The Effect of Combination of Solid and Chicken Manure on the Growth and Yield of Five Tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum) Varieties on Yellow Red Podzolic Soil

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is a high economic value horticultural crop cultivated in Sintang Regency. However, its productivity remains low, averaging only 1.23 tons/ha compared to the optimal potential of 20-30 tons/ha. The main factor for the low production is the less fertile soil condition, particularly the Yellow Red Podzolic soil (PMK), which has weaknesses such as low pH, low organic matter, and high Al content. This study aims to evaluate the effect of combining solid fertilizer and chicken manure on the growth and yield of five tomato varieties (Betavila, Ratna, Tymoti, Mutiara, Lentana) on ultisol soil. The research used a field experiment method with a split plot design and three replications. The main treatment was the combination of solid fertilizer and chicken manure, while the sub-plot was the tomato varieties. The results showed that the combination of 1.5 kg solid + 0.5 kg chicken manure provided the best results, increasing plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, fruit weight, and fruit number in the Ratna and Betavila varieties. Organic fertilizer was proven to enhance soil microorganism activity, improve soil structure, and increase nutrient availability. In conclusion, the use of a combination of organic and solid fertilizers can increase tomato production on PMK soil. This study suggests proper soil management and the selection of adaptive varieties to achieve optimal production.