Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
Volume 14, Issue 4, Oct 2025, Pages 313-324DOI: 10.18393/ejss.1718601
Stable URL: http://ejss.fess.org/10.18393/ejss.1718601
Copyright © 2025 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies
Evaluation of foliar biostimulants and micronutrient complexes for improving tomato growth, yield, and fruit quality in Southeastern Kazakhstan
, Evgeny Petrov , Berik Zorzhanov , Bekzat Turegeldiyev , Elmira Yeleuova 
Article first published online: 12 Jun 2025 | How to cite | Additional Information (Show All)
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Aitbayev, T., Aitbayeva, A., Yertayeva, Z., Petrov, E., Zorzhanov, B., Turegeldiyev, B., Yeleuova, E., 2025. Evaluation of foliar biostimulants and micronutrient complexes for improving tomato growth, yield, and fruit quality in Southeastern Kazakhstan. Eurasian J. Soil Sci. 14(4): 313-324. DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1718601Author information
Temirzhan Aitbayev , LLP Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, Almaty, KazakhstanAkbope Aitbayeva , Regional Branch "Kainar" of LLP Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, Kainar, Kazakhstan
Zhainagul Yertayeva , Regional Branch "Kainar" of LLP Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, Kainar, Kazakhstan & Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Evgeny Petrov , Regional Branch "Kainar" of LLP Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, Kainar, Kazakhstan
Berik Zorzhanov , Regional Branch "Kainar" of LLP Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, Kainar, Kazakhstan
Bekzat Turegeldiyev , Regional Branch "Kainar" of LLP Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing, Kainar, Kazakhstan
Elmira Yeleuova , Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Publication information
Article first published online : 12 Jun 2025Manuscript Accepted : 05 Jun 2025
Manuscript Received: 12 Dec 2024
DOI: 10.18393/ejss.1718601
Stable URL: http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.1718601
Abstract
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is a vital horticultural crop in Kazakhstan, especially in the southern and southeastern regions, where yields often fall short of their biological potential. This study evaluated the effects of selected foliar-applied biostimulants and micronutrient formulations on vegetative growth, yield, fruit quality, and economic performance of tomato under the agroecological conditions of Southeastern Kazakhstan. The experimental design included seven treatments: six commercial products—Fitolaza, Nano Sulfur, Scudo, Calcium Humate, CompleMet-Tomato, and BioSok Energy—applied individually or in combination, alongside a non-treated control. All treatments improved vegetative parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and total biomass. The T3 treatment (Fitolaza + Nano Sulfur) consistently delivered superior performance across all growth stages and achieved the highest fruit yield (26.10 t/ha), representing a 31.49% increase over the control. T7 (CompleMet-Tomato) and T5 (Calcium Humate) also demonstrated notable yield improvements. Biochemical analyses revealed that these treatments enhanced dry matter, total sugar, and vitamin C content in fruits, while keeping nitrate levels below the permissible threshold. Economic evaluation identified T3 as the most profitable treatment (USD 1,932.99/ha), followed by T7 and T5, with profitability rates exceeding 140%. These results highlight the potential of foliar biostimulant strategies to enhance both productivity and profitability in tomato cultivation, offering a viable path toward more sustainable and resource-efficient horticultural practices.Keywords
Tomato, biostimulant, foliar fertilizer, yield, fruit quality, economic efficiency, Southeastern Kazakhstan. Corresponding author
References
Abdelkader, M.M., Gaplaev, M.S., Terekbaev, A.A., Puchkov, M.Y., 2021. The influence of biostimulants on tomato plants cultivated under hydroponic systems. Journal of Horticultural Research 29(2): 107-116.
Ali, M.Y., Sina, A.A.I., Khandker, S.S., Neesa, L., Tanvir, E.M., Kabir, A., Khalil, M.I., Gan, S.H., 2021. Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds in tomatoes and their ımpact on human health and disease: A review. Foods 10(1): 45.
Bartucca, M. L., Cerri, M., Del Buono, D., Forni, C., 2022. Use of biostimulants as a new approach for the ımprovement of phytoremediation performance—A review. Plants 11(15): 1946.
