Distribution pattern of dry weight, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium through tomato ontogenesis

Abstract Dry weight and the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents of roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. Michigan) plants grown under greenhouse conditions in quartz hydroponically with Hoagland II as nutrient solution were measured throughout the ontogenic cycle. The highest nutrient element uptake was for the element K, followed by N and P, the last third of the ontogenic cycle being the period of major nutrient element demand. The uptake of N, P, and K in this stage was 47, 65, and 56% of the total, respectively. In the first development stages, the K:N ratio was 1:1, reaching a maximum of 1.6:1 during the full fruit production stage.