Effect of mulching material on soil physical properties, yield and yield components of tomato (Lycorpersicum esculentum L.) in Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different mulch material on physical soil properties, yield and yield component of tomatoes (Lycorpersicon esculeutum L.) at Mokwa college of Agriculture, Mokwa, Niger state, during dry season November 2019- February, 2020. The experiment consisted of three mulch materials, namely; plastic mulch (PM), plant residue (PR) and no-mulch (NM) and it was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were collected on yield and yield components of tomatoes using standard procedures. Soil was sampled before application of the treatments and after application for laboratory analysis of some physical soil properties. The results showed that the mulch has an impact on physical soil properties that are influenced by management (Bulk Density, Soil Moisture and Soil Temperature). Also, yield and yield component of tomato was significantly influenced by mulch materials. Plastic mulch recorded significantly higher yield (27.75 t/ha) compared to plant residue mulch (17.75 t/ha) and no mulch (11.00 t/ha). This study has demonstrated that mulching improves both soil physical properties and yield of tomato.