Effect of mulching , irrigation regime and N fertilization on dry weight and N-uptake of tomato plant

	Effect of mulching , irrigation regime and N fertilization on dry weight and N-uptake of tomato plant
Kufa Journal for Agricultural Science
Article 1, Volume 5, Issue 1, 2013, Pages 337-352
Abstract
A field experiment was carried out in Agricultural Research Station in Burjisiah – AlZubair Region – Basrah Province during the growing season 2008-2009 on tomato (Lycopersicon Eseulentum Mill.) to investigate the effect of mulching,with black plastic, textile bags, bladygrass shoot, dates palm leaves and control (without mulching). The irrigation regimes were 100% of the total evaporation for the American evaporation pan class A (EP 100%) and 60% from the total evaporation for the American evaporation pan class A(EP 60%). Nitrogen was added at levels of 0, 80, and 160 kg ha-1 in the form of urea (46% N). Field was plowing perpendicularly and then received manure and the tomato seedling was transplanted on 20/10/2007 to the field at age of five true leaves stage. Then plants were fertilized with nitrogen levels and phosphorus and potassium then soil surface was mulched with so mentioned mulches at one layer then irrigated using the two levels at the levels mentioned before. During the growing season, the concentration of nitrogen in the leaves was measured at periods of 20, 50, 100, and 160 days after transplanting. At the end of season shoot dry weight was recorded and N-uptake was calculated. The results showed that all type of mulching resulted in an increase in shoot dry weight and N-uptake as compared with control. Higher dry weight and N-uptake were obtained at black plastic mulch among other mulches. EP 100% gave higher parameters as compared with EP 60% level. Dry weight and N-uptake were significantly increased with increasing urea levels. Data also revealed that N concentration in leaves decreased with growing season progressed due to dilution effect and N transporting from leaves to fruits. Highest dry weight and N uptake were obtained at plant receiving 160 Kg N ha-1 at black plastic mulching treatment as compared with other treatments .

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