El-Nakhel, C., Petropoulos, S. A., Di Mola, I., Ottaiano, L., Cozzolino, E., Rouphael, Y., Mori, M., 2023. Biostimulants of different origins ıncrease mineral content and yield of wild rocket while reducing nitrate content through successive harvests. Horticulturae 9(5): 580.
Eslami, E., Abdurrahman, E., Ferrari, G., Pataro, G., 2023. Enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability in tomato processing: A comprehensive review. Journal of Cleaner Production 425: 138996.
Eslami, E., Carpentieri, S., Pataro, G., Ferrari, G., 2023. A comprehensive overview of tomato processing by-product valorization by conventional methods versus emerging technologies. Foods 12(1): 166.
Fernandes, Â., Polyzos, N., Mandim, F., Pereira, C., Petrović, J., Soković, M., Petropoulos, S.A., 2023. Combined effect of biostimulants and mineral fertilizers on crop performance and fruit quality of watermelon plants. Horticulturae 9(7): 838.
Gitau, M.M., Farkas, A., Ördög, V., Maróti, G., 2022. Evaluation of the biostimulant effects of two Chlorophyta microalgae on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Journal of Cleaner Production 364: 132689.
GOST 24556-89. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Methods for the Determination of Vitamin C. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://files.stroyinf.ru/Data2/1/4294829/4294829760.pdf
GOST 25550-82. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Methods for the Determination of Titratable Acidity. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://online.zakon.kz/Document/?doc_id=30545349
GOST 28562-90. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Refractometric Method for the Determination of Soluble Solids Content. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://files.stroyinf.ru/Data/47/4764.pdf
GOST 29270-95. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Methods for the Determination of Nitrates. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://files.stroyinf.ru/Data2/1/4294825/4294825356.pdf
GOST 8756.13-87. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Methods for the Determination of Sugars. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://files.stroyinf.ru/Data2/1/4294821/4294821427.pdf
Islamzade, R., Islamzade, T., Huseynova, S., Babayeva, T., Hasanova, G., 2024. Effect of NPK fertilization and seed rate on barley (Hordeum vulgare) yield, yield component and nitrogen dynamics in semi-arid conditions. Journal of Agriculture Faculty of Ege University 61(3): 307–319.
Kundu, S., Karak, S., Hansda, N.N., Thapa, U., Rahaman, A.O., 2023. Assessing the effects of biostimulant on tomato growth, yield and quality in open field condition. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 13(12): 1177-1187.
Li, Y., Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Martin, C., 2018. Can the world’s favorite fruit, tomato, provide an effective biosynthetic chassis for high-value metabolites? Plant Cell Reports 37(10): 1443-1450.
Liava, V., Chaski, C., Añibarro-Ortega, M., Pereira, A., Pinela, J., Barros, L., Petropoulos, S.A., 2023. The effect of biostimulants on fruit quality of processing tomato grown under deficit irrigation. Horticulturae 9(11): 1184.
Mannino, G., Campobenedetto, C., Vigliante, I., Contartese, V., Gentile, C., Bertea, C.M., 2020. The application of a plant biostimulant based on seaweed and yeast extract ımproved tomato fruit development and quality. Biomolecules 10(12): 1662.
Maxotova, A., Nurbayeva, E., Aitbayev, Т., Nurgaliyeva, B., 2021. Yield and yield components of five tomato varieties (Solanum lycopersicum) as influenced by chemical NPK fertilizer applications under chestnut soil conditions. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 10(4): 327 - 331.
Meena, D.C., Birthal, P.S., Kumara, T.M.K., 2025. Biostimulants for sustainable development of agriculture: a bibliometric content analysis. Discover Agriculture 3: 2.
Meza, S.L.R., Egea, I., Massaretto, I.L., Morales, B., Purgatto, E., Egea-Fernández, J.M., Bolarin, M.C., Flores, F.B., 2020. Traditional tomato varieties ımprove fruit quality without affecting fruit yield under moderate salt stress. Frontiers in Plant Science 11: 587754.
