Plastic mulching boosts tomato crop water efficiency and output.
Plastic mulching and different irrigation levels were tested on tomato crops to see how they affect soil temperature, moisture, and water use efficiency. The study found that using plastic mulches can help save water, control weeds, and increase tomato yield. The highest soil moisture was seen with 120% evapotranspiration irrigation, while the lowest was with 60% evapotranspiration drip irrigation. White on black plastic mulch had the highest temperature, absorbing all solar radiation. Water use efficiency was best with 80% evapotranspiration and white on black plastic mulch.