farming settings. It recommends the use of loamy soil enriched with NPK or compost mixtures, coupled with 35–60 cm spacing, for increased productivity in vertical tomato cultivation.