Mukhametov, A., Ansabayeva, A., Efimov, O., Kamerova, A., 2024. Influence of crop rotation, the treatment of crop residues, and the application of nitrogen fertilizers on soil properties and maize yield. Soil Science Society of America Journal 88(6): 2227–2237.
Quinet, M., Angosto, T., Yuste-Lisbona, F.J., Blanchard-Gros, R., Bigot, S., Martinez, J.P., Lutts, S., 2019. Tomato fruit development and metabolism. Frontiers in Plant Science 10: 1554.
Raiola, A., Rigano, M.M., Calafiore, R., Frusciante, L., Barone, A.,2014. Enhancing the health-promoting effects of tomato fruit for biofortified food. Mediators of Inflammation Article ID 139873.
Ride, R.S., Ahmed, S., Monami, S.A., Sarkar, M.D., 2024. Improvement in growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomato by foliar application of humic and salicylic acids. Notulae Scientia Biologicae 16(4): 12189.
Rowell, D.L., 1996. Soil Science: methods and applications. Longman, UK. 350p.
Sasidharan, S., 2023. The Tomato Processing Industry in Kazakhstan. Tomato News. Available at [Access date: 12.12. 2024]: https://www.tomatonews.com/en/the-tomato-processing-industry-in-kazakhstan-part-1_2_1869.html
Soares, M.A., Charlo, H.C.O., Carvalho, M., Paiva, P.E.B., Coelho, V.P.M., 2023. Biostimulants increase the yield of greenhouse-grown tomato plants in summer under a tropical climate. Revista Caatinga 36(1): 96-105.
Soppelsa, S., Kelderer, M., Casera, C., Bassi, M., Robatscher, P., Matteazzi, A., Andreotti, C., 2019. Foliar applications of biostimulants promote growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry plants grown under nutrient limitation. Agronomy 9(9): 483.
Subramaniyan, L., Veerasamy, R., Prabhakaran, J., Selvaraj, A., Algarswamy, S., Karuppasami, K. M., Thangavel, K., Nalliappan, S., 2023. Biostimulation effects of seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) on phytomorpho-physiological, yield, and quality traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Horticulturae 9(3): 348.
Tambe, A.A., Mfombep, P.M., Julie, D.T., Egbe, L.E., Tabot, P.T., Dengiz, O., Agbor, D.T., 2024. Tomato varieties superiority assessment under organic and inorganic (granular and foliar) fertilization in sandy clay soil. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 13(1): 1 - 9.
Tastanbekova, G., Tokbergenova, Z., Sharipova, D., Jantassova, A., Surimbayeva, K., Azhimetova, G., Zhylkibayev, A., 2024. Enhanced tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield and soil biological properties through integrated use of soil, compost, and foliar fertilization under greenhouse conditions. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 13(4): 366 - 375.
Turan, M., Yildirim, E., Ekinci, M., Argin, S., 2021. Effect of biostimulants on yield and quality of cherry tomatoes grown in fertile and stressed soils. HortScience 56(4): 414-423.
Abstract
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is a vital horticultural crop in Kazakhstan, especially in the southern and southeastern regions, where yields often fall short of their biological potential. This study evaluated the effects of selected foliar-applied biostimulants and micronutrient formulations on vegetative growth, yield, fruit quality, and economic performance of tomato under the agroecological conditions of Southeastern Kazakhstan. The experimental design included seven treatments: six commercial products—Fitolaza, Nano Sulfur, Scudo, Calcium Humate, CompleMet-Tomato, and BioSok Energy—applied individually or in combination, alongside a non-treated control. All treatments improved vegetative parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and total biomass. The T3 treatment (Fitolaza + Nano Sulfur) consistently delivered superior performance across all growth stages and achieved the highest fruit yield (26.10 t/ha), representing a 31.49% increase over the control. T7 (CompleMet-Tomato) and T5 (Calcium Humate) also demonstrated notable yield improvements. Biochemical analyses revealed that these treatments enhanced dry matter, total sugar, and vitamin C content in fruits, while keeping nitrate levels below the permissible threshold. Economic evaluation identified T3 as the most profitable treatment (USD 1,932.99/ha), followed by T7 and T5, with profitability rates exceeding 140%. These results highlight the potential of foliar biostimulant strategies to enhance both productivity and profitability in tomato cultivation, offering a viable path toward more sustainable and resource-efficient horticultural practices.
