The American Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture Research
01
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
1-5
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
16 November 2024
ACCEPTED
09 January 2024
PUBLISHED
01 February 2025
VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue02 2025
CITATION
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Soil Temperature
Regulation and Tomato
Yield Enhancement Using
Black Plastic Mulch in the
Garhwal Himalayas
Arnav Rajput
Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India
Abstract:
This study investigates the role of black plastic
mulch (BPM) in regulating soil temperature and
enhancing tomato yield in the Garhwal Himalayas, a
region characterized by diverse climatic conditions and
challenging agricultural practices. The use of BPM is
explored as a strategy to optimize soil microclimate by
maintaining more consistent soil temperatures,
especially during cooler periods. The experiment was
conducted in tomato fields at various altitudes in the
Garhwal region, with and without BPM application.
Results showed that BPM significantly improved soil
temperature by 2-4°C compared to uncovered soil,
particularly during the night and early morning hours.
This temperature regulation led to faster seedling
growth, extended growing periods, and higher tomato
yield. BPM-treated plots produced significantly higher
fruit weight, more tomatoes per plant, and better
overall plant health compared to the control. The
findings suggest that the adoption of black plastic mulch
can be a sustainable solution for improving tomato
production in the Garhwal Himalayas, where
temperature fluctuations are a major limiting factor for
crop growth.
Keywords:
Black Plastic Mulch, Soil Temperature
Regulation, Tomato Yield, Garhwal Himalayas,
Agricultural Practices, Microclimate Optimization,
Sustainable
Farming,
Crop
Productivity,
Soil
Temperature Management.
Introduction:
Behavior Agriculture in the Garhwal
Himalayas faces several challenges due to its diverse
topography, fluctuating weather conditions, and limited
access to modern farming technologies. One of the
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The American Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture Research
major constraints for crop production, especially for
temperature-sensitive crops like tomatoes, is the
significant variation in soil temperature. Extreme
temperature fluctuations
—
particularly the cool
temperatures during the night and early morning
hours
—
can impede seedling growth, delay maturity,
and ultimately reduce crop yield. Consequently,
optimizing soil temperature is crucial for improving
agricultural productivity in this region.
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are an important
cash crop in the Garhwal Himalayas, known for their
high nutritional value and market demand. However,
their growth and yield are highly sensitive to
temperature, and the region’s cooler climate can often
lead to suboptimal crop development. Various soil
management practices have been explored to mitigate
temperature extremes, with plastic mulching emerging
as a promising technique. Among different types of
mulches, black plastic mulch (BPM) is particularly
effective in regulating soil temperature by absorbing
solar radiation and reducing heat loss at night. The use
of BPM has been widely studied in other regions, but
its potential benefits in the unique climatic conditions
of the Garhwal Himalayas remain underexplored.
Black plastic mulch works by creating a favorable
microclimate around the root zone of the plant, where
it helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and
maintain more consistent soil temperatures. These
effects are especially important in mountainous
regions, where temperature fluctuations between day
and night can be dramatic. By increasing the soil
temperature during cooler periods and preventing
excessive heating during the day, BPM can extend the
growing season, enhance plant growth, and improve
crop yields. However, its effectiveness in high-altitude
agricultural systems like those in the Garhwal
Himalayas requires careful investigation, particularly in
terms of its impact on tomato yield and overall plant
health.
This study aims to explore the role of black plastic
mulch in regulating soil temperature and enhancing
tomato yield in the Garhwal Himalayas. By examining
the effects of BPM on soil temperature, growth
parameters, and yield under local conditions, this
research
seeks
to
provide
evidence-based
recommendations for farmers in the region. The
findings could contribute to the development of
sustainable farming practices that optimize the
growing conditions for tomatoes and potentially other
crops, improving productivity and resilience in the face
of climate variability.
METHODOLOGY
1. Experimental Site and Design
The study was conducted in the Garhwal Himalayas,
specifically in a temperate region known for its unique
climatic conditions, which include substantial variations
in temperature throughout the day and night. The
experimental site was selected at an altitude of 1,800
meters above sea level, with the soil classified as loamy
and rich in organic matter. The research aimed to assess
the effectiveness of black plastic mulch (BPM) in
regulating soil temperature and enhancing tomato yield
under these conditions. A randomized block design
(RBD) was employed to evaluate the impact of BPM on
tomato growth, with treatments applied to a total of 10
plots (5 treatment and 5 control plots). Each plot
covered an area of 10 m² to accommodate the plants
and ensure consistency in the results.
2. Soil Temperature Monitoring
Soil temperature was measured at multiple depths (5
cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm) using digital soil thermometers.
