Do you want to improve your garden, orchard, or fields? If so, you should know that tomato pomace fermentation offers a great alternative in your quest to conserve soil and improve productivity.
Fermented tomato pomace has become one of the most promising resources to stimulate plant growth, increase fruit and vegetable yields, sustainably reduce waste, and improve soil quality.
What is fermented tomato pomace?
Tomato pomace is formed from solid waste, such as peels, seeds, and pulp, left over after processing, a process used to obtain products such as juice, ketchup, or puree. This industrial by-product is made up of fibers, proteins and antioxidants such as lycopene.
The objective of this process is to reduce the volume, to reduce the impact of its disposal on the environment and improve its nutritional quality.
This process has many potential benefits for agriculture., ranging from creating nutrient-rich compost for the garden, to propagating new plants or saving seeds, to reducing pests.
Types and benefits for the soil
There are several types of tomato pomace fermentation, such as: aerobic, anaerobic or carbon dioxide-rich fermentation.
Fermentation can also be carried out by natural microorganisms such as bacteria to produce vinegar, or in a controlled manner using specific strains.
This process can incorporate highly valuable compounds into the soil and plants, such as antioxidants, to promote stronger plant growth.
The choice of procedure depends on the intended use and technological and equipment limitations. The advantages of using fermented tomato pomace in orchards, gardens, and fields include:
Environmental Conservation: Tomato is an abundant crop, the byproduct is a source of organic material rich in nutrients that would otherwise be wasted.
Improves soil quality: Fermented tomato pomace improves the physical and biochemical properties of agricultural soils, making them more conducive to plant growth. The addition of organic matter can increase their water and air retention capacity, greatly facilitating root development.
Incorporation of new nutrients: Fermented tomato pomace releases essential nutrients into the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients that are essential for plant health.
Increases the yield of fruits and vegetables: The addition of fermented tomato pomace can increase crop yield and quality of fruits, vegetables, and forage by increasing biotic and abiotic biomass.
Contribution of organic fertilizer: An excellent way to use fermented tomato pomace is as organic fertilizer, returning organic matter, nutrients, and other byproducts to the agricultural production cycle.
Increases microbial activity: The process helps the growth of microorganisms that are very beneficial to the soil, improving the health of the ecosystem.
Benefits for plants
- Pomace is very rich in antioxidants such as lycopene to protect plants from oxidative stress and promote their growth.
- The release of nutrients by improving soil conditions the plants grow faster and much stronger.
- Reduces the addition of fertilizer, By providing natural nutrients, we avoid dependence on chemical fertilizers, which is very beneficial for sustainable agriculture.
How to use fermented tomato pomace in the orchard and garden
Using fermented tomato pomace in your vegetable garden, orchard, or field is quite simple. Apply fermented tomato pomace directly to the soil as a nutrient fertilizer.
Place it in the first few inches of soil around the roots of trees and plants in your orchard or garden. You can mix it with traditional organic fertilizers or as an organic conditioner before planting.
It can also be applied to the soil as a fertilizer (SAF) in the form of granules or powder, according to agronomic needs.
You can create a liquid fertilizer for plants. The procedure is based on straining the fermented pomace and diluting it to soak the soil around the plants.
Factors to consider
Avoid applying the pomace directly without composting, although its fermentation is very beneficial. avoid applying it in large quantities without fermenting it directly to the plants, as it may contain residues that are harmful to them.
Fermented pomace contains high levels of moisture, so you need to ensure the soil has the necessary moisture and achieve the desired consistency.
Precautions when applying fermented tomato pomace
When handling fermented tomato pomace, it is essential to wear protective clothing and eye protection, as well as wearing a dust mask. Use appropriate staff training to avoid health risks.
Avoid direct contact with eyes, mouth and skin. That said, a small amount of exposure to fermented tomato pomace can be helpful and safe; only once it breaks down into its powdery form can it become harmful.
Storage precautions
It is also important to take storage precautions to avoid deterioration, Since it has a high moisture content, it tends to degrade very quickly at room temperature.
You have to store the fermented pomace in the refrigerator or let it dry to obtain low humidity and make it last longer.
If you don't let it dry, you should use it a few days after fermentation to avoid deterioration.
The fermentation of tomato pomace It is considered an excellent and sustainable practice to contribute to agricultural crop production, waste reduction and soil management.
The beneficial effects of fermented tomato pomace include improved soil quality, increased fruit and vegetable yields, and an advantageous fertilizer contribution.
The application of fermented tomato pomace is simple and can be done with or without specific equipment. Use proper handling instructions when applying the product. to avoid health risks. Finally, the fermentation of tomato pomace is a good example of the concept of zero waste and the circular economy.