Speakers - 2026

Sustainable horticultural production increasingly emphasizes the recycling of organic wastes as alternative soil amendments. Eggshell waste generated in large quantities from households and food-processing industries is rich in calcium carbonate and represents a potential resource for improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of recycled eggshell waste on the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under field conditions. A field experiment was conducted using rates of processed eggshell powder incorporated into the soil prior to transplanting tomato seedlings. Growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, and stem girth, were recorded during the vegetative stage, while yield attributes such as fruit number per plant and fruit weight were assessed at harvest. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance to determine the effects of the eggshell amendment treatments. Results showed that varying rates of eggshell amendment did not significantly influence tomato growth or yield compared with the control treatment. Although minor variations in vegetative and reproductive parameters were observed, these differences were not statistically significant at the tested application levels. The findings suggest that the direct application of eggshell powder may have limited short-term effects on tomato performance under the prevailing soil conditions. These results highlight the need for further investigation into eggshell processing methods, nutrient-release dynamics, the potential benefits of integrating eggshell-derived amendments with other organic or mineral fertilizers, and soil chemical properties. The study provides important field-based insights into the practical limitations of direct eggshell application and highlights critical knowledge gaps regarding nutrient availability and amendment integration. Addressing these factors may improve the effective utilization of eggshell waste in sustainable and circular horticultural production systems.