Effect of different types of mulch on performance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) under plastic house conditions

This study was conducted at Al-Balqa‘ Applied University Research Station during the 2011/ 2012 growing season to assess the impact of different soil mulches on field performance, yield and quality of tomato crop (Lycopersicon esculentum M.) under drip irrigation system. Seven mulch types (black plastic mulch, tuff gravel mulch, clear plastic mulch, compost mulch, no mulch, crushed stone mulch, and shredded wood mulch) were used. The experiment was conducted in the plastic house by using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed significant differences among mulch treatments in response to tomato plant growth including plant height, stem diameter, and dry matter of leaves and stems. Moreover, different mulches showed significant effects on early, medium, late and total yields/ha of the tomato fruits. Fruit average weight also significantly responded to various mulches. Therefore, based on the results of this study, application of black or compost mulch were found to be vegetatively and productively efficient and are recommended for tomato growing under plastic house conditions when using drip irrigation system.