These measurements were taken daily at specific times:
early morning, midday, and evening, to track the
variation in temperature between the mulched and
unmulched plots. The control plots were left uncovered,
while the experimental plots were covered with black
plastic mulch. The BPM was applied after the tomato
seedlings were transplanted, and care was taken to
ensure the plastic was securely placed around the root
zone, allowing for optimal soil contact. Temperature
data were collected throughout the growing season to
assess the influence of BPM on soil temperature
regulation, especially during the cooler nighttime and
early morning hours.
3. Tomato Variety and Planting
The tomato variety chosen for this study was "Pusa
Ruby," a high-yielding variety known for its resistance to
diseases and adaptability to various climatic conditions.
The seedlings were raised in a nursery and transplanted
to the experimental plots when they reached a height of
10 cm, typically at the end of March. Each plot contained
10 tomato plants, spaced 40 cm apart in rows, with a
total of 100 plants across all experimental plots. The
planting was carried out in early April to coincide with
the typical planting season for tomatoes in the Garhwal
Himalayas.
4. Mulch Application and Management
Black plastic mulch (BPM) was carefully laid over the soil
in the treatment plots, ensuring that the plastic covered
the entire root zone area while leaving gaps around the
plant stem for air circulation and growth. The BPM was
cut into strips, ensuring that it extended beyond the
root zone to prevent heat loss and soil moisture
evaporation. Irrigation was managed using a drip
system, which was uniformly applied across both
mulched and unmulched plots. Weeds were controlled
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by the plastic mulch itself, which minimized the need
for additional chemical or manual interventions during
the growing period. Regular maintenance of the mulch
was conducted to ensure it remained intact and free of
damage.
5. Soil Moisture and Fertilization
Soil moisture was monitored using tensiometers
placed in both mulched and unmulched plots.
Irrigation was applied as needed, based on moisture
levels, with the aim to maintain adequate water supply
for optimal tomato growth. Fertilizer application was
done according to the recommended dosage for
tomato crops in the region. A balanced nutrient mix,
including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium
(K), was applied in the form of both organic manure
(compost) and inorganic fertilizers. Fertilizer was
applied in two doses: once at planting and a second
time during flowering to ensure continuous nutrient
availability.
6. Growth Parameters and Yield Assessment
Throughout the growing season, several growth
parameters were measured to assess the impact of
BPM on tomato plants. These parameters included:
Plant Height: Measured bi-weekly from the base to the
tip of the main stem.
Number of Leaves: Counted periodically to assess
overall plant vigor and health.
Stem Diameter: Measured using a caliper at the base
of the plant to determine growth rate and structural
strength.
Fruit Weight and Yield: At harvest, the total number of
fruits and the total weight of harvested tomatoes were
recorded for each plot. Fruit yield was calculated in
terms of kg per plant and kg per hectare.
In addition to these physical parameters, the health of
the plants was assessed by observing the presence of
any diseases or pests, which could impact plant growth
and productivity.
7. Statistical Analysis
The data collected on soil temperature, growth
parameters, and yield were subjected to statistical
analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess
the significance of the differences between the
mulched and unmulched plots. The means were
compared using the Tukey's Honest Significant
Difference (HSD) test to identify which treatment (BPM
or control) produced the most significant effects on
tomato growth and yield. Soil temperature
measurements were analyzed to determine the effect
of BPM on maintaining a more stable and warmer soil
environment compared to the control.
8. Environmental Monitoring
Environmental factors such as ambient temperature,
relative humidity, and rainfall were monitored
throughout the growing season to account for external
variables that may affect soil temperature and plant
growth. This data was recorded to ensure that any
observed effects on soil temperature and tomato yield
could be attributed to the use of black plastic mulch,
rather than external climatic variations.
9. Post-Harvest Analysis
Post-harvest, the tomatoes were analyzed for quality,
including firmness, size, and overall appearance.
Additionally, a sample of fruits from each plot was
tested for nutritional content, including vitamin C and
total soluble solids, to assess the impact of BPM on the
quality of the harvested tomatoes.
RESULTS
1. Soil Temperature Regulation
The application of black plastic mulch (BPM)
significantly influenced the soil temperature across all
experimental plots. Soil temperature measurements
taken throughout the growing season showed that
BPM-treated plots maintained higher soil temperatures,
particularly during the cooler early morning and night
hours. At the 5 cm depth, the BPM-treated plots showed
an increase in soil temperature of 2
–
4°C compared to
the control plots, where no mulch was applied. During
the day, the soil temperature in the BPM plots was
consistently 2
–
3°C higher than in the control plots,
particularly during periods of overcast skies or cool
weather.
At night, the temperature difference between mulched
and unmulched plots was most pronounced, with BPM
maintaining a warmer soil environment, which
prevented excessive cooling of the soil. This
temperature regulation helped mitigate the adverse
effects of diurnal temperature fluctuations, providing a
more stable and favorable environment for tomato
growth.
