The effect of montmorillonite clay
on maturity, vigor, and yields of
tomato plants was tested under greenhouse conditions from June 17 to
September 9, 1997. Eight tomato plants (30 cm height) of the Fantastic
variety were planted in one gallon plastic containers with identical
mixtures of topsoil and composted cow manure. Four plants were grown with
no supplement as the control treatment. The other four plants received two
tablespoons of montmorillonite clay (MC) added to the soil mixture. Water
was given equally to all plants. All plants were rotated to ensure equal
light and heat exposure.
Results:
During the following 67 day growth period, the MC-treated plants grew
14.6% taller with an average additional 68.5 cm, whereas the control
plants grew an average 59.75 cm (Figure 1). After 67 days on test, the
average number of open blossoms increased 190% for the MC plants; 7.25
compared to 2.5 open blossoms for each control plant (Figure 2). In
addition, Figure 3 shows the MC-treated plants had a 400% increase in
immature tomatoes by the 67th day; averaging 1.25 compared to an average
0.25 immature tomatoes on the control plants. All plants showed evidence
of whitefly damage (sticky, honeydew residue on leaves) by 28 days into
the study. By the 42nd day of the study the MC-treated plants showed only
36% of the leaf damage shown by the control plants (2.25 damaged leaves
compared to an average 6.25 damaged control leaves shown in Figure 4).
(Insecticidal soap began whitefly control after the 42nd day.)
Conclusions:
This study shows montmorillonite clay addition to the soil for growing
tomatoes increased the height (14.6%) and maturity of the plants (190%
greater open blossoms and 400% more immature tomatoes) after 67 days on
trial. In addition, the effects of whitefly pest damage on the
montmorillonite clay treated plants was only 36% of that seen on the
control plants.
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