Effect of mulching and humic acid on the yield of tomato

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the popular vegetables in the world, ranking second in importance next to potato. Tomato, otherwise called as "Love apple" or "Golden apple" or "Poor man's apple" is one, which has attained world wide importance. The advent of increasing water scarcity in this century will observe less increase in irrigated land availability for food production than in the past. Micro irrigation system was found to result in 30 to 70% water savings in various vegetables along with 10 to 60% increases in yield as compared to conventional methods of irrigation. Drip fertigation in combination with mulch is one of the best management options, which can improve the water management practice significantly. Surface mulches have been used to improve soil water retention, reduce soil temperature, soil erosion, reduce wind velocity, reduce crusting at the soil surface. Soil health is a crucial factor for realizing higher yield of vegetables. Chemical fertilizers along with organic manure will ensure soil health and sustainable productivity, the possibility of using humic acid to improve the yield and quality of tomato besides improve the soil fertility.