Influence of colored plastic mulching and drip irrigation levels on soil temperature, plant growth and fruit quality of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum)

Abstract

Plastic mulching has significantly enhanced vegetable production worldwide since the 1950. It is used extensively due to its properties improved soil, plant growth, fruit quality properties and low cost. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of various color plastic mulches (white on black, silver on black and black on silver) and irrigation levels (60, 80 and 100 per cent ETc) on plant growth parameters and weed suppression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivation at Madurai district, TamilNadu. The experiment was laid out according to factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results observed were soil temperature increased about 2-4 0 C under the colored plastic mulches as compared to control plot(Without mulch). Growth parameters of tomato such as plant height, number of branches per plant and leaf area index and total soluble solids of tomato were significantly influenced by colored plastic mulching and different irrigation levels. The maximum plant height (123.2 cm), maximum number of branches per plant (22.8), highest leaf area index (3.01) and highest chlorophyll (56.58) were recorded under white on black plastic mulch with 80 per cent Etc of drip irrigation when compared to other treatments.

Morphology of the coffee root system using polyethylene film

“…The specific surface area and specific length of the roots were greater in the treatment that used a 1.20 m wide silver mulching, followed by the treatment that used a 1.40 m wide silver mulching, corroborated by results obtained in the research of Sarkar et al (2019). The possible cause is related to the higher amount of available water in the topsoil, caused by low water evaporation, resulting in a concetration of roots in the shallower soil depths, thus forming several fine roots (Jayalalitha et al, 2020).…”

“…It rises soil temperature, maintains moisture, and controls weeds. The use of this technology will result in the reduction of soil temperature fluctuation at a 0.20-0.30 m depth, promoting better root development and also reducing fertilizer leaching and soil compaction (Jayalalitha et al, 2020), in addition to increasing the availability of nutrients and providing protection against injuries caused by frost (Pandey et al, 2015).…”

Mulching operation favours the suppression of weed seed germination and its growth. Hence, it keeps the weed under control

“…(2020) [15] also reported that the combination of lower irrigation regime and polythene mulch is more efficient in suppression of weed plants.…”

“…(1994) [29] and Jayalalitha et al (2020) [15] with the use of polythene mulch in tomato. The combined effects of irrigation levels and mulch materials significant influenced weed density at all growth stages.…”