2. Growth Parameters
Several key growth parameters were monitored
throughout the tomato growing season:
Plant Height: Tomato plants in the BPM-treated plots
exhibited a significant increase in height, with an
average of 40% taller plants compared to the control.
The consistent soil warmth provided by the mulch
supported faster early-season growth and enhanced
plant vigor.
Number of Leaves: BPM-treated plants showed a higher
number of leaves, with an average increase of 30%
compared to the unmulched control. This suggests that
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the better soil temperature and moisture retention
promoted more robust vegetative growth.
Stem Diameter: The stem diameter, which is an
indicator of plant strength and biomass, was
significantly greater in BPM-treated plots, showing a
25% increase over control plots. This suggests
improved plant health and development due to more
favorable growing conditions.
3. Tomato Yield
The impact of BPM on tomato yield was notable.
Tomatoes grown under BPM-treated conditions had a
significantly higher yield, with an average increase of
40% in total fruit weight per plant compared to the
control. Additionally, the total number of tomatoes per
plant was greater in the BPM plots, reflecting better
fruit set and retention.
At harvest, the total yield per hectare in the BPM-
treated plots was approximately 10,000 kg/ha, while
the control plots yielded only around 7,000 kg/ha. This
increase in yield can be attributed to the enhanced soil
temperature, which facilitated more rapid growth,
better flowering, and fruit development. The warmer
root zone, combined with moisture retention provided
by the plastic mulch, created optimal conditions for
tomato production.
4. Quality of Tomatoes
The quality of the harvested tomatoes was also
positively impacted by the use of BPM. Tomatoes from
BPM-treated plots were larger, firmer, and exhibited a
more uniform color compared to those from the
control plots. Furthermore, the fruit had higher soluble
solids content and greater vitamin C levels, indicating
that the improved growing conditions enhanced the
nutritional quality of the tomatoes.
5. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as ambient temperature,
relative humidity, and rainfall were closely monitored.
The Garhwal Himalayas experienced varying climatic
conditions throughout the growing season, with
periods of cool temperatures and frequent rain.
Despite these variations, the use of BPM maintained
more consistent soil conditions, which allowed the
tomatoes to grow more efficiently and produce higher
yields.
DISCUSSION
The results of this study clearly demonstrate the
positive effects of black plastic mulch (BPM) on soil
temperature regulation and tomato yield in the
Garhwal Himalayas. The increased soil temperature in
the BPM-treated plots created a more favorable
microclimate for tomato plants, particularly during the
cooler nighttime and early morning hours. This
temperature stabilization is crucial in regions like the
Garhwal Himalayas, where significant temperature
fluctuations between day and night can limit plant
growth and yield.
The enhanced growth parameters observed in BPM-
treated plots
—
such as increased plant height, more
leaves, and thicker stems
—
suggest that the mulch
facilitated better nutrient uptake and more efficient
photosynthesis by maintaining optimal soil temperature
and moisture levels. These improvements in vegetative
growth translated directly into higher fruit yield and
improved quality, as evidenced by the increased
number of tomatoes per plant and higher fruit weight.
The increased yield of tomatoes in BPM-treated plots
(40% higher than the control) reflects the potential of
plastic mulching as a practical and sustainable
agricultural practice in the Garhwal Himalayas. The
greater fruit weight and number of tomatoes per plant
suggest that BPM can help overcome temperature-
related growth limitations, leading to more productive
and resilient crops in regions where climatic challenges
hinder traditional agricultural practices.
Additionally, the improved quality of the tomatoes, as
seen in their larger size, better firmness, and higher
soluble solids content, indicates that BPM not only
enhances yield but also promotes the production of
high-quality crops. This could potentially increase the
market value of the tomatoes, benefiting local farmers
economically.
CONCLUSION
This study provides strong evidence that black plastic
mulch (BPM) can significantly improve both soil
temperature regulation and tomato yield in the Garhwal
Himalayas. By creating a more stable and warmer soil
environment, BPM helps mitigate the adverse effects of
temperature fluctuations and enhances overall plant
growth. The results of this study indicate that BPM can
be an effective tool for increasing tomato productivity,
especially in high-altitude regions where temperature
variations pose a major challenge to farming.
The findings suggest that the adoption of BPM could
lead to increased agricultural sustainability in the
Garhwal Himalayas by optimizing growing conditions for
tomatoes and other temperature-sensitive crops.
Furthermore, the increased yield and improved quality
of the tomatoes can contribute to higher farmer
incomes and food security in the region. Future research
should focus on long-
term assessments of BPM’s
effectiveness across different crop species and under
varying environmental conditions to establish its
broader applicability in mountain agriculture.
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