IMPACT OF BLACK PLASTIC MULCH ON SOIL TEMPERATURE AND TOMATO YIELD IN THE MID HILLS OF GARHWAL HIMALAYAS

Аннотация

The use of plastic mulch in agricultural practices has gained significant attention due to its potential to improve crop productivity and conserve soil moisture. This study investigates the impact of black plastic mulch on soil temperature and tomato yield in the mid hills of Garhwal Himalayas. Experimental plots were established with and without black plastic mulch, and soil temperature was measured at different depths throughout the growing season. Tomato plants were monitored for growth parameters, yield, and fruit quality. The results indicate that black plastic mulch significantly increased soil temperature compared to the control, especially at shallow depths. This accelerated soil warming promotes early plant growth and development, resulting in improved tomato yield and fruit quality. The increased soil temperature under black plastic mulch also aids in weed suppression and moisture conservation. Thus, the application of black plastic mulch shows great potential for enhancing tomato production in the mid hills of Garhwal Himalayas, contributing to sustainable agriculture in the region. KEYWORDS Black plastic mulch, soil temperature, tomato yield, Garhwal Himalayas, agricultural practices, crop productivity, soil moisture conservation, plant growth, fruit quality, weed suppression, sustainable agriculture. Volume 05 Issue 08-2023 6 The American Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture Research (ISSN – 2689-0976) VOLUME 05 ISSUE 08 Pages: 6-10 SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2020: 5. 251) (2021: 5. 731) (2022: 6. 19) (2023: 7. 171) OCLC – 1121086298 Publisher: The USA Journals