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The knowledge and choice of suitable substrates for growing tomatoes using hydroponic
techniques is not known to many. Therefore, this research determines the effect of substrates on
optimum growth, yield and nutrient composition of tomato plant so as to form an effective support
system to be used for plants in soilless farming methods. This research was carried out at the
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering experimental farm, Federal University
of Technology, Akure. Tomatoes plants were subjected to two different substrates (rice husk and
sawdust) and soil. The study includes agronomic, physiological response, growth, biomass yield,
water and nutrient, proximate and mineral composition. The results showed that rice husk gave the
highest plant height of 42.74 cm, number of leaves of 120.60 and stem girth of 0.57 cm, respectively
while soil gave the lowest plant height of 27.80 cm, number of leaves of 67.40 and stem girth of 0.42
cm. Higher yields were also recorded from rice husk while the soil has the least yield. The
physiological appearance and the yields were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the various treatments
due to effects of the substrates physicochemical features and the planting methods. The proximate
and mineral composition of the fruits were higher in the fruit from rice husk and least in the fruits
from the soil. These were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the treatments effects as a result of its
physicochemical features and the planting methods. With the outcome of this research, it is strongly
advised that soilless farming should be embraced by farmers in areas where there are limitations of
land for agricultural activities.
Keywords: Growth, Yield, Tomatoes, Substrate culture, Hydroponic, Soilless farming methods