Forcing N deficiency as a way of managing plant size?

[geotek]

I have a neighbor who intentionally forces N deficiency by not adding any N to his potting mix that he reuses from year to year as a means of controlling plant size. He adds lots of P and some ground shells for Ca and Mg.
The plants are 1 to 2' tall and all show the stunting and pale leaves of N deficiency but are flowering heavily. Has anyone else heard of this method? Just curious. It seems a little bizarre to me.

[RayR]

Sounds bizarre to me too. A couple questions come to mind. What varieties is he growing? Determinate or Indeterminate? What is the fruit size like and what about flavor?

[geotek]

I don't know the varieties, but I think they are mostly indeterminate. They are growing in 5 gal buckets filled 80% of the way. I didn't pay much attention to fruit sizes last year, although I remember complaining that his Beeksteak tomatoes were rotten inside and not edible.
I will try to find out what varieties are planted, most haven't set fruit yet.
I did count 40 plants/buckets just to feed a single couple, so I assume the per plant yield isn't too good.