Multiobjective optimization of water–salt interactions enhances tomato yield and quality
摘要
Efficient use of saline resources for water-saving irrigation is a priority in modern green agriculture, making it crucial to understand the complex relationships among water, salt, and crop performance. To address this, a multiobjective optimization model was developed for sustainable agricultural practices. Tomatoes were selected for the study, with greenhouse experiments conducted in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, in 2021 and 2022. Three key factors were examined: growth stages: seedling (T1), flowering and fruit-setting (T2), and maturity (T3). Irrigation water salinity levels were set at 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 g/L (S1–S3), with S1 representing local shallow groundwater. Irrigation volumes included no deficit irrigation at 70%–80% field capacity (FC), moderate water deficit at 60%–70% FC, and severe water deficit at 50%–60% FC (W1–W3). A control group maintained full growth, with no deficit irrigation (S1W1–S3W1). Results showed that tomato yield and quality peaked at T1S1W2 and T2S2W3, respectively, whereas sucrose metabolism-related enzyme activity was highest at T3S3W3. Optimal factor intervals for each growth stage, determined using membership function and multiple regression spatial analysis, were as follows: T1: S = 3.23–3.55 g/L, W = 64.02%–75.56% FC; T2: S = 2.05–3.29 g/L, W = 65.40%–78.52% FC; T3: S = 3.17–3.32 g/L, W = 72.54%–75.83% FC. In tomato crops, regulating water and salt levels during the seedling stage markedly boosted yield and quality. The widest adjustable irrigation ranges occurred during the flowering and fruiting stage (S = 2.05–3.29 g/L, W = 65.40%–78.52% FC), whereas the narrowest range occurred during the maturity stage (S = 3.17–3.32 g/L, W = 72.54%–75.83% FC). Precise water–salt management at different growth stages could substantially advance agriculture. This study’s findings provide a scientific foundation for modern multiobjective precision agriculture and the efficient use of saline water.
Graphical abstract