Effect of deep irrigation and black polyethylene mulch on growth, yield water use efficiency and economic of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum)

Studies were conducted to investigate the effect of drip irrigation and black polyethylene mulch compared with the surface irrigation, on growth, yield, water-use efficiency and economics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Drip irrigation at 80 percent 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. 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 percent 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 percent ET coupled with polyethylene mulch compared to other treatments.