Keywords: Tomato, biostimulant, foliar fertilizer, yield, fruit quality, economic efficiency, Southeastern Kazakhstan.
References
Abdelkader, M.M., Gaplaev, M.S., Terekbaev, A.A., Puchkov, M.Y., 2021. The influence of biostimulants on tomato plants cultivated under hydroponic systems. Journal of Horticultural Research 29(2): 107-116.
Ali, M.Y., Sina, A.A.I., Khandker, S.S., Neesa, L., Tanvir, E.M., Kabir, A., Khalil, M.I., Gan, S.H., 2021. Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds in tomatoes and their ımpact on human health and disease: A review. Foods 10(1): 45.
Bartucca, M. L., Cerri, M., Del Buono, D., Forni, C., 2022. Use of biostimulants as a new approach for the ımprovement of phytoremediation performance—A review. Plants 11(15): 1946.
El-Nakhel, C., Petropoulos, S. A., Di Mola, I., Ottaiano, L., Cozzolino, E., Rouphael, Y., Mori, M., 2023. Biostimulants of different origins ıncrease mineral content and yield of wild rocket while reducing nitrate content through successive harvests. Horticulturae 9(5): 580.
Eslami, E., Abdurrahman, E., Ferrari, G., Pataro, G., 2023. Enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability in tomato processing: A comprehensive review. Journal of Cleaner Production 425: 138996.
Eslami, E., Carpentieri, S., Pataro, G., Ferrari, G., 2023. A comprehensive overview of tomato processing by-product valorization by conventional methods versus emerging technologies. Foods 12(1): 166.
Fernandes, Â., Polyzos, N., Mandim, F., Pereira, C., Petrović, J., Soković, M., Petropoulos, S.A., 2023. Combined effect of biostimulants and mineral fertilizers on crop performance and fruit quality of watermelon plants. Horticulturae 9(7): 838.
Gitau, M.M., Farkas, A., Ördög, V., Maróti, G., 2022. Evaluation of the biostimulant effects of two Chlorophyta microalgae on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Journal of Cleaner Production 364: 132689.
GOST 24556-89. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Methods for the Determination of Vitamin C. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://files.stroyinf.ru/Data2/1/4294829/4294829760.pdf
GOST 25550-82. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Methods for the Determination of Titratable Acidity. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://online.zakon.kz/Document/?doc_id=30545349
GOST 28562-90. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Refractometric Method for the Determination of Soluble Solids Content. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://files.stroyinf.ru/Data/47/4764.pdf
GOST 29270-95. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Methods for the Determination of Nitrates. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://files.stroyinf.ru/Data2/1/4294825/4294825356.pdf
GOST 8756.13-87. Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products. Methods for the Determination of Sugars. Available at [Access date: 12.12.2024]: https://files.stroyinf.ru/Data2/1/4294821/4294821427.pdf
Islamzade, R., Islamzade, T., Huseynova, S., Babayeva, T., Hasanova, G., 2024. Effect of NPK fertilization and seed rate on barley (Hordeum vulgare) yield, yield component and nitrogen dynamics in semi-arid conditions. Journal of Agriculture Faculty of Ege University 61(3): 307–319.
Kundu, S., Karak, S., Hansda, N.N., Thapa, U., Rahaman, A.O., 2023. Assessing the effects of biostimulant on tomato growth, yield and quality in open field condition. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 13(12): 1177-1187.
Li, Y., Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Martin, C., 2018. Can the world’s favorite fruit, tomato, provide an effective biosynthetic chassis for high-value metabolites? Plant Cell Reports 37(10): 1443-1450.
Liava, V., Chaski, C., Añibarro-Ortega, M., Pereira, A., Pinela, J., Barros, L., Petropoulos, S.A., 2023. The effect of biostimulants on fruit quality of processing tomato grown under deficit irrigation. Horticulturae 9(11): 1184.
