Effect of Different Mulching on Moisture Content in Soil, Weed Dynamics and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in Post Flood Situation in Coastal Odisha

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field at Ratanpur village of Marshaghai block of Kendrapara district of Odisha to assess the effect of different mulching practices on weed population, moisture content in soil, growth and yield of tomato. The experimental field in an adopted village of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kendrapara where National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project activities are being undertaken. The experiment consists of five mulching treatments like black polythene mulch, black and silver polythene mulch, transparent mulch organic mulch and without mulch as control. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. Results revealed that higher moisture content in soil (14.2 %) at 7 days after planting when black with silver colour polythene mulch was used for tomato cultivation. Black with silver colour polythene mulch showed low weed density and dry weight (0.7/ m2 and 0.4 g/ m2) at 20 and 40 days after planting as compared to other treatments. The same treatment gave significantly higher yield per plant (2.27 kg) and yield (56.5 t/ha). Organic mulch was also found a better treatment with respect to yield per plant (1.84 kg) and yield (48.4 t/ha). Higher return obtained by the farmers when black with silver colour polythene mulch was used for tomato cultivation. Black polythene mulching and organic mulching practices was also found good in soil moisture content, weed population in field and yield of tomato.