The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of applying Effective Microorganisms (EM), at a varied CRF (controlled release fertilizers) fertilization as starter fertilization, on macroelement contents in leaves and yielding of tomato grown in a peat substrate. Application of EM had significant effect – when applied either as seed inoculation or combined seed inoculation + spraying of plants on increase of total and commercial yields of tomato (35.8% and 40%; 44.6% and 35.9%, respectively). In contrast the application of CRF resulted in a significant increase in leaf contents of N (22.3–24.4%), K (13.6–16.6%) and Na (25%) at a simultaneous reduction of contents in case of Ca (9.9–15.7%) and Mg (21.9–23.9%) in comparison with the control combination. In view of environmental protection it is pointless to use starter fertilization in the form of slow-release fertilizers in case of a cyclical use of fertigation in crop growing. Due to the advantageous effect of Effective Microorganisms on crop yielding it seems advisable to consider their application in commercial crop growing.

79-90