Variability of micro-nutrient levels in tomato leaves: Insights from the Shivalik hills of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Healthy plants produce healthy food. This study investigates the variability of micro-nutrient levels, specifically iron, copper, zinc, and manganese, in tomato leaves from the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The research was conducted with tomato leaf samples collected from fifty different locations of Sirmour district during the mid-bloom phase. Results showed significant spatial variability in micro-nutrient concentrations, with iron ranging from 43.60 to 82.30 ppm, copper from 5.60 to 9.20 ppm, zinc from 25.25 to 39.11 ppm, and manganese from 44.50 to 86.70 ppm. The findings suggest that all sampled leaves fell within the medium category for total micronutrient content, likely due to the moderate availability of DTPA-extractable micronutrients in the soil. The correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between the nutrient levels in the leaves (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) and the corresponding availability of these nutrients in the soil, emphasizing the significance of efficient soil nutrient management practices.