Mannino, G., Campobenedetto, C., Vigliante, I., Contartese, V., Gentile, C., Bertea, C.M., 2020. The application of a plant biostimulant based on seaweed and yeast extract ımproved tomato fruit development and quality. Biomolecules 10(12): 1662.
Maxotova, A., Nurbayeva, E., Aitbayev, Т., Nurgaliyeva, B., 2021. Yield and yield components of five tomato varieties (Solanum lycopersicum) as influenced by chemical NPK fertilizer applications under chestnut soil conditions. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 10(4): 327 - 331.
Meena, D.C., Birthal, P.S., Kumara, T.M.K., 2025. Biostimulants for sustainable development of agriculture: a bibliometric content analysis. Discover Agriculture 3: 2.
Meza, S.L.R., Egea, I., Massaretto, I.L., Morales, B., Purgatto, E., Egea-Fernández, J.M., Bolarin, M.C., Flores, F.B., 2020. Traditional tomato varieties ımprove fruit quality without affecting fruit yield under moderate salt stress. Frontiers in Plant Science 11: 587754.
Mukhametov, A., Ansabayeva, A., Efimov, O., Kamerova, A., 2024. Influence of crop rotation, the treatment of crop residues, and the application of nitrogen fertilizers on soil properties and maize yield. Soil Science Society of America Journal 88(6): 2227–2237.
Quinet, M., Angosto, T., Yuste-Lisbona, F.J., Blanchard-Gros, R., Bigot, S., Martinez, J.P., Lutts, S., 2019. Tomato fruit development and metabolism. Frontiers in Plant Science 10: 1554.
Raiola, A., Rigano, M.M., Calafiore, R., Frusciante, L., Barone, A.,2014. Enhancing the health-promoting effects of tomato fruit for biofortified food. Mediators of Inflammation Article ID 139873.
Ride, R.S., Ahmed, S., Monami, S.A., Sarkar, M.D., 2024. Improvement in growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomato by foliar application of humic and salicylic acids. Notulae Scientia Biologicae 16(4): 12189.
Rowell, D.L., 1996. Soil Science: methods and applications. Longman, UK. 350p.
Sasidharan, S., 2023. The Tomato Processing Industry in Kazakhstan. Tomato News. Available at [Access date: 12.12. 2024]: https://www.tomatonews.com/en/the-tomato-processing-industry-in-kazakhstan-part-1_2_1869.html
Soares, M.A., Charlo, H.C.O., Carvalho, M., Paiva, P.E.B., Coelho, V.P.M., 2023. Biostimulants increase the yield of greenhouse-grown tomato plants in summer under a tropical climate. Revista Caatinga 36(1): 96-105.
Soppelsa, S., Kelderer, M., Casera, C., Bassi, M., Robatscher, P., Matteazzi, A., Andreotti, C., 2019. Foliar applications of biostimulants promote growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry plants grown under nutrient limitation. Agronomy 9(9): 483.
Subramaniyan, L., Veerasamy, R., Prabhakaran, J., Selvaraj, A., Algarswamy, S., Karuppasami, K. M., Thangavel, K., Nalliappan, S., 2023. Biostimulation effects of seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) on phytomorpho-physiological, yield, and quality traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Horticulturae 9(3): 348.
Tambe, A.A., Mfombep, P.M., Julie, D.T., Egbe, L.E., Tabot, P.T., Dengiz, O., Agbor, D.T., 2024. Tomato varieties superiority assessment under organic and inorganic (granular and foliar) fertilization in sandy clay soil. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 13(1): 1 - 9.
Tastanbekova, G., Tokbergenova, Z., Sharipova, D., Jantassova, A., Surimbayeva, K., Azhimetova, G., Zhylkibayev, A., 2024. Enhanced tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield and soil biological properties through integrated use of soil, compost, and foliar fertilization under greenhouse conditions. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 13(4): 366 - 375.
Turan, M., Yildirim, E., Ekinci, M., Argin, S., 2021. Effect of biostimulants on yield and quality of cherry tomatoes grown in fertile and stressed soils. HortScience 56(4): 414-423.