Browsing by Author "CHEMUTAI SARAH"

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    ASSESSING THE CORRELATION OF PHOSPHATE LEVELS IN SOIL AND VEGETABLE SAMPLES OF TOMATOES GROWN IN OSUKURU FARM IN TORORO DISTRICT
    (CHEMUTAI SARAH, 2026-08-27) CHEMUTAI SARAH
    Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth and is commonly supplied through phosphate fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity (Brady, 2017). However, excessive fertilizer application can lead to phosphate accumulation in soils, environmental pollution, and altered nutrient uptake by crops (Correll, 1998). Despite the widespread cultivation of tomatoes in Osukuru Farm, Tororo District, Uganda, limited information exists on the relationship between phosphate concentrations in soil and tomato fruits. This study aimed to assess the correlation between phosphate levels in soil and tomato samples collected from Osukuru Farm. Specifically, the study determined phosphate concentrations in soil and tomato samples and established the relationship between the two. An experimental laboratory-based research design was employed. Composite soil and tomato samples were collected from five sampling sites, prepared using standard laboratory procedures, and analyzed using UV–Visible spectrophotometry based on the molybdenum blue method (Murphy, 1962). Standard phosphate solutions were used to generate a calibration curve, while phosphate concentrations were calculated from absorbance values. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between phosphate concentrations in soil and tomato samples. The results showed that phosphate concentrations in soil ranged from 1.090 g/kg to 1.755g/kg, while tomato samples contained lower concentrations ranging from 0.083 g/kg to 0.186 g/kg. The correlation coefficient curve indicated a very weak relationship between phosphate concentrations in soil and tomatoes, suggesting that soil phosphate levels had minimal influence on phosphate accumulation in tomato fruits. The study concluded that phosphate uptake by tomatoes is influenced by several factors beyond soil phosphate concentration, including soil properties and plant physiological processes (Raghothama, 1999). It recommends appropriate fertilizer application, routine soil testing, and improved soil management practices to enhance sustainable tomato production and environmental conservation (FAO., 2006).