Drip irrigation and black polyethylene mulch pressure on development, yield and water-use efficacy of tomato

Abstract

A two year field study was conducted during 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 on sandy loam soil to investigate 
the effect of drip irrigation and black polyethylene mulch compared with surface irrigation, on growth, 
yield, water-use efficiency and economics of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller). Drip irrigation at 
80% evapo-transpiration (ET) crop based on pan evaporation applied gave significantly higher fruit 
yield (45.57 tonnes/ha) compared with the surface irrigation (29.43 tonnes/ha). Use of black 
polyethylene mulch plus drip irrigation further raised the fruit yield to 57.87 tonnes/ha. Plant height, leaf 
area index, dry matter production, fruit weight and yield increased significantly with the use of drip 
irrigation alone and in conjunction with polyethylene mulch compared to surface irrigation alone or with 
mulch. Water-use efficiency under drip irrigation alone, drip irrigation with polyethylene mulch and 
surface irrigation was 0.97, 1.23 and 0.42 tonne/ha-cm, respectively. Among different irrigation levels, 
drip irrigation at 80% ET resulted in higher net returns (34431 Rs/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.76) in 
tomato. However, maximum net returns (51386 Rs/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.03) was found with drip 
irrigation at 80% ET coupled with polyethylene mulch compared to other treatments. Drip irrigation 
besides giving a saving of 38% water resulted into 55% higher fruit yield compared to surface irrigation.