Journal
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research
MJAMR
The Effect Of Soil Moisture Levels On Growth And Yield Of Tomatoes: A Case Study Of Nakoma Sub County, Bugiri District
Wamukoya Ivan, Dr. Okee Jill Natukunda
| Journal | Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (MJAMR) |
| Volume / Issue | Vol. 5, No. 4 |
| Published | 30 April 2026 |
| ISSN | 3006-4384 |
Abstract
This study examined the effects of different soil moisture levels on the growth and yield of tomatoes in Nakoma Sub County, Bugiri District, Uganda. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with four soil moisture treatment levels: T1 (25% field capacity), T2 (50% field capacity), T3 (75% field capacity), and T4 (100% field capacity), each replicated three times. Two improved tomato varieties, namely Tengeru 97 and Heinz 1370, were subjected to the different moisture treatments under controlled field conditions over a single growing season of 120 days. Growth parameters including plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, days to first flowering, and days to first fruiting were measured at two-week intervals. Yield parameters including number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and total yield per hectare were recorded at harvest. Results indicated that T3 (75% field capacity) produced the most favorable growth and yield outcomes for both tomato varieties, with significantly higher plant heights, greater leaf counts, earlier flowering, and superior yields compared to treatments T1, T2, and T4. Total yield at T3 was 38.6 tonnes per hectare for Tengeru 97 and 34.2 tonnes per hectare for Heinz 1370, compared to the control (T4 at full field capacity) which yielded 29.4 and 26.8 tonnes per hectare respectively. Water deficit conditions (T1 and T2) significantly suppressed growth and yield, while waterlogged conditions (simulated at T4 when irrigation was combined with seasonal rainfall) also reduced yields compared to T3. The study concluded that maintaining soil moisture at approximately 75% of field capacity optimized tomato growth and yield under the climatic and soil conditions of Nakoma Sub County. Irrigation scheduling targeting 75% field capacity was recommended for tomato farmers in Bugiri District.
Keywords
: Soil Moisture
Tomato Growth
Tomato Yield
Field Capacity
Irrigation
Randomized Complete Block Design
Bugiri District
Uganda
Cite This Article
Wamukoya Ivan & Dr. Okee Jill Natukunda (2026). The Effect Of Soil Moisture Levels On Growth And Yield Of Tomatoes: A Case Study Of Nakoma Sub County, Bugiri District. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 5(4). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=385
More in This Issue
View full issue →
6
Child Protection System And Refugee Children: A Case Of Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, Kiryandongo District, Uganda
Child Protection System
Refugee Children
Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement
7
Corporate Risk Management And Risk Response Of Saccos In Lubaga Division Kampala District Uganda
SACCOs
Corporate Risk Management
Risk Identification
Risk Assessment
8
Critical Thinking In The Age Of Ai: Pedagogical Activities To Counter Cognitive Surrender
Critical Thinking
Cognitive Surrender
Artificial Intelligence
AI in Education
9
Cultural Tourism And The Preservation Of Local Heritage And Traditions: A Case Study Of The Batwa Communities In Kisoro District, Uganda
Cultural Tourism
Preservation
Local Heritage
Traditions and Batwa Communities
10
Decision Making Is a Choice but an Impulse Decision May Not Be the Best Choice: A Case Study of Ugandan CEOs
Decision Making
Choice and Impulse Decision